Lexical Summary huponoeó: To suspect, to conjecture, to surmise Original Word: ὑπονοέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance think, suppose, deem. From hupo and noieo; to think under (privately), i.e. To surmise or conjecture -- think, suppose, deem. see GREEK hupo see GREEK noieo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hupo and noeó Definition to suspect, conjecture NASB Translation expecting (1), suppose (1), surmise (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5282: ὑπονοέωὑπονοέω, ὑπόνω; imperfect ὑπενωυν; from Herodotus down; to suppose, surmise: Acts 25:18; followed by an arc. with the infinitive, Acts 13:20 ((cf. τίς, 4)); Topical Lexicon Scope and Nuance of the VerbThe verb translated “suppose,” “expect,” or “sense” captures the act of drawing a conclusion on the basis of limited evidence. It stands midway between mere curiosity and firm conviction: a working assumption that awaits confirmation. Luke employs the word to highlight moments when human inference meets the unfolding providence of God. Occurrences in Acts “When his accusers stood up, they brought no charge against him of any of the serious crimes I had expected.” Festus’ private surmise about Paul’s guilt is exposed as groundless. The narrative underscores the integrity of the apostle and the baselessness of Jewish accusations. Rome’s judicial machinery is shown inadequate to appraise spiritual truth when it relies merely on human conjecture. “On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land.” Seasoned sailors discern subtle nautical cues and act on their hunch. Luke’s eyewitness detail conveys the tension of the storm and foreshadows the divine deliverance promised by the angel (Acts 27:23–24). Human intuition, though useful, must ultimately yield to the sure word of God. “As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not the One. But He is coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’” John the Baptist confronts popular speculation about his identity. By correcting their suppositions, he magnifies the Messiah. The verb functions rhetorically, forcing the audience to examine the basis of their assumptions against prophetic revelation. Historical Setting and Literary Function 1. Judicial Arena (Acts 25) Luke situates the verb in a Roman courtroom, illustrating how civic leaders form expectations from rumors and political pressure. The failure of these expectations validates the impartiality of the gospel and foreshadows Paul’s eventual vindication before Caesar. 2. Maritime Crisis (Acts 27) A ship lost at sea epitomizes human vulnerability. The sailors’ inference, born from experience, contrasts with Paul’s confidence grounded in angelic assurance. Luke thus juxtaposes empirical insight with prophetic certainty, affirming that God’s purposes prevail amid natural forces. 3. Messianic Clarification (Acts 13) John’s question functions catechetically. By challenging the crowd’s inference, he shifts them from speculation to revelation, preparing the way of the Lord. Luke ties this ministry of clarification to the unfolding mission to the Gentiles that dominates the rest of Acts. Theological and Pastoral Implications • Limits of Human Assumption Each occurrence exposes the tentativeness of conclusions drawn without the full light of God’s Word. Whether magistrate, mariner, or multitude, human beings reach only provisional judgments apart from divine disclosure. • Superiority of Revelation God graciously supplies clarity—through prophetic testimony (John), apostolic proclamation (Paul), or angelic announcement (the storm). The narrative affirms that true knowledge of God’s purposes cannot be deduced by natural reason alone but must be received by revelation. • Humility in Ministry The verb reminds pastors and teachers to differentiate between sanctified observation and authoritative declaration. Where Scripture speaks, we proclaim; where only inference is possible, we tread carefully, acknowledging our limitations. Applications for Contemporary Discipleship 1. Discernment in Decision-Making Believers are called to test suppositions against Scripture and prayer rather than act on mere impressions. Acts 27 models taking counsel from experience while submitting finally to God’s guidance. 2. Evangelistic Clarity As John challenged the crowd’s misconceptions, so modern witnesses must address common assumptions about Christ with scriptural truth, ensuring that hearers meet the real Jesus rather than a cultural construct. 3. Assurance under Scrutiny Paul’s unfair trial encourages Christians facing misjudgment. Human tribunals may mis-suppose, but the Lord vindicates His servants in His timing. Conclusion By tracing the verb’s threefold appearance, Luke underscores a consistent theme: human beings often “suppose,” but God knows and reveals. Recognizing this distinction fosters humility, reliance on divine revelation, and confident ministry anchored in the certainty of Scripture. Forms and Transliterations υπενοουν υπενόουν ὑπενόουν υπονοειτε ὑπονοεῖτε υπονοήσει hypenooun hypenóoun hyponoeite hyponoeîte upenooun uponoeiteLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 13:25 V-PIA-2PGRK: Τί ἐμὲ ὑπονοεῖτε εἶναι οὐκ NAS: What do you suppose that I am? KJV: he said, Whom think ye that I am? INT: Whom me do you suppose to be Not Acts 25:18 V-IIA-1S Acts 27:27 V-IIA-3P Strong's Greek 5282 |
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