### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hypónoia**, represented by `{{G5283}}`, refers to **suspicion** or **surmising**. It appears **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The term denotes the act of forming a judgment on the basis of slight evidence, and in its biblical context, it carries a distinctly negative and harmful connotation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its single biblical appearance, `{{G5283}}` is presented as a destructive outcome of pride and a fixation on fruitless arguments. The text of [[1 Timothy 6:4]] describes a person who is **proud** `{{G5187}}` and **knowing** `{{G1987}}` **nothing** `{{G3367}}`, but instead is **doting** `{{G3552}}` on **questions** `{{G2214}}` and **strifes of words** `{{G3055}}`. From this state of intellectual arrogance, several corrupt fruits arise, including **envy** `{{G5355}}`, **strife** `{{G2054}}`, **railings** `{{G988}}`, and **evil surmisings** `{{G5283}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the nature and source of `{{G5283}}`:
* `{{G5187}}` **typhóō** (be lifted up with pride): This word describes the arrogant state of mind that serves as the root cause of evil surmisings, as seen in the person who is **proud** yet knows nothing [[1 Timothy 6:4]].
* `{{G3055}}` **logomachía** (strife of words): This term refers to disputations about trifles and is identified as the direct source from which **surmisings** `{{G5283}}` **come** `{{G1096}}`, along with other evils [[1 Timothy 6:4]].
* `{{G2054}}` **éris** (strife): This word for quarreling or wrangling is listed as a direct consequence of doting on questions, appearing alongside **envy** `{{G5355}}` and **evil surmisings** `{{G5283}}` [[1 Timothy 6:4]].
* `{{G4190}}` **ponērós** (evil): This descriptor is attached directly to **surmisings** `{{G5283}}`, specifying their hurtful and malicious character. This shows that such suspicions are not neutral but are morally culpable and have a harmful effect [[1 Timothy 6:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5283}}` is found in its potent warning against a specific kind of spiritual corruption.
* **Fruit of Pride:** Evil **surmisings** `{{G5283}}` are not isolated thoughts but are the direct product of a heart that is **proud** `{{G5187}}`. This links a corrupt internal attitude with its destructive external expression [[1 Timothy 6:4]].
* **Rejection of Knowledge:** These suspicions arise from a person who **knows** `{{G1987}}` **nothing** `{{G3367}}` of substance, but is instead obsessed with trivial **questions** `{{G2214}}` and verbal disputes, positioning surmising as an antithesis to true understanding.
* **Corruption of Community:** The word appears in a list of community-destroying behaviors, including **envy** `{{G5355}}`, **strife** `{{G2054}}`, and **railings** `{{G988}}`. This frames evil **surmisings** `{{G5283}}` as a significant threat to Christian fellowship [[1 Timothy 6:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5283}}` is more than a simple term for suspicion. It is a pointed biblical warning against the destructive consequences of intellectual pride and pointless debate. Its singular appearance in [[1 Timothy 6:4]] firmly frames it as a symptom of a spiritually diseased mind, one that produces conflict and malice rather than truth and edification. The word illustrates how a departure from sound teaching leads to a mindset that corrupts both the individual and the community.
TRV