Understanding δόσις (dosis) Strong’s G1394: The Divine Gift-Giving That Reveals God’s Generous Character

Pronunciation Guide: DOH-sis (δό-σις)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1394: The Greek word δόσις (dosis) refers to the act of giving or the thing given—a gift, present, or donation. It emphasizes the actual act of giving rather than the gift itself. In biblical usage, δόσις highlights God’s generous nature in bestowing gifts upon His people and describes the practical expression of generosity between believers.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun, feminine
• Derived from the verb δίδωμι (didōmi), meaning “to give”
• Indo-European origin
• Primarily used in epistolary and teaching contexts in the New Testament
• Appears in contexts describing practical Christian living and God’s character

δόσις Morphology:

• δόσις (nominative singular) – the act of giving/a gift
• δόσεως (genitive singular) – of the gift/giving
• δόσει (dative singular) – in/with/by the gift/giving
• δόσιν (accusative singular) – the gift/giving (direct object)

Origin & History

The word δόσις has ancient origins in classical Greek, where it was used to describe the act of giving or that which is given. In works such as Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War,” the term appears in contexts of political gifts and tributes between city-states. Aristotle used δόσις in his “Nicomachean Ethics” when discussing the virtues of generosity and gift-giving as expressions of character.

In the Septuagint (LXX), δόσις appears in Proverbs 19:6 where it describes gifts that attract friends and in Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 11:17, which states that “the gift of the Lord remains with the godly.” The term carried connotations of both material and spiritual blessings in Jewish thought, often associated with divine generosity. This background provides important context for understanding its New Testament usage, particularly in James and Philippians.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The concrete act of giving something to someone
• A gift, present, or donation bestowed
• A generous contribution or offering
• The process of transferring something from one to another
• A divine bestowal or blessing

δόσις Translation Options:

• “Gift” – Emphasizes the concrete result of giving; most common translation
• “Act of giving” – Highlights the process rather than the result; useful when the context emphasizes the action itself
• “Contribution” – Appropriate when describing material support between believers
• “Bestowal” – Useful when emphasizing divine origin of gifts
• “Donation” – Fitting when describing charitable giving in a community context

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δόσις appears only twice but in significant contexts that reveal its theological importance. In Philippians 4:15, Paul commends the Philippian church for their partnership in “giving and receiving” (δόσεως καὶ λήμψεως), highlighting the mutual relationship between apostle and congregation. This usage underscores the importance of reciprocal generosity in the body of Messiah.

The second occurrence is in James 1:17, where δόσις is paired with δώρημα (dōrēma) in the phrase “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” Here, δόσις emphasizes the act of divine giving, while δώρημα highlights the actual gift itself. This pairing creates a beautiful emphasis on both God’s generous action and the perfect nature of what He gives.

Biblical references featuring δόσις:

• “No church shared with me in the matter of giving [δόσις] and receiving but you alone.” Philippians 4:15
• “Every good gift [δόσις] and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” James 1:17

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, gift-giving (δόσις) was embedded in a complex system of social reciprocity and obligation. When Paul uses the term in Philippians 4:15, he’s drawing on this cultural understanding but transforming it through the lens of the gospel. Unlike the social patronage system where gifts created obligation and established hierarchies, Paul describes a partnership where giving flows from love and shared mission rather than social debt.

The pairing of “giving and receiving” (δόσεως καὶ λήμψεως) in Philippians 4:15 actually employs commercial language from the marketplace, specifically that of bookkeeping. This would have been instantly recognizable to his audience, suggesting that Paul viewed the church’s generosity as a legitimate spiritual investment with genuine returns, not merely as charity. This reflects the Hebrew concept of tzedakah, which views righteous giving not as optional charity but as fulfilling one’s duty to the community and honoring God.

Theological Significance

The use of δόσις in James 1:17 reveals a profound theological truth about God’s character—He is the ultimate Giver. The passage emphasizes that every good gift originates with God, establishing Him as the source of all blessing. This directly challenges the pagan notion that different gods bestowed different kinds of gifts; instead, the biblical worldview presents יהוה (Yahweh) as the sole source of all good giving.

This theological concept of God as Giver undergirds the entire biblical narrative from creation to redemption. When God created the world, He gave life and abundance. When humanity fell, He gave the promise of redemption. In the Messiah, God gave the ultimate gift—His own Son. The divine δόσις culminates in the greatest gift of all: salvation through Yeshua (Jesus). This pattern of divine giving establishes the template for human generosity within the community of faith. Our giving (δόσις) is not meant to be a mere transaction but a reflection of God’s own generous character, freely giving because we have freely received.

Personal Application

Understanding δόσις challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward giving. Are we giving out of obligation or manipulation, or are we giving as a reflection of God’s generous character? The Philippian church’s example teaches us that genuine giving creates partnership and community. When we give—whether of our time, resources, or talents—we participate in the divine economy of grace.

Consider how your giving reflects God’s character. Just as He gives good and perfect gifts, our giving should be characterized by excellence and thoughtfulness. Cultivate a spirit of joyful generosity that flows from gratitude for God’s ultimate gift in the Messiah. Ask yourself: “Does my giving create genuine partnership and community, or am I giving merely to fulfill an obligation?” Remember that in God’s economy, giving is never one-sided but always part of a beautiful exchange of grace and gratitude.

Related Words

• δώρημα (dōrēma) – a gift, bounty, benefaction; emphasizes the gift itself rather than the act of giving; often used for perfect or complete gifts. See G1434
• δῶρον (dōron) – a gift, present; often used for sacrificial offerings or gifts presented to God. See G1435
• χάρισμα (charisma) – a gift of grace; emphasizes the gratuitous nature of the gift; often used for spiritual gifts. See G5486
• μεταδίδωμι (metadidōmi) – to share, impart, give a share of; emphasizes the sharing aspect of giving. See G3330
• δωρεά (dōrea) – a free gift, bounty; emphasizes the freely given nature of the gift. See G1431

Did You Know?

• Did you know that the ancient Greek philosophers debated the virtue of δόσις (giving) extensively? Aristotle believed that the highest form of giving was that which sought no return, while expecting nothing in return was considered the mark of a truly magnanimous person. This philosophical backdrop enriches our understanding of Paul’s praise for the Philippian church’s giving, which transcended cultural norms by being rooted in love rather than obligation.
• Did you know that in ancient Jewish practice, the highest form of tzedakah (righteousness through giving) was giving that enabled the recipient to become self-sufficient? This concept parallels the spiritual principle of δόσις in the New Testament, where giving is meant to empower and strengthen the body of Messiah rather than merely meet immediate needs.
• Did you know that the word δόσις survived into modern Greek, where it means “dose” (as in medicine)? This evolution of meaning maintains the core concept of “something given” but in a measured, precise way. This modern usage reminds us that in the spiritual realm, God’s gifts are not haphazard but precisely calibrated to our needs and His purposes.

Remember This

δόσις represents not just the act of giving but the divine pattern of generosity that flows from God’s character to His people and then outward to the world—a sacred cycle of grace that builds community and reflects the generous heart of the Creator.