Understanding δαπάνη (dapane) Strong’s G1160: The Cost and Expense that Reveals Divine Provision and Wise Stewardship

Pronunciation Guide: dap-AH-nay

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1160: δαπάνη (dapane) refers to expense, cost, or charges incurred for a specific purpose. It denotes the financial resources required to complete a project or fulfill an obligation. In biblical context, this term often highlights the importance of counting the cost before undertaking significant endeavors, especially in relation to discipleship and stewardship of God’s resources.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Feminine noun
• Root: From δαπανάω (dapanaō, G1159), meaning “to spend”
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Found in teaching passages, especially parables about stewardship
• Semantic domain: Economics, resources, stewardship

δαπάνη Morphology:

• δαπάνη (nominative singular) – expense, cost
• δαπάνης (genitive singular) – of expense
• δαπάνῃ (dative singular) – with/by expense
• δαπάνην (accusative singular) – expense (direct object)

Origin & History

The term δαπάνη has deep roots in classical Greek economic vocabulary. It appears in the writings of Thucydides (History of the Peloponnesian War) where he discusses the financial costs of warfare and public expenditures. Aristotle uses it in his Nicomachean Ethics when discussing liberality and proper use of wealth. The term also appears in Xenophon’s Oeconomicus, where he addresses household management and proper allocation of resources.

In the Septuagint, forms of δαπάνη appear in contexts related to the expenses of temple construction and maintenance. Notably, in 1 Kings 5:9 (LXX), it describes the provisions Solomon provided for Hiram’s household as payment for cedar and cypress logs. The term maintained its core meaning of “expense” or “cost” from classical Greek through Koine Greek of the New Testament period, consistently carrying connotations of careful resource allocation and stewardship.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Financial expenditure – The monetary resources required for a specific project or purpose
• Cost assessment – The evaluation of what will be required to complete an endeavor
• Investment – Resources allocated with expectation of completion or return
• Charges – Expenses incurred as part of a process or agreement
• Provision – Resources set aside for a specific purpose

δαπάνη Translation Options:

• Cost – Best captures the sense of calculated expenditure, particularly in Luke 14:28 where counting the cost is emphasized
• Expense – Highlights the ongoing nature of financial commitments in longer-term projects
• Charges – Appropriate when referring to financial obligations within a contractual context
• Expenditure – Emphasizes the act of spending resources for a particular purpose
• Outlay – Captures the sense of deliberate financial investment toward a specific goal

Biblical Usage

The noun δαπάνη appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 14:28, where Yeshua uses it in His teaching about counting the cost of discipleship. In this passage, He illustrates the importance of calculating expenses before beginning construction of a tower, lest one begin building without sufficient resources to complete the project. This usage emphasizes the wisdom of foresight and planning in both practical matters and spiritual commitment.

While the noun form appears only once, the related verb δαπανάω (to spend) appears more frequently, suggesting that the concept of expenditure and stewardship was an important theme in early Christian teaching. In the Septuagint, forms of δαπάνη appear in contexts related to temple construction, royal expenditures, and household management, underscoring the term’s association with significant financial commitments and proper resource allocation.

• “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost [δαπάνην]…” Luke 14:28

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Mediterranean world, construction projects like building a tower (as mentioned in Luke 14:28) were substantial undertakings that required careful financial planning. Towers were often built as watchtowers for vineyards or as defensive structures for estate boundaries. The construction of such towers typically required skilled laborers, expensive materials, and extended time commitments—all factors that contributed to significant δαπάνη (expense).

The cultural practice of public building in the Greco-Roman world also carried social implications. An unfinished building project would bring shame upon the owner, as it would visibly demonstrate poor planning and insufficient resources. This cultural context adds depth to Yeshua’s teaching—the public nature of discipleship, like a public building project, means that failures are visible to all. The Jewish audience would have immediately understood this connection between financial prudence and social honor, making the parable particularly effective for communicating the serious nature of counting the cost of following the Messiah.

