Brief Overview of δώρημα (G1434: dṓrēma)

Introduction:

In Biblical studies, delving into the original Greek words of the New Testament can greatly enhance our understanding of the text’s meaning and the cultural context from which it emerged. One such word is δώρημα (G1434: dṓrēma), a term that carries significant weight in discussions of giving, generosity, and the nature of gifts. This word is particularly important in New Testament interpretation because it appears in contexts that emphasize the divine nature of giving, especially in relation to God’s benevolence toward humanity. Understanding δώρημα not only illuminates the theological implications of certain passages but also provides insights into the broader cultural practices of gift-giving in the ancient Greek world, where such acts were deeply embedded in social and religious life.

Key Information:

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• Greek Word: δώρημα (dṓrēma) [do’-ray-mah]
• Etymology: Derived from the verb δωρέομαι (dōréomai), meaning “to give” or “to bestow.” The noun form δώρημα refers to that which is given—a gift or a present.
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter, Singular, First Declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Gift or Present: Refers to something given freely, often with the implication of generosity or benevolence.
• Bestowment: Highlights the act of giving as a formal or significant gesture, particularly in the context of divine or royal actions.

Similar Words:

• δῶρον (dōron) [do’-ron]: While both words mean “gift,” δῶρον is more general and can refer to any gift or offering. In contrast, δώρημα often carries the connotation of a significant or special gift, emphasizing the act of bestowment.
• χαρίσμα (charísma) [khar’-is-ma]: This word refers to a “grace-gift” or “spiritual gift,” focusing more on the supernatural aspect of the gift, often given by the Holy Spirit, whereas δώρημα is more about the general act of giving.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Insights:
• δώρημα is a neuter noun following the first declension, which impacts its grammatical usage in sentences. The noun is related to the verb δωρέομαι, underscoring the concept of giving inherent in its meaning.
• The suffix “-μα” in Greek often denotes the result of an action, emphasizing that δώρημα is something given as a result of the action of δωρέομαι.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG: δώρημα is defined as “a gift” or “present,” often used in contexts where the gift is seen as a result of divine or gracious giving. The lexicon notes its use in the New Testament to describe God’s benevolent acts toward humanity.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes δώρημα as “a gift,” with a focus on its use in the New Testament to signify the generous and free nature of divine gifts.

Vine’s: δώρημα is noted as a term for “gift” or “bestowment,” often used to highlight the significance of what is given, particularly in relation to God’s gifts to believers.

LSJ: In classical Greek, δώρημα is described as “a gift” or “present,” commonly used in both secular and religious contexts to refer to offerings or gifts given in gratitude or honor.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: δώρημα is listed as “a gift,” emphasizing its use in the New Testament to describe gifts that are given freely and generously, often with divine connotations.

Scripture References:

• James 1:17: “Every good gift (πᾶσα δόσις ἀγαθή) and every perfect gift (καὶ πᾶν δώρημα τέλειον) is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Classical Usage:

Summary:

The word δώρημα (G1434: dṓrēma) holds a significant place in the New Testament, particularly in passages that emphasize the nature of divine gifts and the generosity of God. This term encapsulates the idea of a gift given with purpose and meaning, often reflecting the benevolence of the giver. In Biblical contexts, δώρημα frequently refers to the gifts bestowed by God, underscoring the gracious and unmerited nature of His giving. Beyond its Biblical importance, δώρημα also reflects broader cultural practices in the ancient Greek world, where gifts were integral to social and religious interactions.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The word δώρημα was often used in ancient Greek literature to describe significant gifts or offerings made by rulers or gods also known as supernatural beings, often as a sign of favor or to honor a relationship. These gifts were not only material but also symbolic, carrying with them a deeper meaning related to power, loyalty, and divine approval.