Brief Overview of δῶρον (G1435: dōron)

Introduction:

In Biblical studies, understanding the Greek words used in the New Testament is essential for grasping the full depth and richness of the Scriptures. One such word is δῶρον (G1435: dōron), which is central to many theological discussions, particularly those concerning gifts, offerings, and sacrifices. This word appears frequently in the New Testament, often in contexts that emphasize the concept of giving—whether in relation to human offerings to God or divine gifts to humanity. Understanding δῶρον is not only crucial for interpreting these specific passages but also for appreciating the broader cultural practices of gift-giving in the ancient Greek world, where such acts were deeply embedded in religious and social life.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: δῶρον (dōron) [do’-ron]
• Etymology: Derived from the root verb δίδωμι (dídōmi), meaning “to give.” The noun δῶρον refers specifically to something that is given—a gift, offering, or present.
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter, Singular, Second Declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Gift: Refers to a present or something given freely, often emphasizing the generosity or intent behind the giving.
• Offering: In a religious context, δῶρον can refer to offerings made to deities, particularly sacrifices or other forms of tribute.
• Present: A broader term that encompasses any kind of gift or token given in social or ceremonial contexts.

Similar Words:

• δώρημα (dṓrēma) [do’-ray-mah]: While δῶρον and δώρημα both mean “gift,” δώρημα often refers to a more specific or significant gift, highlighting the nature or result of the giving.
• 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 δῶρον is more about the general act of giving.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Insights:
• δῶρον is a neuter noun following the second declension, which affects its grammatical use in sentences. The noun is closely related to the verb δίδωμι, emphasizing the act of giving or offering.
• The word δῶρον is often used in both secular and religious contexts in ancient Greek, where it could refer to a variety of gifts, from mundane presents to significant religious offerings.

Lexicon Insights:

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BDAG: δῶρον is defined as “a gift” or “present,” with specific reference to its use in religious contexts, where it often denotes offerings made to God. The lexicon emphasizes the importance of this word in passages discussing the giving of gifts or offerings, particularly those with religious significance.

Thayer’s: δῶρον is described as “a gift,” with a focus on its New Testament usage to signify offerings or presents, particularly those given as acts of worship or devotion.

Vine’s: δῶρον is noted as a term for “gift” or “offering,” highlighting its use in both religious and secular contexts, often to denote something given freely and generously.

LSJ: In classical Greek, δῶρον is used broadly to mean “gift” or “present,” commonly found in both secular and religious texts. It could refer to anything from a simple present to a significant offering made in honor of a deity.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: δῶρον is listed as “a gift,” emphasizing its use in the New Testament to describe both human offerings to God and the gifts bestowed by God upon humanity.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 2:11: “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts (δῶρα); gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”
• Hebrews 5:1: “For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts (δῶρα) and sacrifices for sins.”

Classical Usage:

Summary:

The word δῶρον (G1435: dōron) is a key term in the New Testament, frequently used in contexts that emphasize the act of giving, whether it be human offerings to God or divine gifts to humanity. This term encapsulates the idea of a gift or offering given freely and often with significant intent, reflecting both the generosity of the giver and the value of the gift. Understanding δῶρον is crucial for interpreting passages related to worship, sacrifice, and the nature of God’s gifts. Beyond its Biblical significance, δῶρον also has deep roots in ancient Greek culture, where gift-giving was a vital part of social and religious life.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The concept of δῶρον in ancient Greek culture was not limited to material gifts. It also included intangible offerings, such as acts of service or loyalty, which were considered just as valuable as physical presents. This broad understanding of gifts helped to shape the social and religious fabric of the ancient world, where the exchange of δῶρα was a common way to build and maintain relationships.