Topical Bible: Suppose

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "suppose" in the context of the Bible often relates to assumptions, hypothetical situations, or considerations of possibilities. It is used to explore scenarios that may not be immediately evident or to challenge the understanding of the listener or reader. The use of "suppose" can be found in various passages, where it serves to provoke thought, illustrate a point, or teach a lesson.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Teaching and Parables: Jesus frequently used hypothetical situations in His teachings to convey deeper spiritual truths. For example, in the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus challenges the assumptions of His audience about who qualifies as a "neighbor" (Luke 10:29-37). Although the word "suppose" is not directly used in this parable, the underlying method of challenging assumptions is evident.

2. Moral and Ethical Considerations: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus often presents scenarios that challenge conventional wisdom or legalistic interpretations of the law. For instance, in Matthew 5:21-22, He expands the understanding of the commandment "You shall not murder" by addressing the attitudes of anger and contempt, prompting His listeners to consider the broader implications of their actions and thoughts.

3. Faith and Doubt: The Bible addresses the human tendency to doubt or question God's promises. In Romans 4:18-21, Paul discusses Abraham's faith, highlighting that despite circumstances that might lead one to suppose otherwise, Abraham believed in God's promise. This passage encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness even when situations seem contrary to His promises.

4. Logical Reasoning: The Apostle Paul often uses logical reasoning in his epistles to address theological issues or correct misunderstandings. In Romans 6:1-2, Paul poses a rhetorical question: "What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase?" Here, he anticipates a possible misinterpretation of grace and uses it to clarify the relationship between sin and grace.

5. Warnings and Exhortations: The Bible also uses hypothetical situations to warn believers against complacency or false security. In 1 Corinthians 10:12, Paul warns, "So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall." This serves as a caution against overconfidence in one's spiritual state.

Key Verses

· Luke 12:51: "Do you suppose that I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division." Here, Jesus challenges the assumption that His mission was solely to bring peace, highlighting the divisive nature of His message as it confronts sin and demands allegiance.

· John 11:50: "You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." Caiaphas, the high priest, uses a form of supposition to justify the plot against Jesus, unwittingly prophesying the redemptive purpose of Christ's death.

· Acts 17:29: "Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not suppose that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man's skill and imagination." Paul challenges the Athenians' assumptions about the nature of God, urging them to recognize the true, living God.

Theological Implications

The use of "suppose" in Scripture often serves to deepen understanding, challenge preconceived notions, and encourage believers to align their thoughts with divine truth. It invites introspection and a reevaluation of one's beliefs and actions in light of God's revelation. By considering hypothetical scenarios, believers are prompted to examine their faith, ethics, and understanding of God's character and purposes.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (v. t.) To represent to one's self, or state to another, not as true or real, but as if so, and with a view to some consequence or application which the reality would involve or admit of; to imagine or admit to exist, for the sake of argument or illustration; to assume to be true; as, let us suppose the earth to be the center of the system, what would be the result?

2. (v. t.) To imagine; to believe; to receive as true.

3. (v. t.) To require to exist or to be true; to imply by the laws of thought or of nature; as, purpose supposes foresight.

4. (v. t.) To put by fraud in the place of another.

5. (v. i.) To make supposition; to think; to be of opinion.

6. (n.) Supposition.

Greek

3633. oiomai and oimai -- to suppose, expect
... to suppose, expect. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: oiomai and oimai Phonetic
Spelling: (oy'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I think, suppose Definition: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3633.htm - 6k

2233. hegeomai -- to lead, suppose
... to lead, suppose. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: hegeomai Phonetic Spelling:
(hayg-eh'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I lead, think Definition: (a) I lead, ( ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2233.htm - 9k

3543. nomizo -- to practice, consider
... to practice, consider. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: nomizo Phonetic Spelling:
(nom-id'-zo) Short Definition: I think, suppose Definition: I practice ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3543.htm - 8k

5282. huponoeo -- to suspect, conjecture
... suspect, conjecture. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: huponoeo Phonetic Spelling:
(hoop-on-o-eh'-o) Short Definition: I conjecture, suppose Definition: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5282.htm - 6k

