In the context of the Bible, the concept of being "suspected" often relates to issues of trust, faithfulness, and the discernment of truth. The Bible addresses suspicion in various narratives and laws, particularly in the Old Testament, where it is often linked to moral and ceremonial purity.

Old Testament Context

One of the most notable instances of suspicion in the Old Testament is found in the Book of Numbers, specifically in the law concerning a wife suspected of adultery. Numbers 5:11-31 outlines the "law of jealousy," where a husband suspects his wife of being unfaithful. The passage describes a ritual involving the priest, holy water, and dust from the tabernacle floor. The woman is to drink the mixture, and if she is guilty, she will suffer physical afflictions; if innocent, she will be unharmed. This law underscores the seriousness with which marital fidelity was regarded and reflects the societal norms and legal practices of ancient Israel.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, suspicion is often addressed in the context of discernment and judgment. Jesus teaches about the importance of righteous judgment and warns against hypocrisy. 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 lives before suspecting or judging others, promoting a spirit of humility and self-reflection.

The Apostle Paul also addresses issues of suspicion and judgment within the church. In 1 Corinthians 4:5 , he advises, "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart." Paul emphasizes that ultimate judgment belongs to God, who alone knows the true intentions of individuals.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Bible's treatment of suspicion highlights the importance of truth, integrity, and community harmony. While suspicion can arise from legitimate concerns, it can also lead to false accusations and division if not handled with care and discernment. The biblical approach encourages believers to seek truth through prayer, wise counsel, and reliance on God's guidance.

Practical Application

For Christians today, the biblical teachings on suspicion serve as a reminder to approach situations with a balance of caution and grace. Believers are called to uphold truth and justice while exercising love and forgiveness. In situations where suspicion arises, it is important to seek reconciliation and understanding, following the example of Christ, who embodies truth and grace.

In summary, the Bible provides guidance on handling suspicion with wisdom and integrity, emphasizing the need for righteous judgment and reliance on God's ultimate authority.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Suspect.

2. (a.) Distrusted; doubted.

So I Suspected Nothing, and Went Away to Tarichese...
... Section 54. So I suspected nothing, and went away to Tarichese? 54. So
I suspected nothing, and went away to Tarichese; yet did ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 54 so i suspected.htm

Pelagius' Acquittal Becomes Suspected.
... A work on the proceedings of pelagius, Chapter 45 [XXI.]"Pelagius' Acquittal
Becomes Suspected. If these are the proceedings by ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 45 xxi pelagius acquittal becomes.htm

The Malice of Antipater and Doris. Alexander is Very Uneasy on ...
... Alexander Is Very Uneasy On Glaphyras Account. Herod Pardons Pheroras, Whom He
Suspected, And Salome Whom He Knew To Make Mischief Among Them. ...
/.../chapter 24 the malice of.htm

Why the Pharisees Asked a Sign from Heaven.
... And I conjecture that they suspected that the signs upon earth might possibly not
be of God; for they did not hesitate indeed to say, "Jesus casts out demons ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/2 why the pharisees asked.htm

How Herod Took up Alexander and Bound Him; whom yet Archelaus King ...
... him than he should be then able to escape from; whereupon he did not now make an
open search, but sent about spies to watch such as he suspected, for he was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how herod took.htm

He.
... 40. "Take away my reproach which I have suspected, for Thy judgments are sweet"
(ver.39). ... What then mean the words, "the rebuke which I have suspected"? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/he.htm

2 Cor. viii. 16
... been chosen merely; but also, from their being persons of proved character, (and
for this very reason) having been chosen, that they might not be suspected. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xviii 2 cor viii.htm

2 Cor. v. 11
... For we are not only open to accusation,' he saith if we commit any evil deed; but
even if we do not commit, yet are suspected, and having it in our power to ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xi 2 cor v.htm

The Capture of Chrysostom
... Well, that upsets all our plans,' said Philip. But how odd! An interest in martyries
was the last thing of which I should have suspected his Excellency. ...
/.../chapter xv the capture of.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... For if the choice of a generalship or a kingdom had been submitted to me, and I
had then formed this resolution, any one might naturally have suspected me of ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

Suspected (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) of Suspect. 2. (a.) Distrusted;
doubted. Multi-Version Concordance Suspected (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/suspected.htm - 6k

Suspect (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Suspicious; inspiring distrust. 2.
(a.) Suspected; distrusted. 3. (a.) Suspicion. 4. (a.) One ...
/s/suspect.htm - 7k

Quarantine (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Specifically, the term, originally of forty days, during which a ship arriving
in port, and suspected of being infected a malignant contagious disease ...
/q/quarantine.htm - 8k

Jealousy (54 Occurrences)
... Jealousy, Waters of. Water which the suspected wife was required to drink, so that
the result might prove her guilt or innocence (Numbers 5:12-17, 27). ...
/j/jealousy.htm - 29k

Adultery (49 Occurrences)
... The Mosaic law (Numbers 5:11-31) prescribed that the suspected wife should be tried
by the ordeal of the "water of jealousy." There is, however, no recorded ...
/a/adultery.htm - 32k

Trade (33 Occurrences)
... the King James Version and the English Revised Version have "chapmen" and the American
Standard Revised Version "traders." The text of these verses is suspected...
/t/trade.htm - 40k

Naaman (19 Occurrences)
... with it to Joram. The king of Israel suspected in this some evil design against
him, and rent his clothes. Elisha the prophet hearing ...
/n/naaman.htm - 15k

Unbelief (16 Occurrences)
... confidence. But the presence of that darker element is always to be suspected,
at least, and searched for in serious self-examination. ...
/u/unbelief.htm - 12k

Tormentor (1 Occurrence)
... But, apparently, in extreme cases (where concealment of assets was suspected?) the
defaulter was sent to prison until restitution should be made. ...
/t/tormentor.htm - 7k

Refute (6 Occurrences)
... Armenian and Ethiopian versions, and is placed in the text by Lachmann, Tischendorf,
and Tregelles (Westcott-Hort in list of "Suspected Readings" says: "Some ...
/r/refute.htm - 9k

What were the Inquisitions? | GotQuestions.org

When is civil disobedience allowed for a Christian? | GotQuestions.org

Is Numbers 5:11-31 referring to God causing an abortion? What was the jealousy offering? | GotQuestions.org

Suspected: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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