Topical Lexicon
Meaning and Semantic RangeThe 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.
2.James 1:7 – James’ warning to the double-minded.
3.Philippians 1:17 – Paul’s description of rival preachers.
Contextual Insights
John 21:25
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.
James 1:7
“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.
Philippians 1:17
“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).
2. The Reliability of Divine Revelation – Each occurrence contrasts human conjecture with God’s sure word or work. John’s “I suppose” bows to Christ’s deeds; James rebukes the doubter’s empty expectation; Paul counters ill-intentioned speculations with gospel certainty.
3. Providence Over Misguided Motives –Philippians 1:17-18 shows God advancing the gospel even through flawed human calculations, reinforcingRomans 8:28.
Pastoral and Ministerial Applications
• Discernment in Prayer – Encourage believers to approach God without duplicity (James 1:6-8).
• Humility in Preaching and Teaching – Like John, teachers should acknowledge the limits of their knowledge while magnifying Christ’s inexhaustible riches (Ephesians 3:8).
• Guarding Motives in Ministry – Philippians warns leaders against measuring success by personal advantage; authentic ministry rests on gospel progress, not carnal gain.
• Counseling Doubters – The verb in James provides language for identifying and correcting the unstable mind, steering counselees toward single-minded faith.
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 usedJames 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.
Forms and Transliterations
οίει οιεσθω οιέσθω οἰέσθω οίεται οιμαι οίμαι οἶμαι οιομενοι οιόμενοι οἰόμενοι ώετο ώμην oiestho oiesthō oiéstho oiésthō oimai oîmai oiomenoi oiómenoiLinks
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