"to think, imagine, suppose, presume, Mt. 3:9; 6:7; to seem, appear, Lk. 10:36; Acts 17:18; it seems; it seems good, best, or right, it pleases, Lk. 1:3; Acts 15:22, 25"
Definition and meaning
to think, imagine, suppose, presume, Mt. 3:9; 6:7; to seem, appear, Lk. 10:36; Acts 17:18; it seems; it seems good, best, or right, it pleases, Lk. 1:3; Acts 15:22, 25
In the original Greek the word is written: δοκέω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of dokeo (G1380) across the King James Bible.
And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
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Common questions
Strong's G1380 (dokeo) is a Greek word that means: to think, imagine, suppose, presume, Mt. 3:9; 6:7; to seem, appear, Lk. 10:36; Acts 17:18; it seems; it seems good, best, or right, it pleases, Lk. 1:3; Acts 15:22, 25 It appears 62 times in the King James Bible.
The word dokeo (G1380) appears 62 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1380 is dokeo, a Greek word defined as: to think, imagine, suppose, presume, Mt. 3:9; 6:7; to seem, appear, Lk. 10:36; Acts 17:18; it seems; it seems good, best, or right, it pleases, Lk. 1:. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
dokeo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.