1380. dokeo -- to have an opinion, to seem
... 1380 ("suppose") directly reflects the (values) of the person making the , ie showing
what they (or ) as an . ... be of reputation, seem good, suppose, think. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1380.htm - 9k

5274. hupolambano -- to take or bear up, to receive, to assume
... of Speech: Verb Transliteration: hupolambano Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-ol-am-ban'-
o) Short Definition: I take up, receive, answer, suppose, welcome Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5274.htm - 7k

3049. logizomai -- to reckon, to consider
... Spelling: (log-id'-zom-ahee) Short Definition: I reckon, count, decide Definition:
I reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3049.htm - 8k

1487. ei -- forasmuch as, if, that
... sometimes used with a command or as an indirect question, etc.) NASB Word Usage
although* (1), if (341), no (1), only (1), only* (11), suppose* (1), though (7 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1487.htm - 7k

5101. tis -- who? which? what?
... NASB Word Usage anything (1), how (7), how* (2), person (1), something (3), suppose
one (2), what (266), what each (1), what* (5), which (24), which one (3 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5101.htm - 7k

1161. de -- but, and, now, (a connective or adversative particle)
... moreover (1), moreover* (1), nevertheless (1), now (267), or (6), other (1), other
hand (4), others* (3), partly (1), rather (1), so (12), suppose* (1), then (6 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1161.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

559. amar -- to utter, say
... speak (29), speak to you saying (1), speaking (2), speaks (2), specifically say
(1), specified (1), spoke (77), spoken (15), still say (1), suppose (1), tell ...
/hebrew/559.htm - 7k

194. ulay -- perhaps
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition perhaps NASB Word Usage if (1), perhaps (35),
should (1), suppose (8). if so be, may be, peradventure, unless. ...
/hebrew/194.htm - 6k

Library

For Suppose that it had Occurred to Us, Moved Either by Suitable ...
... Book IV. 16 For suppose that it had occurred to us, moved either by suitable
influence or violent? For suppose that it had occurred ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/16 for suppose that it.htm

Suppose a River
... THE SECOND CENTURY 67 Suppose a river. Suppose a river, or a drop of water,
an apple or a sand, an ear of corn, or an herb: God knoweth ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/traherne/centuries of meditations/67 suppose a river.htm

But Suppose that the Deity was Present in that Very Stone...
... Book VII. 51 But suppose that the deity was present in that very stone? ... Remembering
this, we may well suppose that we have only the first draught of them. ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/51 but suppose that the.htm

We have Therefore -- as I Suppose -- Shown Sufficiently...
... Book VI. 8 We have therefore " as I suppose " shown sufficiently? We
have therefore"as I suppose"shown sufficiently, that ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/8 we have therefore .htm

And Yet, Lest You Should Suppose that None but Yourselves Can Make ...
... Book II. 52 And yet, lest you should suppose that none but yourselves can
make use of conjectures? And yet, lest you should suppose ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/52 and yet lest you.htm

But Suppose they be One, as You Wish, and not Different in any ...
... Book I. 35 But suppose they be one, as you wish, and not different in
any power of? But suppose they be one, as you wish, and ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/35 but suppose they be.htm

Of those who Suppose that this World Indeed is not Eternal, but ...
... Chapter 11."Of Those Who Suppose that This World Indeed is Not Eternal, But that
Either There are Numberless Worlds, or that One and the Same World is ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 11 of those who suppose.htm

Now Suppose Man to Come Thus into the World...
... [Way-1-71] Now suppose man to come thus into the world? Now suppose man
to come thus into the world, with this chief difference ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-1-71 now suppose man to.htm

We have Shown Sufficiently, as I Suppose, that victims...
... Book VII. 13 We have shown sufficiently, as I suppose, that victims? We
have shown sufficiently, as I suppose, that victims, and ...
/.../13 we have shown sufficiently.htm

But we are not to Suppose that it is against Rule to Mingle These. ...
... Book 4 Chapter 51. But we are not to suppose that it is against rule to
mingle these? 51. But we are not to suppose that it is ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 51 but we are.htm

