The Greek word δωρέομαι (dōréomai), represented by G1433, means to bestow gratuitously:--give. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The word emphasizes the act of giving something as a free and unmerited gift.
In its biblical usage, G1433 describes both human and divine acts of giving. In a purely human context, a centurion gave the body of Jesus to Joseph Mark 15:45. The term carries greater theological weight in 2 Peter, where it describes what God bestows upon believers. It is by God's "divine G2304 power G1411" that He hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness 2 Peter 1:3. Following this, Peter states that "exceeding great and precious promises G1862" are given to us 2 Peter 1:4.
Several related words clarify the context of the gifts described by G1433:
- G2304 theîos (divine, godhead): This word is directly linked to the gifts in 2 Peter, defining the source as "divine power" 2 Peter 1:3 and the result as partaking in the "divine nature" 2 Peter 1:4.
- G1411 dýnamis (power, strength): This identifies the force behind the act of giving. It is God's divine power that has given believers the essentials for a godly life 2 Peter 1:3.
- G1862 epángelma (promise): This specifies what is given to believers. Through these divinely bestowed promises, they can escape the world's corruption 2 Peter 1:4.
- G1391 dóxa (glory, honour): The gifts from God are related to a higher calling, as He has called believers to glory and virtue 2 Peter 1:3.
The theological weight of G1433 is centered on the grace of God as the giver.
- Divine Bestowal: The word highlights that the means for spiritual life are not achieved but are a gift. God's own "divine G2304 power G1411" is the source that hath given these things 2 Peter 1:3.
- Spiritual Provision: The gifts are profound in nature, consisting of "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" 2 Peter 1:3 and "precious promises G1862" 2 Peter 1:4.
- Gratuitous Act: The core definition, "to bestow gratuitously," underscores that God's provisions are an act of grace. The purpose of these gifts is to enable believers to become "partakers of the divine G2304 nature" 2 Peter 1:4.
In summary, G1433 is a concise but powerful term for a gift freely bestowed. While it can describe a simple human action, as in the giving of Christ's body Mark 15:45, its primary theological use illustrates God's grace. It shows that God gratuitously gives believers both the promises and the divine power necessary for life, godliness, and partaking in His divine nature.
TRV