Thursday, March 25, 2021

Hardshell Evil Surmisings

"He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." (I Tim. 6: 4-5 KJV)

The word "surmisings" is from the Greek word ὑπόνοιαι (hyponoia) which denotes "suspicion, conjecture, guess." It could be viewed or translated as "underthoughts" or evil "suggestions." It may also denote "wicked opinions." This is its only use in the NT. It is appropriately associated by the apostle with being puffed up, doting, strife about words, etc. "Our ‘suspicions;’ this word again is new to N.T. usage. Altogether we have four peculiar words in this verse, puffed up, doting, strifes of words, surmisings..." (Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges)

The word is plural being "surmisings," and this in spite of the fact that Spellchecker says it is incorrect! 

Though not all commentators connect "evil surmisings" with doctrinal inventions and novelties, yet some do, such as Dr. John Gill, and I too. Heresies are but "evil inventions" from the minds of "inventors of evil things" (Rom. 1: 30) .

Gill said this in his commentary on our text:

evil surmises; groundless suspicions: or from hence follow, as the words may be rendered, "wicked opinions": concerning the being, perfections, purposes, and providence of God; concerning the person and offices of Christ; concerning the law and Gospel, grace and good works; and so the Syriac version renders it, "an evil opinion of the mind".

Hardshells are inventors of false doctrine, of evil surmisings in doctrine. Just think of the novelties of "Two Seedism" and "Time Salvation"! This blog and my other writings are filled with the evidence that makes this verdict accurate. What think ye?

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