middle voice apparently from οἷος; to make like (oneself), i.e. imagine (be of the opinion):--suppose, think.
Transliteration:oíomai
Pronunciation:oy'-mahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb οἴομαι (oíomai, `{{G3633}}`) is derived from οἷος (hoios, "such as, of what sort") and typically appears in the middle voice. Its core meaning revolves around a subjective mental process: "to make like (oneself)," which translates into the act of imagining, supposing, or holding an opinion. This implies a personal estimation or judgment, often one that is not necessarily grounded in objective fact but rather in one's own perception, expectation, or even presumption. The semantic range thus includes to suppose, to think, to imagine, to be of the opinion, or to expect. It frequently carries a nuance of personal estimation, a subjective belief, or a thought that may prove to be mistaken.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of οἴομαι (oíomai, `{{G3633}}`) in the New Testament consistently illustrate its meaning of a personal supposition or belief, often with a subtle implication of error or uncertainty.
In [[Acts 21:29]], the verb is used to describe the mistaken belief of the Jews concerning Paul: "For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they *supposed* (οἴομαι) that Paul had brought him into the temple." Here, their supposition was entirely unfounded and led directly to Paul's arrest and the ensuing uproar. This highlights the danger of acting upon unverified assumptions.
Similarly, in [[Acts 27:13]], during Paul's voyage to Rome, the sailors' expectation proves false: "When the south wind blew gently, *supposing* (οἴομαι) that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore." Their supposition that the favorable wind would ensure a successful short journey was tragically mistaken, leading them into a severe storm. This illustrates a false expectation based on incomplete or misleading signs.
Philippians 1:16 presents a more ethically charged use: "The one preaches Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, *supposing* (οἴομαι) to add affliction to my chains." Here, οἴομαι (oíomai) describes the malevolent intention or belief of those who thought their preaching, driven by rivalry, would increase Paul's suffering. It conveys a presumptuous and ill-willed mental state.
Finally, in [[James 1:7]], the word carries a strong cautionary tone: "For let not that man *suppose* (οἴομαι) that he will receive anything from the Lord." This context warns against the double-minded individual who doubts God's provision. The "supposition" here is a false expectation of receiving from God while lacking steadfast faith, emphasizing the futility of such a mental state.
Across these occurrences, οἴομαι (oíomai) consistently denotes a subjective thought, expectation, or belief that often turns out to be incorrect, ill-founded, or even presumptuous, leading to negative consequences.
### Related Words & Concepts
οἴομαι (oíomai, `{{G3633}}`) stands in contrast to verbs that denote certain knowledge or objective understanding. For instance, it differs from γινώσκω (ginōskō, `{{G1097}}`), which signifies knowing through experience or observation, and οἶδα (oida, `{{G606}}`), which refers to knowing by perception or understanding. While these verbs imply a grasp of reality, οἴομαι (oíomai) is firmly rooted in subjective opinion or supposition.
Other Greek verbs related to thinking or believing, but with distinct nuances, include:
* νομίζω (nomizō, `{{G3543}}`): to think, suppose, believe, often with a sense of customary belief or legal presumption.
* δοκέω (dokeō, `{{G1380}}`): to seem, to think, to suppose, often implying an appearance or personal judgment, sometimes suggesting an opinion that might not align with reality.
* ἡγέομαι (hēgeomai, `{{G2233}}`): to lead, but also to consider, to think, implying a more deliberate or reasoned judgment.
The unique aspect of οἴομαι (oíomai, `{{G3633}}`) among these is its strong emphasis on a personal, often unverified, estimation or expectation, frequently carrying the implication of a mistaken or presumptuous thought.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of οἴομαι (oíomai, `{{G3633}}`) lies primarily in its role as a cautionary word. Its consistent usage in contexts of mistaken beliefs or false expectations serves to highlight the fallibility of human judgment when not grounded in truth, divine revelation, or discerning faith.
The instances in Acts, where human suppositions lead to Paul's persecution or maritime disaster, underscore the practical and sometimes severe consequences of acting upon unverified assumptions. This implicitly emphasizes the need for careful discernment and reliance on objective truth rather than subjective opinion.
In [[James 1:7]], the warning against the one who "supposes" they will receive from the Lord while being double-minded is particularly potent. It speaks to the futility of a faith that is merely an intellectual supposition or a wishful expectation, rather than a firm, unwavering trust. This passage implicitly calls for genuine faith and integrity of heart, contrasting it with a superficial or self-deceptive "supposing."
Overall, οἴομαι (oíomai, `{{G3633}}`) serves as a subtle yet powerful reminder of the limitations of human understanding and the dangers of presumption. It underscores the contrast between human finite knowledge and God's infallible wisdom, urging believers to seek divine guidance and truth over personal, potentially erroneous, suppositions.
### Summary
The Greek verb οἴομαι (oíomai, `{{G3633}}`) denotes a subjective mental process of supposing, thinking, or forming an opinion, often implying a personal estimation rather than objective fact. Its occurrences in the New Testament consistently highlight mistaken beliefs, false expectations, or presumptuous thoughts, as seen in [[Acts 21:29]] (mistaken identity), [[Acts 27:13]] (false hope in favorable winds), and [[Philippians 1:16]] (malicious intent). The usage in [[James 1:7]] serves as a theological warning against the futility of a double-minded individual "supposing" to receive from the Lord. Theologically, οἴομαι (oíomai) underscores the perils of human presumption and the necessity of grounding one's understanding and expectations in divine truth rather than fallible personal supposition.
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