Theological Significance

The concept of δαπάνη in Luke 14:28 reveals a profound theological principle: genuine discipleship requires thoughtful evaluation and wholehearted commitment. By using the metaphor of calculating construction costs, Yeshua teaches that following Him is not a casual decision but one that demands careful consideration of what will be required. This illustrates Yahweh’s transparency with His people—He does not hide the demands of discipleship but rather invites followers to understand the full implications of their commitment.

Moreover, the concept of δαπάνη reflects the divine economy of salvation. While salvation is offered freely by God’s grace, discipleship carries a cost—surrender of self-will, potential hardship, and the relinquishing of worldly security. This paradox mirrors Yeshua’s own ministry, where the infinite value of salvation was secured through the immeasurable cost of His sacrifice. In God’s kingdom economy, true discipleship acknowledges both the priceless gift received and the personal cost of following. This teaches us about Yahweh’s character—He is both incredibly generous in what He offers and truthful about what following Him entails.

Personal Application

When we understand δαπάνη, we are challenged to approach our commitment to the Messiah with both honesty and determination. Just as a builder must realistically assess resources before breaking ground, we must examine our hearts and count the cost of discipleship. This doesn’t mean we need perfect strength or resources before we begin; rather, it means we acknowledge our limitations and rely on God’s provision to complete what He has called us to.

In practical terms, this concept invites us to regularly take inventory of our spiritual lives. What are we investing in God’s kingdom? Are we allocating our time, talents, and treasures wisely? The principle of counting the cost applies not only to our initial decision to follow Yeshua but to our ongoing journey with Him. By thoughtfully considering the δαπάνη of discipleship—and embracing it willingly—we demonstrate that we value the kingdom of God above all else, finding that what seemed costly becomes our greatest joy and treasure.

Related Words

• οἰκονομία (oikonomia, oy-kon-om-EE-ah) – stewardship, administration, management of a household or estate; focuses on the responsibility of managing resources rather than the expense itself. See G3622
• χορηγέω (chorēgeō, khor-ayg-EH-o) – to supply, furnish abundantly; emphasizes the provision of resources rather than their cost. See G5524
• τιμή (timē, tee-MAY) – price, value, honor; focuses on the worth or value of something rather than the expense involved in obtaining it. See G5092
• μισθός (misthos, mis-THOS) – wages, reward; relates to payment for services rather than expenses incurred. See G3408
• θησαυρός (thēsauros, thay-sow-ROS) – treasure, storehouse; represents accumulated wealth in contrast to expenses paid out. See G2344

Did you Know?

• Did you know that in ancient Greek culture, public building projects often included a detailed προγραφή (prographē) or public notice listing the expected δαπάνη (expenses)? This practice ensured transparency and allowed citizens to see how public funds were being allocated. Yeshua’s parable about counting the cost would have resonated with listeners familiar with these public accounting practices, emphasizing that authentic discipleship should be as transparent and well-considered as public works projects.
• Did you know that in modern Greek, δαπάνη still means “expense” or “expenditure” and is commonly used in financial and governmental contexts? The Greek Ministry of Finance uses the term in budget documents, continuing a linguistic tradition that spans nearly three millennia. This remarkable continuity demonstrates how fundamental concepts of stewardship and resource management have remained consistent across cultures and time.
• Did you know that the concept of counting the cost (calculating the δαπάνη) in Luke 14:28 parallels Jewish wisdom literature? The book of Proverbs frequently emphasizes the importance of planning and foresight (Proverbs 21:5, 24:27). This connection reveals how Yeshua’s teaching on discipleship was grounded in Jewish wisdom traditions while simultaneously expanding them into the realm of spiritual commitment and kingdom values.

Remember This

Counting the δαπάνη of discipleship isn’t about hesitation but about whole-hearted commitment—when we truly understand the cost of following Yeshua and embrace it willingly, we discover that what we surrender pales in comparison to the treasures of knowing Him.