Brief Overview of δοκιμή (G1382: dokimḗ)

• δοκιμή (dokimḗ) [do-kee-MAY]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek verb dokimázō (δοκιμάζω), meaning “to test” or “to approve,” indicating a state or condition resulting from successful testing.
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

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• Approval after testing: Refers to the state of being approved or validated after a period of testing or trial.
• Proven character: Indicates the quality or character that has been demonstrated as genuine and reliable through testing.
• A test or trial: Sometimes used to denote the process or event itself by which approval is gained, emphasizing the context of evaluation.

Further Insights:

• Root connection: The noun dokimḗ shares a close connection with the verb dokimázō (to test) and the adjective dokimos (approved). This family of words consistently revolves around the idea of testing, proving, and approving.
• Implied endurance: The use of dokimḗ often implies that something or someone has undergone significant testing and has emerged with integrity or validation.
• Morphological composition: The word is composed of the root dok- (relating to testing or approval) and the feminine noun suffix -ḗ, which is typical for abstract nouns in Greek, indicating a state or condition.

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: Describes dokimḗ primarily as “proof or test,” with the emphasis on the quality or character that is revealed through testing. It can refer to both the process of testing and the resulting state of approval.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Highlights dokimḗ as meaning “proven worth” or “approved character,” often in contexts where individuals or things are shown to be genuine or reliable after testing.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists dokimḗ as a noun for “proving” or “approval,” especially in the sense of character that has been demonstrated as genuine. It is frequently translated as “proof,” “trial,” or “approved character” in the New Testament.
• Scripture References:
• Romans 5:4: “And endurance produces character (dokimḗ), and character produces hope.”
• 2 Corinthians 2:9: “For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.”
• Philippians 2:22: “But you know Timothy’s proven worth (dokimḗ), how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:

• Homer, Iliad: Dokimḗ is used in the context of warriors who have proven their worth through battle, emerging with validated character and honor.
• Herodotus, Histories: The term appears in discussions of leaders or materials that have been tested and proven reliable or suitable for specific tasks.
• Plato, Republic: In philosophical dialogues, dokimḗ is often associated with the process of proving ideas or individuals, emphasizing the reliability and integrity of those who have been tested.

Summary of δοκιμή (G1382: dokimḗ)

The Greek noun δοκιμή (dokimḗ), transliterated as dokimḗ and pronounced [do-kee-MAY], signifies the state of approval or proven character that results from testing. Derived from the verb dokimázō, meaning “to test” or “to approve,” dokimḗ conveys the idea of a quality or character that has withstood trials and emerged validated. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe the process of proving one’s character through endurance, as seen in Romans 5:4, where endurance produces dokimḗ, or proven character. The term also has broader applications in classical Greek literature, where it denotes the reliability or worth of individuals or ideas that have been tested and proven. This word encapsulates the concept of integrity and value that is established through rigorous testing and validation.