Thesaurus

Suppose (47 Occurrences)
... reality would involve or admit of; to imagine or admit to exist, for the sake of
argument or illustration; to assume to be true; as, let us suppose the earth ...
/s/suppose.htm - 20k

Presume (10 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) 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 ...
/p/presume.htm - 11k

Nay (92 Occurrences)
... it." (WEY). Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth?
I tell you, Nay; but rather division: (KJV ASV DBY). Luke ...
/n/nay.htm - 34k

Rameses (5 Occurrences)
... Delta. Dr. Budge takes the same view, while Dr. Naville and others suppose
that the site of Raamses has still to be found. 3. Situation ...
/r/rameses.htm - 13k

Raamses (1 Occurrence)
... Delta. Dr. Budge takes the same view, while Dr. Naville and others suppose
that the site of Raamses has still to be found. 3. Situation ...
/r/raamses.htm - 10k

Ramses
... Delta. Dr. Budge takes the same view, while Dr. Naville and others suppose
that the site of Raamses has still to be found. 3. Situation ...
/r/ramses.htm - 10k

Almug (2 Occurrences)
... Some suppose it to have been the white sandal-wood of India, the Santalum album
of botanists, a native of the mountainous parts of the Malabar coasts. ...
/a/almug.htm - 10k

Assume (2 Occurrences)
... unjustly. 2. (vt) To take for granted, or without proof; to suppose as a
fact; to suppose or take arbitrarily or tentatively. 3. (vt ...
/a/assume.htm - 7k

Supposed (19 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Suppose. Multi-Version Concordance
Supposed (19 Occurrences). Matthew 20:10 When the first ...
/s/supposed.htm - 12k

Consist (7 Occurrences)
...Suppose Aquila and Priscilla (eg) to have recently returned (Acts 18:2) to Rome
from Ephesus, and suppose similar migrations from Greece or from Asia Minor to ...
/c/consist.htm - 80k

Resources

How does creationism vs. evolution impact how a person views the world? | GotQuestions.org

How can I know for sure that I will go to heaven when I die? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of importunity? | GotQuestions.org

Suppose: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Suppose (47 Occurrences)

Matthew 3:9
Don't think to yourselves,'We have Abraham for our father,' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
(See NAS)

Matthew 5:17
"Do not for a moment suppose that I have come to abrogate the Law or the Prophets: I have not come to abrogate them but to give them their completion.
(WEY YLT)

Matthew 6:7
In praying, don't use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking.
(See NAS)

Matthew 10:34
"Do not suppose that I came to bring peace to the earth: I did not come to bring peace but a sword.
(WEY YLT NIV)

Matthew 18:12
What do you yourselves think? Suppose a man gets a hundred sheep and one of them strays away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go and look for the one that is straying?
(WEY)

Matthew 20:10
When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius.
(Root in WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Matthew 26:53
Or do you suppose I cannot entreat my Father and He would instantly send to my help more than twelve legions of angels?
(WEY)

Mark 11:31
So they debated the matter with one another. "Suppose we say, 'Heavenly,'" they argued, "he will ask, 'Why then did you not believe him?'
(WEY)

Luke 7:43
Simon answered, "He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most." He said to him, "You have judged correctly."
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 11:5
He said to them, "Which of you, if you go to a friend at midnight, and tell him,'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
(See NAS NIV)

Luke 11:11
"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he won't give him a snake instead of a fish, will he?
(See NAS)

Luke 12:51
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
(KJV WEY WBS NAS)

Luke 13:2
And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
(KJV WEY WBS NAS)

Luke 13:4
Or those eighteen on whom the tower at Siloam fell, do you suppose they had failed in their duty more than all the rest of the people who live in Jerusalem?
(WEY NAS)

Luke 17:9
Doth he thank that servant, because he did the things that were commanded him? I suppose not.
(WBS)

John 5:39
"You search the Scriptures, because you suppose that in them you will find the Life of the Ages; and it is those Scriptures that yield testimony concerning me;
(WEY)

