Brief Overview of δοκίμιον (G1383: dokímion)

• δοκίμιον (dokímion) [do-KEE-mee-on]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek verb dokimázō (δοκιμάζω), meaning “to test” or “to approve,” with the suffix -ion indicating something related to the action of the verb, often a tool or result of the action.
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• A testing or trial: Refers to the process or act of testing, particularly in contexts where something is being evaluated or proven.
• That which is approved: It can also indicate the result or outcome of a successful test, something that has been proven genuine or trustworthy.
• A test of character or faith: Frequently used metaphorically to describe the testing of a person’s faith, character, or quality.

Further Insights:

• Root connection: Dokímion shares the same root as dokimḗ and dokimázō, focusing on the concept of testing and approval. The suffix -ion often indicates the result or instrument of an action, so dokímion emphasizes the process and outcome of testing.
• Usage in context: This word often appears in contexts related to spiritual or moral testing, where the emphasis is on proving or validating one’s character or faith through trials.
• Morphological composition: The word combines the root dok- (testing, approval) with the neuter noun suffix -ion, which typically denotes an object or result of an action in Greek.

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: Describes dokímion primarily as “a means of testing” or “trial,” with a focus on the process that reveals the true nature or character of someone or something. It is often used in metaphorical contexts related to the testing of faith.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Highlights dokímion as meaning “a test” or “that which is tested and approved,” especially in the context of trials that prove the genuineness of faith or character.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists dokímion as a noun for “a testing” or “trial,” often used in a metaphorical sense to refer to the testing of faith or character. The term is closely related to dokimḗ and dokimázō, emphasizing the process of proving or validation.
• Scripture References:
• James 1:3: “Knowing this, that the trying (dokímion) of your faith worketh patience.”
• 1 Peter 1:7: “That the trial (dokímion) of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:

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• Homer, Odyssey: The word dokímion appears in contexts where characters are put to the test, particularly in trials that reveal their true nature or abilities.
• Herodotus, Histories: Dokímion is used to describe the testing of warriors or leaders, focusing on the trials that prove their worthiness or capability.
• Plato, Republic: The term is employed in discussions of philosophical trials, where ideas or individuals are tested to reveal their true essence or value.

Summary of δοκίμιον (G1383: dokímion)

The Greek noun δοκίμιον (dokímion), transliterated as dokímion and pronounced [do-KEE-mee-on], primarily signifies a “testing” or “trial,” particularly in the context of evaluating or proving something’s genuineness or worth. Derived from the verb dokimázō, meaning “to test” or “to approve,” dokímion focuses on the process and outcome of testing. In the New Testament, it is often used metaphorically to describe the testing of faith, as seen in James 1:3, where the testing of faith produces patience. The term is also found in classical Greek literature, where it denotes trials that reveal the true character or value of individuals or ideas. This word encapsulates the concept of validation and approval through rigorous testing, with an emphasis on the process that leads to the recognition of genuine worth or character.