### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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