John 5:45
"Do not suppose that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you, namely Moses, on whom your hope rests.
(WEY)

John 16:2
You will be excluded from the synagogues; nay more, the time is coming when any one who has murdered one of you will suppose he is offering service to God.
(WEY)

John 21:25
There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they would all be written, I suppose that even the world itself wouldn't have room for the books that would be written.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 2:15
For these aren't drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is only the third hour of the day.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 13:25
As John was fulfilling his course, he said,'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. But behold, one comes after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'
(WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV)

Acts 15:36
After a while Paul said to Barnabas, "Suppose we now revisit the brethren in the various towns in which we have made known the Lord's Message--to see whether they are prospering!"
(WEY)

Acts 23:9
A great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees part stood up, and contended, saying, "We find no evil in this man. But if a spirit or angel has spoken to him, let's not fight against God!"
(See NAS)

Romans 2:3
Do you think this, O man who judges those who practice such things, and do the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?
(See NAS RSV)

1 Corinthians 7:26
I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.
(KJV WBS YLT)

1 Corinthians 14:10
There are, we will suppose, a great number of languages in the world, and no creature is without a language.
(WEY)

2 Corinthians 11:5
For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
(KJV WBS)

2 Corinthians 11:16
To return to what I was saying. Let no one suppose that I am foolish. Or if you must, at any rate make allowance for me as being foolish, in order that I, as well as they, may boast a little.
(WEY)

1 Timothy 6:5
constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
(WEB NAS)

Hebrews 10:29
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
(KJV WBS)

James 1:7
for let not that man suppose that he shall receive anything from the Lord --
(YLT RSV)

James 2:2
For suppose a man comes into one of your meetings wearing gold rings and fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man wearing shabby clothes,
(WEY NIV)

James 2:15
Suppose a Christian brother or sister is poorly clad or lacks daily food,
(WEY NIV)

James 4:5
Or do you suppose that it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, "The Spirit which He has caused to dwell in our hearts yearns jealously over us"?
(WEY RSV)

1 Peter 5:12
By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
(KJV DBY WBS)

Genesis 18:24
What if there are fifty righteous within the city? Will you consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous who are in it?
(See NAS RSV)

Genesis 18:28
What if there will lack five of the fifty righteous? Will you destroy all the city for lack of five?" He said, "I will not destroy it, if I find forty-five there."
(See NAS RSV)

Genesis 18:29
He spoke to him yet again, and said, "What if there are forty found there?" He said, "I will not do it for the forty's sake."
(See NAS RSV)

Genesis 18:30
He said, "Oh don't let the Lord be angry, and I will speak. What if there are thirty found there?" He said, "I will not do it, if I find thirty there."
(See NAS RSV)

Genesis 18:31
He said, "See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord. What if there are twenty found there?" He said, "I will not destroy it for the twenty's sake."
(See NAS RSV)

Genesis 18:32
He said, "Oh don't let the Lord be angry, and I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?" He said, "I will not destroy it for the ten's sake."
(See NAS RSV)

Genesis 24:5
The servant said to him, "What if the woman isn't willing to follow me to this land? Must I bring your son again to the land you came from?"
(See NAS)

Genesis 24:39
I asked my master,'What if the woman will not follow me?'
(See NAS)

Judges 11:9
Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "If you bring me home again to fight with the children of Ammon, and Yahweh deliver them before me, shall I be your head?"
(See NIV)

2 Samuel 13:32
Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David's brother, answered, "Don't let my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead; for by the appointment of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

2 Samuel 13:33
Now therefore don't let my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead; for Amnon only is dead."
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 25:8
But if you will go, do valiantly, be strong for the battle: God will cast you down before the enemy; for God has power to help, and to cast down.
(See RSV)

Subtopics

Suppose

Related Terms

Zoan (7 Occurrences)

Pithom (1 Occurrence)

Claim (30 Occurrences)

Cockatrice (3 Occurrences)

Star (16 Occurrences)

Trophimus (3 Occurrences)

Charm (5 Occurrences)

Eden (19 Occurrences)

Comparative