English · KJV
G3330

μεταδίδωμι

metadídōmi /met-ad-id'-o-mee/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom μετά and δίδωμι
Meaningto give over, i.e. share
KJV usagegive, impart.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of metadídōmi — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word metadídōmi, represented by G3330, means to give over or share. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Translated as give or impart, the term describes an active sharing that applies to both material possessions and profound spiritual realities, moving beyond simple giving to a fuller sense of partnership.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G3330 is used to convey a generous and transformative sharing. It is used to command the sharing of basic necessities, such as when John the Baptist instructs the one with two coats to impart one to him who has none Luke 3:11. The concept is also presented as the virtuous opposite of theft; the one who used to steal is now to labor so he may have something to give to the needy Ephesians 4:28. The meaning expands beyond the material, as Paul expresses his desire to impart a spiritual gift to the Roman believers Romans 1:11. This act of giving is listed as a specific function to be done with simplicity Romans 12:8. The most profound use shows the depth of this sharing, as Paul was willing to impart not only the gospel but his own soul out of deep affection 1 Thessalonians 2:8.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the scope of G3330:

  • G2192 échō: a primary verb; to hold or have. This word establishes the prerequisite for imparting; one must first have something in order to share it. This is seen in the instruction for "He that hath two coats" to impart one Luke 3:11 and the one who labors so that he may have something to give Ephesians 4:28.
  • G2038 ergázomai: to toil or work. The means for giving is often generated through diligent labor. Paul connects working with the ability to give, instructing that this is the righteous way to acquire resources for sharing Ephesians 4:28.
  • G5486 chárisma: a (divine) gratuity... a (spiritual) endowment... (free) gift. This term describes the nature of what can be imparted. Paul's desire is not just to share an idea, but to impart a spiritual gift to strengthen the believers in Rome Romans 1:11.

Theological Significance

The use of G3330 highlights several core principles of Christian life and ministry.

  • Practical Generosity: The term establishes a baseline of practical charity, where those who have more are expected to impart to those who have less, meeting tangible needs for food and clothing Luke 3:11.
  • Restorative Labor: Giving is framed as the redemptive outcome of honest work. Instead of taking from others, one is to labor G2872 specifically to be in a position to give to those in need Ephesians 4:28.
  • Spiritual Edification: The act of imparting is a key part of building up others in the faith. It can involve sharing a spiritual gift G5486 for the purpose of establishing and strengthening fellow believers Romans 1:11.
  • Relational Sacrifice: At its deepest level, to impart is an act of profound love. It involves sharing not just a message or a resource, but one's very self, driven by being "affectionately desirous" G2442 of others 1 Thessalonians 2:8.

Summary

In summary, G3330 is a powerful word that captures a form of giving rooted in love and intentionality. It encompasses the sharing of both material goods and spiritual life, sourced from honest labor and a generous heart. From sharing a coat to imparting one's own soul, metadídōmi illustrates that true giving is a transformative act of sharing one's life with others.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 5 occurrences, inflected in 5 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • 2nd Aorist Active Imperative 3rd Singular 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Infinitive 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Subjunctive 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Active Infinitive 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G2192 ἔχω a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possess G2038 ἐργάζομαι middle voice from ἔργον; to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc.:--c G5486 χάρισμα from χαρίζομαι; a (divine) gratuity, i.e. deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i. G2872 κοπιάω from a derivative of κόπος; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard:--(bestow) labour, toil, be wearied. G2442 ἱμείρομαι middle voice from (a yearning; of uncertain affinity); to long for:--be affectionately desirous.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 5 verses across 4 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Romans (2 verses); never once in the other 23.

1
Luke
2
Romans
1
Ephesians
1
1 Thessalonians

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.