### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term hypónoia (`{{G5283}}`) is derived from the preposition hypó (`{{G5259}}`), meaning "under," and the verb noéō (`{{G3539}}`), meaning "to perceive" or "to think." This etymological root suggests a thought or perception that is "underneath" the surface, not fully substantiated, or based on incomplete information. Its core meaning is "suspicion," "conjecture," or "surmising." When used in a negative context, as it is in the New Testament, it denotes "evil surmising" or "malicious suspicion"—a judgment or thought formed without sufficient evidence and often with an underlying ill-will or distrust. It implies a state of mind where one harbors unproven doubts or negative assumptions about others, rather than engaging in open and charitable assessment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hypónoia (`{{G5283}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[1 Timothy 6:4]]. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is warning Timothy about false teachers and those who are "proud, knowing nothing, but obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions (`{{G5283}}`)." The context explicitly links hypónoia (`{{G5283}}`) with a cluster of destructive behaviors and attitudes that arise from a mind corrupted by pride and a departure from sound doctrine. The adjective "evil" (πονηραὶ - *ponērai*) directly modifies "suspicions," emphasizing their morally corrupt and damaging nature. These are not neutral conjectures but thoughts rooted in malice, distrust, and a divisive spirit, leading to animosity and disunity within the Christian community. The passage presents hypónoia (`{{G5283}}`) as a direct fruit of contentious and ungodly disputes, undermining the peace and unity that should characterize the church.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of hypónoia (`{{G5283}}`) is illuminated by its relationship to other terms in the immediate context of [[1 Timothy 6:4]]. It is presented as a consequence of "disputes and arguments over words" (diálogos `{{G1261}}`), and it is listed alongside other negative outcomes such as "envy" (phthónos `{{G5355}}`), "strife" (éris `{{G2054}}`), and "reviling" (blasphēmía `{{G988}}`). This cluster of terms paints a picture of a spiritually unhealthy and divisive environment, contrasting sharply with the love, peace, and unity that should characterize the body of Christ. Conceptually, hypónoia (`{{G5283}}`) stands in opposition to virtues like charity (cf. [[1 Corinthians 13:7]], which states that love "believes all things, hopes all things"), trust, and the pursuit of truth with a pure heart. It also relates to the broader New Testament emphasis on guarding one's thoughts and motives (cf. [[Philippians 4:8]]; [[Matthew 15:19]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular yet potent use of hypónoia (`{{G5283}}`) in [[1 Timothy 6:4]] highlights a significant spiritual and ethical concern for the early church. Paul identifies "evil suspicions" not as trivial matters but as serious symptoms of a mind that has strayed from godliness and sound doctrine (cf. [[1 Timothy 6:3-5]]). They are a manifestation of inner corruption that leads to outward division and animosity. Theologically, hypónoia (`{{G5283}}`) underscores the destructive power of uncharitable and unfounded thoughts, which undermine trust, foster disunity, and are antithetical to the love and unity commanded of believers. It serves as a warning against the subtle ways in which spiritual error can manifest in interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a mind renewed by the Holy Spirit, free from malice, quick judgment, and unproven accusations. It calls believers to a rigorous self-examination of their inner thoughts and motivations, striving for a walk characterized by charity and truth.
### Summary
The Greek term hypónoia (`{{G5283}}`), meaning "suspicion" or "surmising," particularly with a negative connotation, appears uniquely in [[1 Timothy 6:4]]. Here, it is described as an "evil suspicion," arising from contentious disputes and associated with envy, strife, and reviling. This single biblical occurrence strongly condemns the practice of harboring unfounded and malicious thoughts about others. Theologically, hypónoia (`{{G5283}}`) serves as a crucial warning against the spiritual danger of uncharitable judgments and distrust within the Christian community. It underscores the necessity for believers to guard their minds, cultivate a spirit of love and truth, and actively resist the divisive and destructive fruits of a corrupted spiritual state.
TRV