The term "supposing" in the Bible often refers to assumptions or beliefs that may not align with reality or divine truth. It is used in various contexts, highlighting human tendencies to misunderstand or misinterpret situations, often due to limited knowledge or perspective.

New Testament Usage

1. Misunderstanding Jesus' Identity: In the New Testament, "supposing" is frequently used in the context of misunderstandings about Jesus' identity and mission. For example, in John 20:15, Mary Magdalene encounters the resurrected Jesus but does not recognize Him at first: "Jesus said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?' Supposing He was the gardener, she said, 'Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have put Him, and I will get Him.'" Here, Mary's supposition reflects her grief and confusion, not recognizing the fulfillment of Jesus' promise of resurrection.

2. Assumptions about Circumstances: In Acts 27:13, during Paul's voyage to Rome, the sailors make a critical error based on their assumptions: "When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained their goal. So they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete." The sailors' supposition that the favorable wind would lead to a safe journey ultimately leads to a shipwreck, illustrating the danger of relying solely on human judgment without seeking divine guidance.

3. Misinterpretation of Intentions: In Acts 14:19, Paul and Barnabas are in Lystra, where the people misinterpret their actions: "Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, supposing he was dead." The crowd's supposition about Paul's condition leads to a premature conclusion, demonstrating how assumptions can lead to misguided actions.

Old Testament Context

While the specific term "supposing" is not commonly used in the Old Testament, the concept is present in narratives where individuals make assumptions based on incomplete information. For instance, in Genesis 37:33, Jacob is led to believe that Joseph has been killed by a wild animal: "He recognized it and said, 'It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!'" Jacob's supposition, based on the evidence presented by Joseph's brothers, leads to profound grief, illustrating the impact of false assumptions.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of "supposing" underscores the limitations of human understanding and the need for divine revelation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance rather than relying solely on human reasoning. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to be cautious of their assumptions and to seek clarity through prayer and study of the Scriptures. James 1:5 offers guidance: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This verse emphasizes the availability of divine wisdom to correct misunderstandings and guide believers in truth.

In summary, the concept of "supposing" in the Bible highlights the human propensity to make assumptions that may not align with God's truth. It calls believers to seek divine wisdom and understanding, recognizing the limitations of human perspective.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Suppose.1380. dokeo -- to have an opinion, to seem
... 3), reputed (1), seem (3), seemed best (1), seemed fitting (1), seemed good (4),
seems (3), suppose (5), supposed (2), supposes (1), supposing (4), think (18 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1380.htm - 9k

3543. nomizo -- to practice, consider
... Word Origin from nomos Definition to practice, consider NASB Word Usage suppose
(1), supposed (4), supposing (3), think (4), thinks (1), thought (2). suppose. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3543.htm - 8k

1760. enthumeomai -- to reflect on, to ponder
... by . [This root () refers to "passionate supposing (surmising)" in a person's
mind (heart) producing .]. Word Origin from a comp. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1760.htm - 7k

Supposing Therefore the Fall of Man, which is a Fact Attested...
... [Way-1-79] Supposing therefore the fall of man, which is a fact attested?
Supposing therefore the fall of man, which is a fact ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-1-79 supposing therefore the fall.htm

Now Supposing God to have Brought a New Intelligent Creature into ...
... [Way-1-76] Now supposing God to have brought a new intelligent creature
into a new world? Now supposing God to have brought a ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-1-76 now supposing god to.htm

But, Supposing that These Things do not at all Hinder or Prevent ...
... Book II. 11 But, supposing that these things do not at all hinder or prevent
your being bound? But, supposing that these things ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/11 but supposing that these.htm

The Scriptures Forbid Our Supposing Either that the Resurrection ...
... Chapter XXII."The Scriptures Forbid Our Supposing Either that the Resurrection
is Already Past, or that It Takes Place Immediately at Death. ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xxii the scriptures forbid our.htm

Supposing Him to be the Gardener
... Supposing Him to be the Gardener. A Sermon (No.1699). ... CH SPURGEON,. At the Metropolitan
Tabernacle, Newington. "Supposing him to be the gardener.""John 20:15. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/supposing him to be the.htm

We must Also be on Our Guard against Supposing that what in the ...
... Book 3 Chapter 26. We must also be on our guard against supposing that
what in the Old? 26. We must also be on our guard against ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 26 we must also.htm

Introduction to Proverbs viii. 22 Continued. Absurdity of ...
... Absurdity of supposing a Son or Word created in order to the creation of other
creatures; as to the creation being unable to bear God's immediate hand... ...
/.../chapter xvii introduction to proverbs viii.htm

Shapeless Matter an Incongruous Origin for God's Beautiful Cosmos ...
... Chapter XL."Shapeless Matter an Incongruous Origin for God's Beautiful Cosmos
Hermogenes Does Not Mend His Argument by Supposing that Only a Portion of ...
/.../tertullian/against hermogenes/chapter xl shapeless matter an incongruous.htm

On the Mission of the Seventy Disciples, and Christ's Charge to ...
... Old Testament. Absurdity of Supposing that Marcion's Christ Could Have
Given the Power of Treading on Serpents and Scorpions. He ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xxiv on the mission of.htm

The Answer to the First Letter.
... in the nature of things,] be conceived possible to be absent from every other part
of space at the same time, either by ceasing to be, or by supposing it never ...
/.../the answer to the first.htm

Supposing (16 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Suppose. Multi-Version
Concordance Supposing (16 Occurrences). Luke 2:44 but supposing...
/s/supposing.htm - 11k

Rivalry (8 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Philippians 1:16 the one, indeed, of rivalry the Christ do proclaim,
not purely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds, (YLT). ...
/r/rivalry.htm - 8k

Purely (4 Occurrences)
... Purely (4 Occurrences). Philippians 1:16 the one, indeed, of rivalry the Christ
do proclaim, not purely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds, (YLT). ...
/p/purely.htm - 9k

Contention (24 Occurrences)
... Philippians 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing
to add affliction to my bonds: (KJV WBS). Philippians ...
/c/contention.htm - 15k

Day's (19 Occurrences)
... in Josephus (Ant., XX, viii, 6) to have been five stadia or furlongs and in BJ,
V, ii, 3, six stadia, the discrepancy being explained by supposing a different ...
/d/day's.htm - 17k

Borne (172 Occurrences)
... She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him
hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. ...
/b/borne.htm - 38k

Drew (162 Occurrences)
... 19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the
people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had ...
/d/drew.htm - 36k

Journey (214 Occurrences)
... in Josephus (Ant., XX, viii, 6) to have been five stadia or furlongs and in BJ,
V, ii, 3, six stadia, the discrepancy being explained by supposing a different ...
/j/journey.htm - 42k

Belshazzar (8 Occurrences)
... in 5:11, 18 is said to have been the son of Nebuchadnezzar whereas the monuments
state that he was the son of Nabunaid, is fully met by supposing that one of ...
/b/belshazzar.htm - 16k

Justification (6 Occurrences)
... but it seems impossible to conceive the Damascus conversion scene in the case of
such an upright man and strenuous zealot without supposing a psychological ...
/j/justification.htm - 43k

What is denominationalism? What does the Bible say about denominationalism? | GotQuestions.org

What is the theory of punctuated equilibrium? | GotQuestions.org

What is Jesuism? | GotQuestions.org

Supposing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus