νομίζω

I think, suppose

Definition

νομίζω means 'to think, suppose, or consider,' but it often carries the nuance of holding a customary belief or assumption. In many New Testament passages, it expresses what people commonly think or assume, such as in Matthew 5:17 where Jesus says, 'Do not think (νομίζω) that I have come to abolish the Law,' addressing a widespread Jewish expectation. It can also denote a mistaken belief, as in Acts 8:20 where Peter tells Simon, 'May your money perish with you, because you thought (νομίζω) you could buy the gift of God with money!' Additionally, it sometimes implies regarding something as right or proper by custom, as seen in Luke 2:44 where Jesus' parents assumed (νομίζω) he was in their traveling group.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears 15 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels (Matthew, Luke) and Acts. It is often used in narrative contexts to describe human assumptions, beliefs, or misconceptions. For example, in Matthew 10:34, Jesus corrects the disciples' expectation of peace: 'Do not think (νομίζω) that I have come to bring peace to the earth.' In Acts 14:19, it describes the mistaken belief of opponents who thought Paul was dead. The usage highlights ordinary human reasoning, sometimes in contrast to divine reality or truth.

Etymology

νομίζω derives from νόμος (nomos, G3551), meaning 'law' or 'custom.' Originally, it meant 'to hold or practice by custom,' reflecting adherence to traditional norms. Over time, it broadened to include 'to think' or 'suppose,' as these thoughts were often based on customary beliefs. Cognates include νομικός (nomikos, 'relating to law') and νομοθέτης (nomothetēs, 'lawgiver'), showing its connection to established practices.

Semantic Range

νομίζω is theologically significant because it often highlights the gap between human assumptions and God's truth. In passages like Matthew 5:17 and Acts 8:20, it underscores how people's customary or mistaken beliefs can lead to misunderstandings about Jesus' mission or God's grace. Understanding this word enriches Bible reading by revealing how the New Testament challenges worldly thinking and calls for alignment with divine revelation, emphasizing faith over human tradition.

In ancient Greek culture, νομίζω was tied to societal norms and customs, reflecting what was conventionally accepted. This contrasts with modern individualistic thinking, as it often implied collective belief systems. In Jewish contexts, it could relate to interpretations of the Law (Torah), as seen in Matthew 5:17, where Jesus addresses common Jewish expectations about the Messiah. Recognizing this cultural backdrop helps readers see how biblical authors used the word to engage with contemporary assumptions.

δοκέω (dokeō, G1380) — emphasizes opinion or seeming, often with a subjective sense; λογίζομαι (logizomai, G3049) — denotes reasoning or calculating, more deliberate than νομίζω; οἴομαι (oimai, G3633) — a poetic or formal term for thinking or supposing, less common in the NT.

Word Details

Scripture References