The term "surmised" refers to the act of forming an opinion or conjecture without certain or strong evidence. In the context of the Bible, surmising often involves making assumptions or judgments based on incomplete information, which can lead to misunderstandings or false conclusions.

Biblical Instances and Contexts

1. Genesis 37:33 · In the account of Joseph, Jacob surmised that his son had been devoured by a wild animal when he saw Joseph's coat stained with blood. The verse states, "His father recognized it and said, 'It is my son’s robe. A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!'" . Jacob's surmise was based on the evidence presented to him, though it was ultimately incorrect, as Joseph was alive in Egypt.

2. 1 Samuel 1:13 · Eli the priest surmised that Hannah was drunk when he observed her praying silently in the temple. The scripture notes, "Hannah was praying in her heart, and though her lips were moving, her voice was not heard. So Eli thought she was drunk" . Eli's assumption was proven wrong when Hannah explained her deep distress and earnest prayer to the Lord.

3. Acts 27:13 · During Paul's journey to Rome, the sailors surmised that they could safely sail along the coast of Crete when a gentle south wind began to blow. The passage reads, "When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained their goal; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete" . This surmise led to a disastrous storm, demonstrating the dangers of relying on assumptions without considering potential risks.

Theological Implications

Surmising, as depicted in these biblical narratives, often highlights human limitations in understanding and the propensity to make judgments based on appearances or incomplete information. It serves as a caution against relying solely on human reasoning without seeking divine guidance or confirmation. The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom and discernment from God, as seen in James 1:5, which states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" .

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, surmising can lead to false accusations, misunderstandings, and unjust actions. The Bible warns against bearing false witness and encourages believers to seek truth and understanding. Proverbs 18:13 advises, "He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him" . This underscores the importance of gathering complete information and seeking truth before forming judgments.

Practical Application

In practical terms, believers are encouraged to exercise caution and humility in their judgments, recognizing the limitations of human understanding. By seeking God's wisdom and being slow to form conclusions, Christians can avoid the pitfalls of surmising and foster a spirit of truth and understanding in their interactions with others.(imp. & p. p.) of Surmise.

The Origin of the Gospels.
... where this biography comes were actually a blank, we should be able to surmise
something of what ought to be there, just as astronomers surmised the existence ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter ix the origin of.htm

Introductory Notice by Professor MB Riddle, DD
... The recovery of the entire text of the Second Epistle settles the question as to
the purpose of the work. As was previously surmised, it is a homily (comp. ...
/.../unknown/the second epistle of clement/introductory notice by professor m.htm

The Epistle to Titus
... of Paul. For this reason some surmised that he is to be identified with
some one of the other co-laborers of Paul, as . i. Timothy ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the epistle to titus.htm

Further Refutation of the Pythagorean Theory. The State of ...
... formed from the dead, has not actually occurred, it will follow that we must not
believe that men come back to life from the dead (in the way surmised in this ...
/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter xxx further refutation of the.htm

The Westminster Confession.
... The initials below the preface are 'GD' (perhaps G. Dillingham, DD, of Emanuel College,
Cambridge; others surmised G. Duport, of Cambridge). 3. German. ...
/.../ 94 the westminster confession.htm

Whether the Soul was Made or was of God's Substance?
... Then a further step in advance was made, and some surmised the existence of something
incorporeal, not apart from the body, but the form of a body; so that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the soul was made.htm

Chapter ix
... If men before the Flood ever ate the meat of beasts, they did so without divine
sanction. The reason for man's receiving this permission can only be surmised. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter ix.htm

The Voices of the Dead
... which we might have surmised while he lived and wrought, but which, now that it
remains the whole sum and substance of his mortal being, speaks far more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapin/the crown of thorns/the voices of the dead.htm

The Messenger
... Kenkenes immediately surmised that there was something more than the usual
death-wail in this. He touched a man near him on the shoulder. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iii the messenger.htm

The Procession of Amen
... his neighbor. "Who is this?". "A princess from Punt," [2] the neighbor surmised.
"A priestess from Babylon," another hazarded. "Nay ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iv the procession of.htm

Surmised (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Surmise. Multi-Version Concordance
Surmised (1 Occurrence). Acts 27:27 But when the fourteenth ...
/s/surmised.htm - 6k

Surmise (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:27 But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven back and forth
in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were ...
/s/surmise.htm - 7k

Nicodemus (5 Occurrences)
... 1. The Interview: This meeting, which it has been surmised took place in the house
of John (John 3:1-15), was one of the results of our Lord's ministry at ...
/n/nicodemus.htm - 14k

Fourteenth (25 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:27 But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven back and forth
in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were ...
/f/fourteenth.htm - 15k

Fro (54 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven to and fro
in the 'sea of' Adria, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were ...
/f/fro.htm - 23k

Exaltation (9 Occurrences)
... It suddenly became visible, and as suddenly vanished. These facts suggest
what reverently may be surmised as to its exalted condition. ...
/e/exaltation.htm - 27k

Driven (128 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:27 But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven back and forth
in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were ...
/d/driven.htm - 37k

Drawing (60 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:27 But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven back and forth
in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were ...
/d/drawing.htm - 26k

Midnight (14 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:27 But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven back and forth
in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were ...
/m/midnight.htm - 12k

Pekahiah (4 Occurrences)
... The record, in its close adherence to fact, gives no reason for the king's removal,
but it may reasonably be surmised that it was connected with a league which ...
/p/pekahiah.htm - 10k

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