from the same as δόκιμος; test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness:--experience(-riment), proof, trial.
Transliteration:dokimḗ
Pronunciation:dok-ee-may'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun δοκιμή (dokimḗ, `{{G1382}}`) is derived from the adjective δοκιμός (dokimos, `{{G1384}}`), which means "approved," "tested and found genuine," or "acceptable." At its core, δοκιμή refers to the process of testing or proving something, and by extension, the positive outcome or evidence of such a test.
Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Test or Trial:** The act of putting something to the proof, often in a challenging context. This can refer to the process itself, like a crucible for refining metal.
* **Proof or Evidence:** The result of a successful test, demonstrating the genuineness, validity, or reliability of a person or thing. It is the tangible manifestation of what has been proven.
* **Proven Character or Trustworthiness:** By implication, if something passes the test, it is deemed trustworthy, reliable, or of proven quality. This relates to the "experience" or "character" that is formed through trials.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
δοκιμή appears seven times in the New Testament, predominantly in the letters of Paul, often in contexts related to suffering, Christian character, and the authenticity of faith.
* **Romans 5:4:** "and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." Here, δοκιμή is often translated as "character" (ESV, NASB) or "experience" (KJV). It denotes the proven quality or tested integrity of a believer, forged through endurance (ὑπομονή, `{{G5281}}`) in the midst of suffering (θλῖψις, `{{G2347}}`). The suffering is the test, and the δοκιμή is the genuine, reliable spiritual state that emerges.
* **2 Corinthians 2:9:** "For this is why I wrote, that I might test your obedience, whether you are obedient in all things." Paul uses δοκιμή to describe his purpose in writing a previous letter: to test the Corinthians' obedience. The letter served as a means to prove their genuine submission to apostolic instruction.
* **2 Corinthians 8:2:** "for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part." Here, δοκιμή refers to the "severe test of affliction" (ESV) or "great trial of affliction" (KJV) experienced by the Macedonian churches. Despite their hardship, their exceptional generosity served as clear "proof" (δοκιμή) of their genuine faith and love for Christ.
* **2 Corinthians 9:13:** "By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others." The "approval" or "proof" (δοκιμή) refers to the tangible evidence of the Corinthians' faith and obedience, demonstrated through their generous financial contribution. This act serves as a δοκιμή that brings glory to God.
* **2 Corinthians 13:3:** "since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you." Paul addresses the Corinthians' demand for "proof" (δοκιμή) that Christ's power is indeed at work through him. This highlights δοκιμή as tangible evidence or demonstration.
* **Philippians 2:22:** "But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel." δοκιμή is translated as "proven worth" or "experience." Timothy's character, faithfulness, and reliability in ministry have been tested over time and found to be genuine.
In each instance, δοκιμή points to a process of testing that either reveals or produces something authentic, reliable, or approved. It is often linked to challenging circumstances that serve as a crucible for faith and character.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **δόκιμος (dokimos, `{{G1384}}`):** The adjective from which δοκιμή is derived, meaning "approved," "tested and found true," or "genuine." It represents the *outcome* of the δοκιμή process.
* **ἀδόκιμος (adokimos, `{{G96}}`):** The antonym of δόκιμος, meaning "disapproved," "rejected," or "unfit" after testing. It signifies the *failure* of the δοκιμή.
* **πειρασμός (peirasmos, `{{G3986}}`):** Often translated as "temptation" or "trial." While both δοκιμή and πειρασμός involve testing, πειρασμός can carry the nuance of a test designed to lead to failure (temptation), whereas δοκιμή more often implies a test designed to prove genuineness or to refine. However, πειρασμός can also refer to trials intended for good (e.g., [[James 1:2]]). δοκιμή focuses on the positive result or proven quality derived from the testing.
* **ὑπομονή (hypomonē, `{{G5281}}`):** "Endurance" or "perseverance." This concept is closely tied to δοκιμή, particularly in [[Romans 5:4]], where endurance *through* trials is shown to produce proven character.
* **Refining and Purification:** The Old Testament imagery of refining precious metals through fire (e.g., [[Psalm 66:10]], [[Proverbs 17:3]], [[Malachi 3:3]]) provides a rich background for understanding δοκιμή. Just as fire purifies gold, trials serve to purify and prove the genuineness of faith and character. This concept is echoed in the New Testament (e.g., [[1 Peter 1:7]]).
### Theological Significance
The concept of δοκιμή holds profound theological significance, particularly in understanding God's work in the lives of believers, the nature of faith, and the purpose of suffering.
1. **Divine Purpose in Trials:** δοκιμή highlights that the trials and afflictions believers face are not random or meaningless. Rather, God often permits or orchestrates these "tests" to prove, strengthen, and refine the faith of His people. They serve a divine purpose in developing spiritual maturity and demonstrating the reality of God's transformative power ([[Romans 5:3-4]]).
2. **Authentication of Faith:** True, saving faith is not merely an intellectual assent but is demonstrated and authenticated through the crucible of life's challenges. The δοκιμή reveals whether one's faith is genuine, resilient, and active, or merely superficial. It provides the "proof" that one's confession of the gospel is real ([[2 Corinthians 9:13]]).
3. **Formation of Character:** The process of δοκιμή is integral to the believer's sanctification and character development. It is through enduring and passing tests that Christian character (δοκιμή in [[Romans 5:4]]) is forged, leading to greater hope, steadfastness, and conformity to the image of Christ. This character is not innate but cultivated through experience.
4. **Glory to God:** When believers demonstrate their genuine faith, obedience, and self-sacrificial generosity through trials, their δοκιμή brings profound glory to God ([[2 Corinthians 9:13]]). Their proven character and steadfastness bear witness to the power of God's grace at work within them.
5. **Apostolic and Ministerial Integrity:** Paul also applies δοκιμή to his own ministry and the obedience of the churches, indicating that genuine spiritual authority and the authenticity of Christian community are also subject to and proven by tests ([[2 Corinthians 2:9]], [[2 Corinthians 13:3]], [[Philippians 2:22]]).
In essence, δοκιμή speaks to a God who tests His people, not to condemn or destroy them, but to confirm their authenticity, deepen their character, and display His transforming grace through their proven lives.
### Summary
δοκιμή (dokimḗ, `{{G1382}}`) is a significant New Testament term denoting a "test," "trial," or the "proof" that results from such a process. Rooted in the concept of being "approved" (δοκιμός, `{{G1384}}`), it consistently refers to a testing process that reveals or produces genuineness, reliability, or proven worth. In the Pauline epistles, δοκιμή frequently describes the positive outcome of enduring affliction, leading to the formation of mature, proven Christian character and demonstrating the authenticity of faith, obedience, and generosity. It underscores God's purposeful use of trials to refine His people, authenticate their walk, and ultimately bring glory to His name. The δοκιμή is not merely the experience of hardship, but the evidence of a faith that has been tested and found true and trustworthy.
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