νομίζω

nomízō /nom-id'-zo/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom νόμος · properly, to do by law (usage), i.e. to accustom (passively, be usual)
Meaningby extension, to deem or regard
KJV usagesuppose, thing, be wont.
Copy as

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word nomízō, represented by G3543, is derived from the word for law (νόμος) and conveys the idea of doing something by usage or custom. By extension, it means to deem, regard, or suppose. It appears 15 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible, often highlighting a contrast between human assumption and divine reality.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G3543 is frequently used to describe a mistaken belief or assumption. Mary and Joseph, for example, traveled a full day supposing Jesus was in their company Luke 2:44. Likewise, the people of Lystra drew Paul out of the city, supposing he was dead after they had stoned him Acts 14:19. The word is also used by Jesus to correct false assumptions about his mission, instructing his followers, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law" Matthew 5:17. In a different context, it can simply refer to a custom, as in the place by the river "where prayer was wont to be made" Acts 16:13.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of G3543 by providing context and contrast:

  • G4920 syníēmi (to comprehend; understand): This word stands in direct contrast to a mere supposition. Moses supposed his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they understood not Acts 7:25.
  • G3361 mḗ (not): This particle of negation is often used to command against a particular supposition, as when Jesus says, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth" Matthew 10:34.
  • G2647 katalýō (to demolish; destroy): This is the action that Jesus explicitly corrects as a false supposition. He came not to destroy the law or the prophets Matthew 5:17.
  • G3563 noûs (mind; understanding): The source of a wrong supposition can be a corrupt mind. Paul warns against men of corrupt minds who are supposing that gain is godliness 1 Timothy 6:5.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3543 is significant, often serving to challenge human perception and affirm divine truth.

  • Correcting Misconceptions: The term is used to dismantle false ideas about God and His plan. Jesus corrects the thought that he came to abolish the law Matthew 5:17, and Paul argues that we ought not to think the Godhead is like gold or silver crafted by man Acts 17:29.
  • Revealing Human Error: The word frequently illustrates the fallibility of human judgment. The Philippian jailer nearly killed himself, supposing the prisoners had fled Acts 16:27, and Simon the sorcerer was rebuked because he thought the gift of God could be purchased with money Acts 8:20.
  • Distinguishing Appearance from Reality: G3543 is used to separate what is commonly believed from a deeper truth. Luke carefully notes that Jesus was the son of Joseph, "(as was supposed)" Luke 3:23, hinting at His divine sonship, a reality beyond common understanding.

Summary

In summary, G3543 is a crucial term that goes beyond a simple act of thinking. It typically signifies a belief based on custom, appearance, or incomplete information. Whether describing the mistaken assumptions in narrative accounts or correcting errant theological ideas, nomízō consistently serves to highlight the gap between human supposition and the fuller truth revealed by God.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 15 occurrences, inflected in 14 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Active Subjunctive 2nd Plural 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 1st Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Imperfect Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Infinitive 1×
  • Present Active Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 1×

+ 2 rarer forms

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 15 verses across 5 books. Most frequent in Acts (7 verses).

3
Matthew
2
Luke
7
Acts
2
1 Corinthians
1
1 Timothy

Verse Explorer

Select a verse to begin.