Brief Overview of δόμα (G1390: dóma)

• δόμα (dóma) [DOH-mah]
• Etymology: The noun δόμα (dóma) comes from the root verb δίδωμι (dídōmi), which means “to give.” The related term δῶρον (dōron) also means “gift” or “offering.” The root conveys the idea of something given or bestowed.
• Part of Speech: Noun.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

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• Gift or Present: The primary meaning of δόμα (dóma) is “gift” or “present.” It refers to something given to another, often as a form of honor, gratitude, or as a sign of goodwill.
• Offering: Another significant meaning of δόμα (dóma) is “offering,” particularly in a religious context where it denotes something given to the gods or deities as a sacrifice or tribute.
• Endowment: The term can also be used to describe an “endowment” or “bestowment,” indicating a more formal or official gift, often of significant value or importance.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Composition: The noun δόμα (dóma) retains the root meaning of the verb δίδωμι (dídōmi), emphasizing the action of giving. The noun form, however, focuses on the object given, rather than the act of giving itself.
• Usage in Context: δόμα (dóma) is often used in contexts where the nature of the gift or offering is of particular significance, whether in personal, social, or religious settings.
• Connotation: The word typically carries a positive connotation, associated with generosity, gratitude, or divine favor. However, depending on the context, it can also imply an obligation or expectation attached to the gift.

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: This lexicon defines δόμα (dóma) as “a gift” or “that which is given.” It is noted for its use in various contexts where the object given is intended to honor or benefit the recipient.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s emphasizes that δόμα (dóma) is a tangible gift or offering, often used in religious contexts to describe offerings made to God or the gods.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ includes δόμα (dóma) under the entry for δίδωμι (dídōmi), focusing on its meaning as a gift or present, particularly highlighting its use in classical texts where it is associated with ceremonial or formal gifts.
• Scripture References:
• Philippians 4:17: “Not that I seek the gift (δόμα); but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.”
• Revelation 21:26: “And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.”
• Matthew 7:11: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts (δόματα) to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:

• Homer, Iliad: In the Iliad, δόμα (dóma) is used to describe gifts exchanged between warriors, often as tokens of honor or friendship.
• Sophocles, Antigone: In Antigone, the term appears in the context of offerings made to the gods, emphasizing the sacred nature of such gifts.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses δόμα (dóma) to describe the tribute or offerings made to rulers or deities, highlighting the political and religious significance of these gifts.

Summary of δόμα (G1390: dóma)

The Greek noun δόμα (dóma), transliterated as dóma and pronounced [DOH-mah], primarily means “gift,” “offering,” or “present.” Derived from the root verb dídōmi, meaning “to give,” dóma emphasizes the object given rather than the act of giving. It is used in both secular and religious contexts to describe something bestowed upon another, whether as a token of honor, gratitude, or divine favor. The term is often associated with positive connotations, reflecting generosity and the value of the gift. In classical Greek literature, dóma appears frequently in contexts involving ceremonial or formal gifts, further underscoring its cultural and religious importance.