Lexical Summary oiomai and oimai: To suppose, to think, to imagine Original Word: οἴομαι / οἶμαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance suppose, think. Or (shorter) oimai (oy'-mahee) middle voice apparently from hoios; to make like (oneself), i.e. Imagine (be of the opinion) -- suppose, think. see GREEK hoios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to suppose, expect NASB Translation expect (1), suppose (1), thinking (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3633: οἶμαιοἶμαι, see οἴομαι. STRONGS NT 3633: οἴομαιοἴομαι, contracted οἶμαι; (from Homer down); to suppose, think: followed by an accusative with an infinitive John 21:25 (T omits the verse); by the infinitive alone, where the subjunctive and the objective are the same, Philippians 1:16 (17); by ὅτι, James 1:7. (Synonym: see ἡγέομαι, at the end.) The verb denotes a settled inner judgment—an inference reached after weighing available information. It is more than a passing opinion; it carries the sense of “I reckon,” “I deem,” or “I hold as probable.” In Scripture it often reveals the speaker’s heart posture toward God, the gospel, or observable facts. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. John 21:25 – The beloved disciple’s closing testimony. Contextual Insights The Evangelist reflects on the inexhaustible works of Christ: “I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” His use of the verb signals humble awe. The statement is not hyperbole meant to exaggerate but reverent recognition that the deeds of the incarnate Son outstrip human recording. The verb therefore underscores the believer’s limited comprehension in contrast to Christ’s limitless glory. “For that man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” Here the verb (in the imperative negative form) exposes self-deception. The doubter “supposes” he can pray while distrusting God. James brands such thinking as futile; the verb unmasks presumption and calls the believer to wholehearted faith. “The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to my distress in my imprisonment.” Paul reveals how misguided reasoning fuels ministry marked by rivalry. Their “supposing” shows a miscalculation of both God’s sovereignty and Paul’s joy in the gospel. The term highlights the poverty of fleshly logic when set against God’s redemptive purposes (Philippians 1:18). Theological and Doctrinal Significance 1. Human Reason Under God’s Authority – Scripture affirms the mind as God-given yet fallen. This verb exposes the fragility of unaided human judgment (Proverbs 3:5; 1 Corinthians 3:18-20). Pastoral and Ministerial Applications • Discernment in Prayer – Encourage believers to approach God without duplicity (James 1:6-8). Historical Usage in the Early Church Patristic writers echoed John’s sentiment. Chrysostom noted that the life of Christ “cannot be contained by all the world,” drawing on the same verb to demonstrate Christ’s supremacy. Augustine used James 1:7 to exhort unwavering trust, arguing that vacillation betrays a failure to grasp God’s goodness. Early commentaries on Philippians treated the rivals’ “supposing” as evidence that envy blinds spiritual perception. Relation to Old Testament Thought The Septuagint frequently employs cognate verbs (e.g., Psalm 10:11; 50:21) where the wicked “think” God is like them. These parallels intensify James’ warning and Paul’s critique: sinful reasoning misreads God’s character, whereas faith aligns thought with revealed truth. Summary Strong’s Greek 3633 surfaces at critical junctures where human reasoning meets divine reality. Whether expressing reverent limitation (John 21:25), exposing double-mindedness (James 1:7), or highlighting selfish ambition (Philippians 1:17), the verb reminds believers that genuine understanding begins with submission to God’s Word and culminates in Christ-exalting action. Englishman's Concordance John 21:25 V-PIM/P-1SGRK: οὐδ' αὐτὸν οἶμαι τὸν κόσμον NAS: in detail, I suppose that even KJV: one, I suppose that even INT: not even itself I suppose the world Philippians 1:17 V-PPM/P-NMP James 1:7 V-PMM/P-3S Strong's Greek 3633 |
    |