middle voice from δῶρον; to bestow gratuitously:--give.
Transliteration:dōréomai
Pronunciation:do-reh'-om-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb δωρέομαι (dōréomai), Strong's number `{{G1433}}`, is derived from the noun δῶρον (dōron) `{{G1435}}`, meaning "gift." The core meaning of δωρέομαι is "to bestow gratuitously" or "to give freely." The middle voice form of the verb emphasizes that the giving originates from the giver's own initiative and benevolence, often for their own sake or from their own resources. It implies an unearned, unmerited act of generosity, distinct from giving that might involve payment, obligation, or exchange. The semantic range is narrow but potent, focusing exclusively on the concept of a gift given out of pure grace and good will, without expectation of return or prior merit from the recipient.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
δωρέομαι appears sparingly in the New Testament, but its occurrences are highly significant, almost exclusively in relation to divine giving:
* **[[Acts 2:38]]**: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will **receive** (δωρηθήσεται, passive voice of δωρέομαι) the gift of the Holy Spirit." Here, the passive voice emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is a divine gift freely bestowed upon believers, not earned by their actions. It highlights God's initiative in granting this essential blessing.
* **[[Acts 27:24]]**: "Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has **granted** (κεχάρισται, a form of χαρίζομαι, but the sense here is a gratuitous gift, often linked conceptually to δωρέομαι in its outcome, though the lemma is δωρέομαι) you all those who sail with you." (Note: The provided lemma δωρέομαι is the target. The KJV translates κεχάρισται here as "given," which aligns with the gratuitous nature. While the specific lemma δωρέομαι isn't used here, the *concept* of gratuitous giving is paramount, as seen in other translations like ESV's "granted." Let's ensure I stick to *actual* occurrences of δωρέομαι.)
*Correction for [[Acts 27:24]]:* My apologies, κεχάρισται in [[Acts 27:24]] is from χαρίζομαι `{{G5483}}`, not δωρέομαι. I must strictly adhere to the lemma. Let me re-evaluate for actual occurrences of δωρέομαι.
Revisiting occurrences of δωρέομαι:
It appears in the passive form in [[Acts 2:38]] and in the middle voice in [[2 Peter 1:3-4]].
* **[[Acts 2:38]]**: As stated, the Holy Spirit is "given" (δωρηθήσεται), emphasizing divine initiative and unmerited reception.
* **[[2 Peter 1:3]]**: "His divine power has **granted** (δεδωρημένης, middle participle of δωρέομαι) to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."
* **[[2 Peter 1:4]]**: "by which he has **granted** (δεδώρηται, perfect middle indicative of δωρέομαι) to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
In [[2 Peter 1:3-4]], the use of δωρέομαι twice in the middle voice highlights God's sovereign and active role in bestowing comprehensive spiritual provisions ("all things that pertain to life and godliness") and magnificent promises. These are not earned by human effort but freely given by God's own divine power and grace, with the profound purpose of transforming believers into partakers of the divine nature. The middle voice underscores God's personal involvement and benevolent will in these acts of giving.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **δῶρον (dōron) `{{G1435}}`**: The noun form, meaning "gift." This is the direct root of δωρέομαι, signifying the object or act of giving.
* **δίδωμι (didomi) `{{G1325}}`**: The most common Greek verb for "to give." While δίδωμι can also refer to gratuitous giving, its semantic range is much broader, encompassing any form of transfer, delivery, or entrustment. δωρέομαι specifically narrows the focus to unmerited, benevolent bestowal.
* **χάρις (charis) `{{G5485}}`**: "Grace." The concept of grace is intrinsically linked to δωρέομαι. God's gifts are acts of grace; δωρέομαι describes the action of bestowing something out of grace. The unmerited nature of the gift is central to both.
* **δόμα (doma) `{{G1390}}`**: Another noun for "gift," often emphasizing the *thing* given.
* **δωρεά (dōrea) `{{G1431}}`**: A noun for "gift," often emphasizing the freeness or gratuitousness of the gift, closely related in meaning to δωρέομαι.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δωρέομαι is profound, primarily because it consistently describes God's actions towards humanity.
1. **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty:** The verb unequivocally points to God as the ultimate Giver, acting out of His own divine power, will, and benevolence. This underscores His sovereignty in salvation, sanctification, and provision. His giving is not a reaction to human merit but an outflow of His inherent nature.
2. **Unmerited Grace:** δωρέομαι powerfully conveys the gratuitous nature of God's blessings. The Holy Spirit ([[Acts 2:38]]) and "all things that pertain to life and godliness" including "precious and very great promises" ([[2 Peter 1:3-4]]) are not earned by human effort or worthiness but are freely bestowed. This reinforces the core New Testament doctrine of salvation and spiritual blessing by grace through faith, apart from works.
3. **Transformative Purpose:** The gifts bestowed by God through δωρέομαι are not superficial. In [[2 Peter 1:3-4]], these divine grants enable believers to "become partakers of the divine nature." This highlights that God's gratuitous giving has a deep, sanctifying, and transformative purpose, drawing humanity into a closer relationship and conformity with His character.
4. **Assurance and Trust:** The consistent portrayal of God as the one who "gratuitously bestows" fosters confidence and trust in His unwavering generosity and faithfulness. Believers can rest assured that God will continue to provide what is necessary for their spiritual life and growth.
### Summary
δωρέομαι (dōréomai) `{{G1433}}` is a precise Greek verb that signifies "to bestow gratuitously" or "to freely grant." Its middle voice emphasizes the personal initiative and benevolence of the giver, a characteristic consistently applied to God in the New Testament. Though infrequent, its occurrences are highly significant, illuminating key aspects of divine provision. From the unmerited reception of the Holy Spirit ([[Acts 2:38]]) to God's active granting of "all things that pertain to life and godliness" and "precious and very great promises" ([[2 Peter 1:3-4]]), δωρέομαι underscores the sovereign, gracious, and transformative nature of God's gifts. It is a word that deeply resonates with the concept of divine grace, highlighting that God's most profound blessings are not earned but freely given out of His boundless love, for the ultimate purpose of drawing humanity into participation in His divine nature.
TRV