### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun δόμα (dóma), transliterated as *dóma*, directly derives from the base of the verb δίδωμι (dídōmi), meaning "to give." Its core meaning is "a present" or "a gift," emphasizing the object that is given. Unlike other Greek words for "gift" such as δωρεά (dōreá) `{{G1431}}`, which often highlights the gratuitous or unmerited nature of the gift, or χάρισμα (chárisma) `{{G5486}}`, which specifically denotes a "gift of grace" or spiritual endowment, δόμα (dóma) tends to be more general. It refers to something bestowed, often with a focus on its beneficial quality or its tangible nature, whether from a divine or human source. Its semantic range thus encompasses both material provisions and persons or offices given for specific purposes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δόμα (dóma) appears four times in the New Testament, each instance offering unique contextual insights:
* **[[Matthew 7:11]] / [[Luke 11:13]]**: In these parallel passages, Jesus contrasts the giving of earthly fathers with the giving of God. Human fathers, despite their fallen nature, know how to give "good gifts" (δόματα ἀγαθά, *dómata agathá*) to their children. This serves as an *a fortiori* argument for God's willingness to give the Holy Spirit (Luke) or good things (Matthew) to those who ask Him. Here, δόμα (dóma) emphasizes the beneficial and appropriate nature of the gift, highlighting God's superior benevolence.
* **[[Ephesians 4:8]]**: Paul quotes (and adapts) Psalm 68:18, stating, "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men" (ἔδωκεν δόματα τοῖς ἀνθρώποις, *edōken dómata tois anthrōpois*). Notably, the Septuagint (LXX) of Psalm 68:18 reads "received gifts among men," while Paul's rendering shifts to "gave gifts to men." This refers to Christ's distribution of specific individuals—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—as gifts to the church for the equipping of the saints and the building up of the body of Christ. In this context, δόμα (dóma) refers to persons themselves who are divinely appointed and gifted to serve the church.
* **[[Philippians 4:17]]**: Paul writes to the Philippians, "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account" (οὐχ ὅτι ἐπιζητῶ τὸ δόμα, ἀλλὰ ἐπιζητῶ τὸν καρπὸν τὸν πλεονάζοντα εἰς λόγον ὑμῶν, *ouch hoti epizētō to dóma, alla epizētō ton karpon ton pleonazonta eis logon hymōn*). Here, δόμα (dóma) refers to the financial support or material provisions that the Philippian church had sent to Paul. It is a tangible expression of their partnership in the gospel, which Paul views not as a personal gain but as spiritual "fruit" that will redound to their eternal credit.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **δίδωμι (dídōmi)** `{{G1325}}`: The root verb meaning "to give." Δόμα (dóma) is the direct product of this action.
* **δωρεά (dōreá)** `{{G1431}}`: "Free gift," emphasizing the unmerited nature of the bestowal, often used for divine gifts like the Holy Spirit or salvation. While a δόμα (dóma) can be a δωρεά (dōreá), the latter specifically highlights grace.
* **χάρισμα (chárisma)** `{{G5486}}`: "Gift of grace," specifically referring to spiritual endowments or abilities given by God for ministry within the church.
* **δόσις (dósis)** `{{G1394}}`: "A giving" or "a bestowal," focusing on the act or process of giving rather than the object given.
* **δῶρον (dōron)** `{{G1435}}`: A more general term for "gift" or "offering," often used for gifts to God (sacrifices) or gifts exchanged between humans. Δόμα (dóma) is a more specific type of gift in certain contexts.
* **ἀγαθός (agathos)** `{{G18}}`: "Good," often coupled with δόμα (dóma) as "good gifts," emphasizing their beneficial quality.
### Theological Significance
The word δόμα (dóma) carries significant theological weight, illuminating several facets of God's character and His relationship with humanity:
* **Divine Benevolence and Provision**: In the Synoptic Gospels, δόμα (dóma) underscores God's character as a benevolent Father who delights in giving "good gifts," culminating in the Holy Spirit. This highlights His perfect nature in contrast to imperfect human parents, assuring believers of His faithful provision.
* **Christ's Sovereign Authority and Equipping of the Church**: In Ephesians, δόμα (dóma) reveals Christ's post-ascension authority to distribute individuals as gifts to His church. These "gifts" (apostles, prophets, etc.) are crucial for the church's maturity and unity, demonstrating Christ's ongoing care and active role in building His body. It signifies that ministry roles are not self-appointed but divine endowments.
* **The Nature of Christian Giving**: In Philippians, δόμα (dóma) describes the material support given by the Philippians to Paul. This illustrates that human acts of generosity within the Christian community are also considered "gifts" in God's economy. Paul views such giving not as a burden but as "fruit" that brings spiritual blessing and eternal reward to the giver, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of material stewardship and partnership in the gospel.
* **The Cycle of Giving and Receiving**: The usage of δόμα (dóma) implicitly reinforces the biblical theme that all good things ultimately originate from God, whether directly (Holy Spirit) or through human instruments (spiritual leaders, material support). It encourages believers to recognize God as the ultimate Giver and to participate in a reciprocal flow of giving within the body of Christ, reflecting His generosity.
### Summary
The Greek word δόμα (dóma) `{{G1390}}` fundamentally denotes "a present" or "a gift," deriving from the verb "to give" (δίδωμι `{{G1325}}`). Its New Testament occurrences reveal a nuanced understanding of giving, encompassing both divine and human sources. From God, δόμα (dóma) refers to the "good gifts" He bestows upon His children, supremely the Holy Spirit ([[Matthew 7:11]]; [[Luke 11:13]]), and also to the gifted individuals (e.g., apostles, prophets) whom Christ gives to His church for its edification ([[Ephesians 4:8]]). From human hands, it describes the material support provided to ministers of the gospel, viewed as a spiritual investment yielding "fruit" for the givers ([[Philippians 4:17]]). While distinct from other "gift" words like δωρεά (dōreá) `{{G1431}}` (free gift) or χάρισμα (chárisma) `{{G5486}}` (spiritual gift), δόμα (dóma) consistently highlights the beneficial object given, underscoring God's abundant generosity and the reciprocal nature of giving within the divine economy.
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