Brief Overview of δοκιμάζω (G1381: dokimázō)

• δοκιμάζω (dokimázō) [do-kee-MAD-zo]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek root word dokimos (δόκιμος), meaning “approved” or “acceptable.” The verb dokimázō relates to testing or proving something to determine its genuineness or worth.
• Part of Speech: Verb.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To test or examine: Refers to the process of putting something or someone to the test in order to ascertain its quality, authenticity, or value.
• To prove or approve: Indicates the action of determining whether something meets a certain standard or criterion and approving it as a result.
• To discern or judge: In a more figurative sense, dokimázō can mean to critically assess or evaluate something, often used in the context of moral or ethical judgments.

Further Insights:

• Cognates and related terms: The verb dokimázō is closely related to words like dokimos (approved) and dokimion (a test or trial), reflecting the process of examination leading to approval or validation.
• Aspect of continuous action: The morphology of dokimázō often implies an ongoing or repeated action, emphasizing the thoroughness or rigor of the testing process.

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: Describes dokimázō as “to put to the test, examine,” with an emphasis on determining whether something is genuine or meets a required standard. It also includes the sense of “to approve” after examination.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Highlights dokimázō as meaning “to test, scrutinize,” especially in a way that leads to approval or validation. Thayer also notes its usage in contexts of moral or spiritual discernment.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists dokimázō as a verb for testing or proving, particularly to verify authenticity or value. It is frequently translated as “prove,” “try,” or “examine” in the New Testament.
• Scripture References:
• 1 Corinthians 3:13: “Each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.”
• Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:21: “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:

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• Homer, Iliad: The verb dokimázō is used in the context of testing or proving the valor of warriors, often in the heat of battle where true character is revealed.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus employs dokimázō to describe the process of examining or testing individuals or materials to determine their worth or suitability, such as in selecting leaders or determining the authenticity of goods.
• Plato, Republic: In philosophical discussions, Plato uses dokimázō to refer to the testing of ideas or individuals to determine their alignment with the ideals of justice or virtue.

Summary of δοκιμάζω (G1381: dokimázō)

The Greek verb δοκιμάζω (dokimázō), transliterated as dokimázō and pronounced [do-kee-MAD-zo], is a verb that primarily means to test, prove, or examine something in order to ascertain its genuineness or value. Derived from the Greek root dokimos, which means “approved” or “acceptable,” dokimázō is used in the New Testament to describe both literal and figurative testing, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 3:13 and Romans 12:2. The verb also carries connotations of discerning or judging, particularly in moral or ethical contexts. In classical Greek literature, dokimázō is often associated with testing or proving the worth of individuals or ideas, emphasizing the process of examination leading to approval or validation. This word is closely connected with the idea of rigorous scrutiny, whether in the context of battle, philosophy, or spiritual discernment.