νομίζω (nomizō)

nomizō

to think

G3543 · Greek · New Testament · 15 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 15 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The verb nomizō describes holding something as a custom or established practice. It comes from the same root as nomos, meaning law or custom, and carries the sense of what is accepted by tradition. In the New Testament, it often appears when characters assume something is true because it is the usual way things are done.

This word bridges the gap between social habit and personal belief. For instance, Jesus uses it to address assumptions about his mission in Matthew 5:17, while Acts records people acting on their customary views, such as Paul’s companions in Acts 21:29. The sources note it can mean to deem or suppose, highlighting how deeply ingrained habits shape thought.

Translators often render nomizō as "think" or "suppose," but this misses the weight of tradition behind the Greek term. It is not merely a fleeting opinion; it is a conviction rooted in what has always been done. This distinction helps readers see how cultural norms influenced the decisions and misunderstandings recorded in Scripture.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

We often make decisions based on what seems normal or expected in our culture. The Greek word nomizō captures this habit of mind, describing how we assume things are true simply because they are customary. It reminds us that our deepest convictions are frequently shaped by the traditions and social norms we have absorbed over time.

Jesus addresses this directly when he clarifies his mission. He tells his followers not to think he came to destroy the law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). This shows that even well-intentioned assumptions can miss God’s actual work. We must be willing to question our inherited beliefs and align them with divine truth rather than human expectation.

Recognizing these ingrained habits helps us stay open to new understanding. When we notice ourselves assuming something is just the way things are, we can pause and seek God’s perspective. This humility allows us to grow in faith, letting Scripture reshape our views instead of being confined by them.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.

supposing2×
you thought1×
we were accustomed1×
was supposed1×
to consider1×
they were supposing1×
they thought1×
supposes,1×
may you think1×
may think1×
holding1×
I think1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

νομίσητε2×
ἐνόμισας1×
ἐνόμισαν1×
ἐνόμιζον1×
ἐνόμιζεν1×
ἐνομίζομεν1×
ἐνομίζετο,1×
νομίσαντες1×
νομίζων1×
νομίζω1×
νομίζοντες1×
νομίζειν1×

Key Verses

Matthew 5:17
“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.

Jesus corrects the common assumption that his arrival would abolish the Law, showing that tradition must yield to divine fulfillment.
Acts 8:20
But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!

Peter rebukes Simon for thinking he could buy spiritual power, exposing how greed can distort our understanding of God’s gifts.
Acts 16:27
The jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.

The jailer assumes the prisoners have escaped because that is what usually happens when doors open, leading him to despair until he sees the truth.
I Timothy 6:5
constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.

Paul identifies a corrupt mindset that supposes godliness is a means of gain, warning against viewing faith through a lens of material profit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does nomizō mean in the New Testament?

Nomizō means to think, suppose, or consider something as a custom or established practice. It goes beyond simple opinion to describe beliefs rooted in tradition or social habit. The word highlights how deeply ingrained norms shape our understanding of reality.

How is nomizō different from dokeo?

While both words can mean 'to think,' dokeo usually refers to personal opinion or what appears to be true. Nomizō carries more weight, implying a conviction based on law, custom, or general acceptance. It suggests a belief held because it is the standard way of doing things.

Why does Jesus use this word in Matthew 5:17?

Jesus uses nomizō to address the widespread assumption that his mission would destroy the Jewish Law. By correcting this thought, he clarifies that his purpose is to fulfill the Law’s intent rather than abolish it. This shows how even religious traditions can need correction.

What does Acts 8:20 teach about this word?

In Acts 8:20, Peter tells Simon that he thought (nomizō) he could buy God’s gift with money. This usage warns against assuming spiritual power can be acquired through wealth. It exposes how materialistic views can corrupt our understanding of divine grace.

Every Occurrence (15 verses across 5 books)

Matthew 3 verses

Matthew 5:17

“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.

Matthew 10:34

“Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword.

Matthew 20:10

When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius.

Luke 2 verses

Acts 7 verses

I Corinthians 2 verses

I Timothy 1 verse