### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **dósis**, represented by `{{G1394}}`, defines the act of **giving** or, by implication, a concrete **gift**. It is a specific term that appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning centers on the concept of a bestowal, whether from a divine source or through human action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1394}}` highlights two distinct aspects of giving. In Philippians, it describes the practical act of material support among believers. The Philippian church was the only one to communicate with Paul concerning **giving** and receiving at the start of his ministry in Macedonia, establishing a partnership in the gospel [[Philippians 4:15]]. In contrast, the book of James uses the term to describe a divine bestowal, stating that every good **gift** comes down from the "Father of lights," who is constant and unchanging [[James 1:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of `{{G1394}}`:
* `{{G1434}}` **dṓrēma** (gift): This word for a bestowment is used in parallel with `{{G1394}}` in [[James 1:17]] to describe perfect gifts that originate from God.
* `{{G3028}}` **lēmpsis** (receiving): As the direct counterpart to **giving** (dósis), this term appears in [[Philippians 4:15]] to describe the reciprocal nature of the church's support for the ministry.
* `{{G18}}` **agathós** (good): This word specifies the nature of the **gift** (dósis) in [[James 1:17]], emphasizing that what comes from God is inherently good.
* `{{G2098}}` **euangélion** (gospel): This term provides the context for the act of **giving** in [[Philippians 4:15]], framing it as a partnership that supports the spread of the "good message."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1394}}` is twofold, touching on both divine character and human responsibility.
* **The Source of All Good Gifts:** The use in [[James 1:17]] establishes a foundational principle that God is the ultimate origin of every **good** (agathós) bestowal. This points to His unchanging and benevolent nature as the "Father of lights."
* **Partnership in the Gospel:** Its use in [[Philippians 4:15]] illustrates that **giving** is a practical expression of fellowship and shared purpose in the ministry. This act of giving and receiving is presented as a form of communication within the church.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1394}}` is a focused term that carries significant meaning in its two occurrences. It defines both the divine bestowal of a **gift** that is fundamentally good [[James 1:17]] and the tangible human act of **giving** that creates partnership in the gospel [[Philippians 4:15]]. While rare, **dósis** provides a precise lens for understanding that all giving, whether divine or human, is a vital aspect of spiritual life.
TRV