### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word δότης (dótēs, `{{G1395}}`) is a noun meaning "a giver." It is directly derived from the base of the verb δίδωμι (didōmi, `{{G1325}}`), which is a foundational term meaning "to give, grant, bestow, deliver, or offer." The suffix "-tēs" is an agentive ending, indicating the one who performs the action. Thus, dótēs precisely identifies the person or entity engaged in the act of giving. Its semantic range is quite focused, emphasizing the active role of bestowing or imparting something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δότης (dótēs, `{{G1395}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its single occurrence carries profound theological weight:
* **[[2 Corinthians 9:7]]**: "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (οὐκ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης· ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ θεός.)
In this passage, Paul is instructing the Corinthian believers concerning their collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. The context is an exhortation to generous and willing contribution. The phrase "cheerful giver" (ἱλαρὸν δότην) is central to Paul's teaching on Christian giving. It is not merely the act of giving that is commended, but the disposition and attitude accompanying the gift. The giver's heart—free from sadness or compulsion—is paramount. This verse elevates the internal motivation and joy in giving to a level that garners divine affection, suggesting that God values the spirit of benevolence as much as, if not more than, the material gift itself.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding δότης (dótēs, `{{G1395}}`) is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **δίδωμι (didōmi, `{{G1325}}`)**: The root verb "to give." This is the foundational term from which dótēs is formed. Its extensive usage throughout the New Testament (e.g., giving gifts, giving commands, giving oneself, giving grace, giving the Spirit) provides the broad context for understanding the act of giving.
* **δῶρον (dōron, `{{G1435}}`)**: "A gift, present." This noun refers to the object or thing that is given by the dótēs.
* **δόμα (doma, `{{G1394}}`)**: "A gift, present." Similar to dōron, often used in the context of good gifts, particularly those from God (e.g., [[Matthew 7:11]], [[Philippians 4:17]]).
* **δόσις (dosis, `{{G1390}}`)**: "A giving, a gift." This term can refer to the act of giving or to the thing given itself (e.g., [[Philippians 4:15]]).
* **ἱλαρός (hilaros, `{{G2431}}`)**: "Cheerful, joyous." This adjective directly modifies δότην in [[2 Corinthians 9:7]], emphasizing the essential quality of the acceptable giver. It denotes a joyful readiness and willingness that contrasts sharply with reluctance or compulsion.
* **εὐλογία (eulogia, `{{G2129}}`)**: "Blessing, generosity." In [[2 Corinthians 9]], eulogia is frequently linked with the act of giving, suggesting that generous giving is a form of blessing and often results in further blessings.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of δότης (dótēs, `{{G1395}}`) in [[2 Corinthians 9:7]] holds profound theological implications for the Christian life and understanding of God:
* **Divine Character and Approval:** While dótēs describes a human giver, the verse's declaration, "God loves a cheerful giver," implicitly reveals a divine attribute. God Himself is the ultimate and perfect Giver, the source of every good and perfect gift ([[James 1:17]]). By loving the cheerful giver, God reveals His own delight in ungrudging, joyful benevolence, mirroring His own abundant and gracious giving (e.g., salvation, grace, creation). This passage assures believers that their joyful acts of generosity are not only pleasing to God but are met with His specific affection and approval.
* **Motivation for Generosity:** The emphasis on the "cheerful" aspect of the dótēs elevates the motivation and attitude of giving above mere compliance or obligation. True Christian generosity springs from a heart of love, joy, and gratitude, rather than from a sense of duty or pressure. This aligns with the New Testament's consistent call for inward transformation that produces outward acts of righteousness.
* **Reflection of Christ:** Christ is the supreme Giver, who "gave himself for our sins" ([[Galatians 1:4]]) and "loved us and gave himself up for us" ([[Ephesians 5:2]]). The cheerful giver, in their act of selfless and joyful generosity, participates in and reflects the ultimate self-giving of Christ, embodying His sacrificial love.
### Summary
The Greek word δότης (dótēs, `{{G1395}}`), meaning "a giver," is derived from the fundamental verb δίδωμι (didōmi, `{{G1325}}`), "to give." Despite its single occurrence in the New Testament, its placement in [[2 Corinthians 9:7]] renders it highly significant: "God loves a cheerful giver." This verse, set within Paul's exhortation on Christian generosity, profoundly underscores that divine favor rests not merely on the act of giving, but crucially on the joyful and willing disposition of the one who gives. dótēs thus highlights the internal posture of the giver, revealing a theological truth that God delights in benevolence offered with cheerfulness, thereby reflecting His own character as the ultimate and infinitely generous Giver of all good things. The concept is further illuminated by related terms like δῶρον (`{{G1435}}`, gift) and ἱλαρός (`{{G2431}}`, cheerful), which together articulate the essence of divinely approved, joy-filled stewardship.
TRV