Brief Overview of δόκιμος (G1384: dókimos)

• δόκιμος (dókimos) [DO-kee-mos]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek verb dokimázō (δοκιμάζω), meaning “to test” or “to approve,” which is rooted in the concept of something being examined and proven to be genuine.
• Part of Speech: Adjective.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Approved or acceptable: Refers to something or someone that has been tested and found to be worthy, genuine, or acceptable.
• Proven or reliable: Indicates that which has withstood testing and is considered reliable or trustworthy.
• Worthy or honorable: Used to describe a person or thing that is worthy of honor, respect, or confidence due to its proven nature.

Further Insights:

• Morphological composition: Dókimos is an adjective that directly reflects the process of testing and approval. The root dok- signifies testing, while the suffix -imos typically forms adjectives that describe a quality or condition.
• Usage in context: The word is often used in contexts that emphasize the integrity or proven worth of an individual or object, particularly after a period of testing or examination.
• Cognates: Related to other Greek words like dokimḗ (testing, trial) and dokimázō (to test, to approve), emphasizing the consistent theme of proving or validating through testing.

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: Lists dókimos as “approved, acceptable,” particularly in contexts where something has been put to the test and found to be genuine. It often refers to people who have been examined and proven to be reliable or worthy.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Describes dókimos as “accepted,” “approved,” particularly in a moral or spiritual sense, highlighting the idea of someone or something that is pleasing to God after being tested.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines dókimos as “accepted” or “approved,” focusing on the process of proving or trying something to determine its value or authenticity.
• Scripture References:
• 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved (dókimos) unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
• James 1:12: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried (dókimos), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
• Romans 14:18: “For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable (dókimos) to God, and approved of men.”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:

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• Plato, Republic: The word dókimos is used to describe individuals or practices that have been tested and proven to be virtuous or true, emphasizing the importance of examination in determining worthiness.
• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: In discussions of virtue and ethics, dókimos is employed to refer to individuals whose character has been tested and found worthy of praise or honor.
• Sophocles, Antigone: The term is used in reference to characters who have demonstrated their honor or reliability through difficult circumstances, illustrating the enduring nature of their virtue.

Summary of δόκιμος (G1384: dókimos)

The Greek adjective δόκιμος (dókimos), transliterated as dókimos and pronounced [DO-kee-mos], carries the primary meaning of “approved” or “acceptable,” particularly in the context of something or someone that has been tested and found worthy. Derived from the verb dokimázō (to test, to approve), dókimos reflects the process of examination leading to validation or acceptance. It is frequently used in the New Testament to describe those who have been proven genuine in their faith or character, as seen in passages like 2 Timothy 2:15 and James 1:12. The word also appears in classical Greek literature, where it denotes individuals or things that have withstood trials and are therefore considered reliable or worthy of honor. The concept encapsulates the idea of proven integrity and the value of being tested and found genuine, both in spiritual and moral contexts.