Brief Overview of δοκός (G1385: dokós)

• δοκός (dokós) [do-KOS]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek word doko (δοκέω), which means “to seem” or “to think.” The root suggests something that appears or is perceived in a certain way.
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Beam or plank: Refers to a large piece of wood, typically used in construction, such as a beam supporting a structure.
• Log: In a metaphorical sense, it can describe a large piece of wood, particularly when referencing something obstructive or burdensome, as in the log in one’s eye.

Further Insights:

• Morphological composition: The word dokós is a noun that derives from the verb doko (δοκέω), which means “to think” or “to seem.” This connection implies that the beam is something substantial, perceived as significant or prominent.
• Usage in context: The word is used primarily in contexts related to construction, emphasizing its importance as a supporting structure. In metaphorical usage, it highlights the idea of something large and obstructive.
• Cognates: Related to words like dokimázo (to test) and dokímion (test, trial), which share the idea of examination or perception, although dokós specifically refers to a physical object.

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: Describes dokós as “beam” or “plank,” specifically in the context of construction. It is also noted for its metaphorical use in the New Testament, where it symbolizes something large and obstructive, particularly in moral or spiritual lessons.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Defines dokós as a “beam,” typically used in building or construction. It also highlights the figurative use, where it represents a significant obstacle, particularly in one’s moral or ethical life.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists dokós as “a beam or plank,” with emphasis on its role in construction. The metaphorical use is also noted, particularly in passages where it represents a significant moral failing.
• Scripture References:
• Matthew 7:3: “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam (dokós) that is in thine own eye?”
• Matthew 7:4: “Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam (dokós) is in thine own eye?”
• Luke 6:41: “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam (dokós) that is in thine own eye?”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:

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• Homer, Iliad: The term dokós is used to describe beams used in the construction of ships or houses, emphasizing its importance in building and stability.
• Herodotus, Histories: In his writings, dokós is referenced in the context of building projects, particularly those involving large wooden structures or frameworks.
• Sophocles, Antigone: The word is used metaphorically to describe a burden or obstacle that characters must overcome, illustrating its broader metaphorical use.

Summary of δόκιμος (G1384: dokós)

The Greek noun δοκός (dokós), transliterated as dokós and pronounced [do-KOS], primarily refers to a beam or plank used in construction. Derived from the verb doko (to think or seem), dokós emphasizes something substantial and significant, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. In the New Testament, it is most famously used in Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:3-5 and Luke 6:41-42, where it symbolizes a significant moral or ethical flaw that one fails to recognize in themselves while criticizing others. The word also appears in classical Greek literature, where it is used both in literal descriptions of construction and metaphorically to represent burdens or obstacles. The concept encapsulates the idea of something large, noticeable, and often obstructive, whether in physical construction or moral teaching.