Suspicion, in a biblical context, refers to the act of suspecting or having doubts about someone’s motives, actions, or character without sufficient evidence. It is a state of mind that can lead to mistrust and discord within relationships and communities. The Bible addresses the issue of suspicion in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of discernment, trust, and love among believers.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, suspicion often arises in narratives involving interpersonal relationships and community dynamics. For example, in Numbers 5:11-31, the Law of Moses provides a procedure for a husband who suspects his wife of infidelity. This passage, known as the "Test for an Unfaithful Wife," outlines a ritual to determine the truth, reflecting the seriousness with which suspicion was treated in ancient Israelite society. The process underscores the need for evidence and divine intervention in resolving doubts.

Suspicion is also evident in the account of Joseph and his brothers. In Genesis 42:9, Joseph, now a powerful leader in Egypt, recognizes his brothers who had previously sold him into slavery. He accuses them of being spies, testing their integrity and intentions. This narrative highlights how suspicion can be a tool for discernment but also a source of tension and fear.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, suspicion is addressed in the context of Christian community and relationships. Jesus teaches about the importance of judging others rightly and warns against baseless accusations. In Matthew 7:1-5 , Jesus says, "Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you." This passage encourages believers to examine their own hearts before suspecting others, promoting a spirit of humility and self-reflection.

The Apostle Paul also addresses suspicion in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 13:7 , he writes about love, stating that it "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." This description of love suggests that believers should give others the benefit of the doubt, fostering trust rather than suspicion.

Practical Implications

Suspicion can be detrimental to the unity and harmony of the Christian community. It can lead to gossip, slander, and division, which are contrary to the teachings of Christ. In James 4:11-12 , believers are admonished, "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it." This warning highlights the destructive nature of suspicion when it manifests as judgment without cause.

The Bible encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of discernment, seeking wisdom from God to navigate situations where suspicion may arise. In James 1:5 , it is written, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him." This reliance on divine guidance helps believers to approach situations with grace and understanding.

Conclusion

While suspicion is a natural human inclination, the Bible calls believers to rise above it through love, trust, and discernment. By focusing on these virtues, Christians can build stronger, more trusting relationships that reflect the love of Christ.1. (n.) The act of suspecting; the imagination or apprehension of the existence of something (esp. something wrong or hurtful) without proof, or upon very slight evidence, or upon no evidence.

2. (n.) Slight degree; suggestion; hint.

3. (v. t.) To view with suspicion; to suspect; to doubt.

5283. huponoia -- a suspicion
... a suspicion. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: huponoia Phonetic Spelling:
(hoop-on'-oy-ah) Short Definition: a supposition, suspicion Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5283.htm - 6k5870b. in -- to eye
... to eye. Transliteration: in Short Definition: suspicion. Word Origin denominative
verb from ayin Definition to eye NASB Word Usage looked at with suspicion (1). ...
/hebrew/5870b.htm - 5k

5234. nakar -- to regard, recognize
... ie Look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted
with, care for, respect, revere, or (with suspicion implied), to disregard ...
/hebrew/5234.htm - 6k

But after This, Celsus, Having a Suspicion that the Great Works ...
... Chapter LXVIII. But after this, Celsus, having a suspicion that the great
works performed by Jesus? But after this, Celsus, having ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxviii but after this.htm

He Compares this Notion and Reasonable Suspicion of the Devil with ...
... He compares this notion and reasonable suspicion of the devil with the obstinate
and inflexible idea of his opponents, and shows that this last is worse and ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xii he compares this.htm

Death of the Tyrants Magnentius and Silvanus the Apostate. ...
... Silvanus the Apostate. Sedition of the Jews in Palestine. Gallus C??sar is
slain, on Suspicion of Revolution. In the meantime, [1295 ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter vii death of the tyrants.htm

2 Cor. viii. 16
... no experience of them, but only says so much as was sufficient for their commendation
unto them (ie the Corinthians,) and to their escaping all evil suspicion. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xviii 2 cor viii.htm

Antipater is Convicted by Bathyllus; but He Still Returns from ...
... upon his journey to Rome, he gave money to have the like letters against them sent
from Rome, and then came to his father, who as yet had no suspicion of him ...
/.../chapter 31 antipater is convicted.htm

2 Cor. v. 11
... therefore, he says, these things, that terrible seat of judgment, we do every thing
so as not to give you a handle nor offence, nor any false suspicion of evil ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xi 2 cor v.htm

I Wrote These Words Beforehand as a Statement of My Faith, when as ...
... How then can any room be left for evil, when the very first word of my confession
preserves and defends me from the suspicion of holding any doctrine ...
/.../14 i wrote these words.htm

Judas.
... and unable to detect the conscious look of guilt in the face of any of their companions,
or to recall any circumstance which might fix even suspicion on any of ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/vii judas.htm

Matt. xxi. 12, 13
... not time, how doth the other evangelist say, "He came, if haply He might find fruit
thereon." Whence it is manifest that this belongs to the suspicion of His ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxvii matt xxi 12.htm

John i. 6
... For it is clear from what follows, that he used this expression in his anxiety
to remove this suspicion beforehand, since he adds,. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily vi john i 6.htm

Suspicion (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) Slight degree; suggestion; hint. 3. (vt) To view with suspicion; to suspect;
to doubt. Multi-Version Concordance Suspicion (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/suspicion.htm - 7k

Suspect (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (a.) Suspected; distrusted. 3. (a.) Suspicion. ... 9. (vi) To imagine guilt; to have
a suspicion or suspicions; to be suspicious. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/s/suspect.htm - 7k

Jealousy (54 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Suspicion of a wife's purity, one of the strongest
passions (Numbers 5:14; Proverbs 6:34; Cant. 8:6); also ...
/j/jealousy.htm - 29k

Adultery (49 Occurrences)
... In the case of a mere suspicion on the part of the husband, not substantiated by
legal evidence, the woman is compelled by the law (Numbers 5:11-30) to submit ...
/a/adultery.htm - 32k

Herod (45 Occurrences)
... unmissed, unmourned. The entire family history is one of incessant brawls,
suspicion, intrigue arid shocking immorality. In the ...
/h/herod.htm - 57k

Suspense (6 Occurrences)

/s/suspense.htm - 8k

Virgin (62 Occurrences)
... closely drawn. To discredit it leaves the most intimate mystery of our
Lord's earthly life under the shadow of suspicion. It is ...
/v/virgin.htm - 64k

Nero
... All eyes fastened on Nero in suspicion, but he boldly asserted that the death was
due to a fit of epilepsy-a disease to which Britannicus had been subject from ...
/n/nero.htm - 41k

Birth (357 Occurrences)
... closely drawn. To discredit it leaves the most intimate mystery of our
Lord's earthly life under the shadow of suspicion. It is ...
/b/birth.htm - 71k

Naaman (19 Occurrences)
... The king of Israel was filled with suspicion and alarm by the demands of the letter,
and rent his clothes; but Elisha the prophet intervened, and sent word to ...
/n/naaman.htm - 15k

What does it mean that love always trusts (1 Corinthians 13:7)? | GotQuestions.org

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Suspicion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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