### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun δώρημα (dōrēma `{{G1434}}`) derives from the verb δωρέομαι (dōreomai `{{G1431}}`), meaning "to bestow" or "to give freely." As an action noun, δώρημα emphasizes the *result* or *act* of giving, specifically a "bestowment" or "gift." It carries the nuance of something freely given, often with a sense of generosity, benevolence, and without expectation of return. Unlike some other Greek terms for "gift," δώρημα often implies a donor of superior status or profound grace.
It is crucial to distinguish δώρημα from related terms:
* δῶρον (dōron `{{G1435}}`): A more general term for a gift, often emphasizing the *object* itself, whether an offering to God or a gift from God.
* χάρισμα (charisma `{{G5486}}`): A gift of grace, specifically emphasizing divine enablement or spiritual gifts, highlighting the *grace* (χάρις) from which the gift flows.
* δόσις (dosis `{{G1394}}`): The *act* of giving or the *thing* given, often in a more neutral sense, without the specific emphasis on generosity or perfection inherent in δώρημα.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δώρημα appears only twice in the New Testament, yet each instance carries profound theological weight:
1. **[[Romans 5:16]]**: "For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift (τὸ δώρημα) following many trespasses brought justification."
In this pivotal passage, Paul contrasts the devastating consequence of Adam's single trespass—condemnation for all humanity—with the superabundant grace of God manifested in Christ. The "free gift" (τὸ δώρημα) here refers to justification, which is a divine bestowal that reverses the condemnation brought by sin. It is "free" not in the sense of being without cost (it cost Christ His life), but in the sense of being unmerited by the recipient. The use of δώρημα emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this divine bestowal, encompassing forgiveness, righteousness, and reconciliation, all freely given by God.
2. **[[James 1:17]]**: "Every good gift (πᾶσα δόσις ἀγαθὴ) and every perfect gift (πᾶν δώρημα τέλειον) is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
Here, δώρημα is used in parallel with δόσις (dosis `{{G1394}}`). While δόσις refers to "every good gift" generally, δώρημα is specifically qualified as "every *perfect* gift." This distinction suggests that δώρημα highlights the consummate quality and inherent flawlessness of God's divine provisions. It underscores the absolute goodness and reliability of God as the source of all that is truly good and complete, contrasting His unchanging nature with the instability and temptations of the world. The "perfect gift" is not merely good, but utterly complete and without defect, flowing from a perfect and immutable Father.
### Related Words & Concepts
δώρημα is closely linked to its root verb δωρέομαι (dōreomai `{{G1431}}`), which means "to bestow" or "to grant." Other cognates include:
* δῶρον (dōron `{{G1435}}`): A general term for a gift, often used for offerings or presents.
* δωρεά (dōrea `{{G1431}}`): A free gift, emphasizing the gratuity and unearned nature.
* δωρεάν (dōrean `{{G1432}}`): An adverb meaning "freely," "gratuitously," or "without cost."
The concept of δώρημα is also semantically related to:
* χάρις (charis `{{G5486}}`): Grace, the unmerited favor of God, which is the source of all divine gifts.
* δικαίωσις (dikaiōsis `{{G1342}}`): Justification, which is explicitly identified as the "free gift" in Romans 5:16.
* σωτηρία (sōtēria `{{G4991}}`): Salvation, the ultimate outcome of God's gracious bestowal.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of God as the benevolent Giver, whose gifts are rooted in His grace, perfect in quality, and transformative in their effect.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δώρημα is profound, highlighting several key aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity:
* **Divine Initiative and Benevolence:** Both occurrences unequivocally point to God as the ultimate source of these gifts. δώρημα underscores God's active, generous, and uncoerced willingness to bestow blessings upon His creation. It is a testament to His inherent goodness and love.
* **Unmerited Grace and Justification:** In [[Romans 5:16]], δώρημα is central to understanding the doctrine of justification by grace through faith. It emphasizes that salvation is not earned by human merit or works but is a sovereign, gratuitous bestowal from God. This "free gift" overcomes the pervasive power of sin and condemnation, demonstrating the superabounding nature of God's grace in Christ.
* **Perfection and Reliability of God's Gifts:** [[James 1:17]] uses δώρημα to describe the inherent perfection of God's gifts. This affirms that everything that truly originates from God is good, complete, and flawless, free from the imperfections or corruptions found in the fallen world. It provides assurance of God's unwavering character as the "Father of lights," from whom only good and perfect things descend.
* **Contrast with Human Imperfection and Sin:** The use of δώρημα implicitly contrasts God's perfect and gracious giving with human inability, sin, and the fleeting nature of earthly provisions. It magnifies the divine solution to human fallenness and the stability of God's character in a world prone to change and temptation.
### Summary
The Greek word δώρημα (dōrēma `{{G1434}}`) denotes a "bestowment" or "gift," uniquely emphasizing the act of giving and the inherent quality of what is freely bestowed. Though appearing only twice in the New Testament, its usage is exceptionally significant. In [[Romans 5:16]], it describes the "free gift" of justification, highlighting God's unmerited, gracious bestowal of righteousness that triumphs over condemnation. In [[James 1:17]], δώρημα refers to "every perfect gift" descending from the Father of lights, underscoring the divine origin, absolute goodness, and flawless nature of God's provisions. Distinct from more general terms for "gift," δώρημα carries a profound theological weight, consistently pointing to God as the benevolent and unchanging Giver of perfect and unmerited blessings, most supremely the salvific gift found in Christ. It powerfully illustrates God's character as the ultimate source of all good and His boundless grace towards humanity.
TRV