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Unveiling the Word

In the study of biblical Greek, the word νομίζω (nomizō) holds particular significance for understanding passages related to thought, judgment, and perception. Appearing in Matthew 5:17, this word conveys the idea of presupposing or thinking something to be true, making it an essential term for interpreting key teachings of Jesus, especially when discussing the fulfillment of the Law. Its broader use in ancient Greek culture further adds depth to its application in the New Testament, where it bridges ordinary thought processes and more formal ideas of law, custom, or religion.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: νομίζω (nomizō), pronounced no-MEE-zoh.

Etymology: Derived from the root word νόμος (nomos), meaning “law” or “custom,” νομίζω carries with it connotations of legal assumptions, customary thinking, or belief. In classical Greek, it often referred to thinking something to be true based on custom or common sense.

Part of Speech: νομίζω is a verb. It is commonly used in contexts where someone is perceived to hold an opinion, think, or suppose something, often based on convention or established belief. The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. To Think/To Suppose: The most common meaning of νομίζω is “to think” or “to suppose.” In Matthew 5:17, for example, Jesus tells His audience not to think that He has come to abolish the law or the prophets but to fulfill them. This use suggests an assumption or belief that Jesus is correcting.

2. To Presume: In many contexts, νομίζω can carry the sense of presumption, where one takes something for granted based on prior knowledge or cultural understanding. It implies an opinion formed from societal norms or existing frameworks.

3. To Consider/Deem: Another meaning relates to the more formal sense of considering or deeming something in accordance with established laws or customs. This is derived from the root νόμος and its connections to legal systems or societal norms in ancient Greece.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Σκοπέω (skopeō) [pronunciation: sko-PEH-oh]: Meaning “to look at” or “to consider,” this word implies a more deliberate observation or consideration, differing from νομίζω, which is more about assumption or presumption.

2. Φρονέω (phroneō) [pronunciation: fro-NEH-oh]: This verb means “to think” or “to have an opinion” but usually emphasizes a mindset or disposition, often involving deeper consideration than νομίζω.

3. Δοκέω (dokeō) [pronunciation: do-KEH-oh]: A similar word meaning “to seem” or “to appear,” δοκέω often refers to something that is believed based on appearance rather than custom or law, as νομίζω would.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood:

• Present Active Indicative: νομίζω – I think.

• Aorist Active Indicative: ἐνόμισα – I thought.

• Future Active Indicative: νομιῶ – I will think.

• Imperfect Active Indicative: ἐνόμιζον – I was thinking.

νομίζω appears in the present, aorist, and future tenses in the New Testament, reflecting both momentary and ongoing thought processes. It is often used in the active voice, indicating the subject’s active participation in thinking or supposing. It frequently appears in the indicative mood, expressing factual statements.

For more details on Greek grammar, click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The use of νομίζω in the New Testament spans various contexts, emphasizing thought processes shaped by custom, law, and social understanding. Lexicon sources consistently note that it conveys assumptions or beliefs formed by established norms or teachings. In classical Greek literature, νομίζω often referred to customary thinking or legal presuppositions, bridging the gap between societal norms and personal thought. In the New Testament, it maintains this connection but often focuses on the individual’s perception or misunderstanding of spiritual truths. In Matthew 5:17, for example, νομίζω highlights the common misconception about Jesus’ mission concerning the Law and the Prophets.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 5:17: “Do not think [νομίζω] that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

2. Acts 7:25: “Moses thought [νομίζω] that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not.”

3. Luke 2:44: “Thinking [νομίζω] he was in their company, they traveled on for a day.”

4. Acts 16:13: “On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected [νομίζω] to find a place of prayer.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Plato Republic “They thought [νομίζω] justice to be in the interest of the stronger.”

Xenophon Memorabilia “Socrates often thought [νομίζω] it wise to question common assumptions.”

Septuagint Exodus 2:14 “Moses thought [νομίζω] his brethren understood his mission, but they did not.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word νομίζω plays an essential role in biblical passages where assumptions or thought processes are involved. It reflects how people commonly think based on custom, law, or societal norms. In Matthew 5:17, it is used to correct misconceptions about Jesus’ relationship to the Law and Prophets, emphasizing the importance of accurate understanding. In classical literature, it also often relates to customary thinking or assumptions, making it a significant term in both secular and biblical Greek.

Did You Know?

1. Νομίζω shares its root with the word νόμος, meaning “law,” tying it closely to concepts of custom and social norms.

2. In the New Testament, νομίζω often introduces a correction of misunderstanding or wrong assumptions, especially about spiritual matters.

3. In classical Greek, νομίζω frequently referred to assumptions held by groups of people, reflecting societal or cultural norms.