Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: To presume is to take for granted or assume something to be true without proof. In a biblical context, presumption often involves overstepping boundaries set by God, acting with unwarranted confidence, or making decisions without seeking divine guidance. It is closely related to pride and self-reliance, which are cautioned against in Scripture. Biblical References: 1. Deuteronomy 18:20 · "But the prophet who dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death." This verse warns against presumption in the context of prophecy. It underscores the seriousness of claiming divine authority without God's command, highlighting the danger of presuming to speak for God without His instruction. 2. Psalm 19:13 · "Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression." Here, the psalmist prays for protection against willful sins, which can include presumptuous actions. The plea is for divine help to avoid the arrogance of acting independently of God's will. 3. Numbers 14:44 · "But they dared to go up to the ridge of the hill country, though neither the ark of the covenant of the LORD nor Moses departed from the camp." This passage recounts the Israelites' presumption in attempting to enter the Promised Land against God's command. Their actions, taken without divine approval, resulted in failure and defeat, illustrating the consequences of presumption. 4. Proverbs 27:1 · "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." This proverb cautions against presuming upon the future. It serves as a reminder of human limitations and the need to trust in God's sovereignty rather than relying on one's own plans. 5. James 4:13-16 · "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.' You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil." James addresses the presumption of making plans without acknowledging God's will. This passage emphasizes humility and the recognition of God's ultimate control over human affairs. Theological Implications: Presumption is often linked to a lack of faith and trust in God. It reflects an attitude of self-sufficiency and a disregard for divine authority. The Bible consistently warns against such attitudes, encouraging believers to seek God's guidance and submit to His will in all things. Presumption can lead to spiritual downfall, as it often results in actions that are contrary to God's purposes. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to cultivate humility and dependence on God, avoiding the temptation to act presumptuously. This involves seeking God's guidance through prayer, studying Scripture, and being attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. By acknowledging God's sovereignty and aligning one's actions with His will, Christians can avoid the pitfalls of presumption and live in accordance with divine wisdom. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To assume or take beforehand; esp., to do or undertake without leave or authority previously obtained.2. (v. t.) To take or suppose to be true, or entitled to belief, without examination or proof, or on the strength of probability; to take for granted; to infer; to suppose. 3. (v. i.) To suppose or assume something to be, or to be true, on grounds deemed valid, though not amounting to proof; to believe by anticipation; to infer; as, we may presume too far. 4. (v. i.) To venture, go, or act, by an assumption of leave or authority not granted; to go beyond what is warranted by the circumstances of the case; to venture beyond license; to take liberties; -- often with on or upon before the ground of confidence. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PRESUME; PRESUMPTUOUS; PRESUMPTUOUSLYpre-zum', pre-zump'-tu-us, pre-zump'-tu-us-li: "To presume" ("to take or go beforehand") is to speak or act without warrant or proudly. In the Old Testament the words are for the most part the translation of zudh, and zidh, "to boil up" (as water), and derivatives; hence, to act proudly, to speak unauthorizedly, etc. (Deuteronomy 18:20, 22, of the prophet; Exodus 21:14 Deuteronomy 1:43; Deuteronomy 17:12, 13 Psalm 19:13, "presumptuous sins" (zedh, "proud"); compare Psalm 86:14; Psalm 119:21, etc.; Proverbs 21:24, etc.). Other words are male', "to fill," "to be full" (Esther 7:5, "presume"); `aphal, "to lift oneself up" (Numbers 14:44); beyadh ramah, "with a high hand" (Numbers 15:30, the Revised Version (British and American) "with a high hand"); in 2 Peter 2:10 tolmetes, "bold," "daring," is translated "presumptuous," the Revised Version (British and American) "daring"; in 2 Maccabees 3:24; 5:15 we have katatolmao; thrasus, is rendered "presumption" in 2 Maccabees 5:18, the Revised Version (British and American) "daring deed." Greek 5274. hupolambano -- to take or bear up, to receive, to assume ... and lambano; to take from below, ie Carry upward; figuratively, to take up, ie Continue a discourse or topic; mentally, to assume (presume) -- answer, receive ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5274.htm - 7k 5111. tolmao -- to have courage, to be bold Strong's Hebrew 6075. aphal -- to swell... be lifted up, presume A primitive root; to swell; figuratively, be elated -- be lifted up, presume. 6074b, 6075. aphal. 6075a . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/6075.htm - 5k 4390. male -- to be full, to fill 3820. leb -- inner man, mind, will, heart 2102. zud -- to boil up, seethe, act proudly or presumptuously or ... Library (That no Bishop Should Presume in Anything Pertaining to Another's ... Whosoever Shall Presume to Set Aside the Decree of the Holy and ... No Bishop Shall Presume to Pass from one Province to Another... If any one Shall Presume to Take the Fruits Offered to the Church. ... That a Man Should not Presume to Work in this Work Before the Time ... If any of the Clergy Should Fall Away, and Publicly or Privately ... If any Bishop, or Presbyter, or any one Whatever of the Canon ... Epistle xxx. To Constantina Augusta. Perfect Modesty Will Abstain from Whatever Tends to Sin, as Well ... Whether Presumption Trusts in God or in Our Own Power? Thesaurus Presume (10 Occurrences)... assume something to be, or to be true, on grounds deemed valid, though not amounting to proof; to believe by anticipation; to infer; as, we may presume too far ... /p/presume.htm - 11k Presumptuous (3 Occurrences) Presumptuously (10 Occurrences) Liberty (32 Occurrences) Think (601 Occurrences) Temples (17 Occurrences) Robbers (21 Occurrences) Results (16 Occurrences) Resulting (7 Occurrences) Dared (9 Occurrences) Resources What is narrative criticism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are Y-Chromosomal Adam and Mitochondrial Eve? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Proverbs - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Presume: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Presume (10 Occurrences)Matthew 3:9 Luke 7:7 Romans 2:4 Romans 15:18 Jude 1:9 Exodus 21:14 Numbers 14:44 Deuteronomy 17:13 Deuteronomy 18:20 Esther 7:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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