The Greek word dóma, represented by G1390, refers to a present or gift. It is derived from the base of δίδωμι (dídōmi) and appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting its specific use in the context of giving.
In its biblical usage, G1390 illustrates a contrast between human and divine giving. Both Matthew and Luke record Jesus comparing the gifts that evil parents know how to give their children with the superior gifts from the heavenly Father (Matthew 7:11, Luke 11:13). One passage specifies the Father gives "good things" Matthew 7:11, while the other identifies the ultimate gift as the "Holy Spirit" Luke 11:13. The term is also used to describe the gifts Christ gave to men after His ascension, where He "led captivity captive" Ephesians 4:8. In another context, Paul states that he does not desire a material gift, but rather the spiritual "fruit that may abound" to the believers' account Philippians 4:17.
Several related words provide a fuller context for the meaning of dóma:
- G1325 dídōmi (to give): As the root verb, this word has a very wide application. It describes God's action of giving His Son John 3:16 and giving good things to those who ask Matthew 7:7.
- G18 agathós (good): This word is used to describe the quality of the gifts given by both evil parents and the heavenly Father, establishing a baseline for comparison (Matthew 7:11, Luke 11:13).
- G154 aitéō (to ask): This term is consistently linked with receiving gifts from God. The Father gives good things and the Holy Spirit "to them that ask him" (Luke 11:13, Matthew 7:11).
- G2590 karpós (fruit): Paul contrasts the desire for a gift (dóma) with the desire for fruit that may abound to the Philippians' account, highlighting a spiritual outcome over a material present Philippians 4:17.
The theological significance of G1390 centers on the nature and source of gifts.
- Contrast in Generosity: The term is used to draw a sharp contrast between the limited, imperfect giving of evil men and the perfect, abundant giving of the heavenly Father (Matthew 7:11, Luke 11:13).
- Christ's Triumphant Giving: The gifts in Ephesians 4:8 are a direct result of Christ's ascension and victory over captivity. These are not common presents but divine endowments for humanity following his redemptive work.
- The Ultimate Gift: While earthly parents give good gifts, the Father gives the ultimate gift of the Holy Spirit G4151 to those who ask, elevating the concept from a physical object to a divine person Luke 11:13.
- Spiritual Purpose of Giving: Paul's use of the word emphasizes that the value of a gift among believers lies not in the object itself, but in the spiritual fruit and blessing it represents for the giver Philippians 4:17.
In summary, G1390 is a specific term for gift that is used strategically to teach profound truths. It helps to differentiate between the flawed-but-real generosity of humanity and the perfect, spiritually significant generosity of God. From earthly presents to the gift of the Holy Spirit and the endowments from the ascended Christ, dóma points to the truth that the nature of the giver defines the ultimate value of the gift.
TRV