δοκιμάζω
dokimázō
G1381 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To examine or put to the test for genuineness, often involving scrutiny to ascertain value, worthiness, or authenticity. In various contexts, also: to approve as a result of examination, to recognize as genuine after testing, to regard as worthy, or to accept after trial. The word can refer to material objects, persons, or abstract qualities.
Semantic Range
to test for genuineness, to examine, to scrutinize, to discern worthiness, to evaluate for approval, to approve after testing, to accept after examination, to recognize as genuine
Root / Etymology
From the adjective δόκιμος (dokimos, 'genuine, approved, proven'), which derives from the verb δέχομαι ('to receive, accept'). Thus, δοκιμάζω fundamentally means 'to make (someone/something) δόκιμος', that is, to test with a view to recognition or approval.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, δοκιμάζω originally had the sense of testing metals (especially coins) to ensure their genuineness. It developed a broad use for putting anything or anyone to the test, whether through examination, evaluation, or scrutiny, often with the implication of reaching a positive result — i.e., approval after examination. By the Hellenistic period and in Koine usage (including the Septuagint and New Testament), the term refers not only to physical testing but also to discerning motives, ideas, or moral quality. In the New Testament, δοκιμάζω frequently implies moral or spiritual evaluation, e.g., 'discerning what is good or pleasing', but always retains the nuance of a process leading to either approval or rejection, depending on the outcome. English translations often narrow the word to 'prove' or 'test', but its full scope includes both the process and the result of examination. Related words: πειράζω ('to try, to tempt'), which more often emphasizes the challenge or ordeal itself rather than the outcome or approval.
Translation Consistency
dokimázō primarily means to put to the test or examine to determine genuineness or worth. "Test" is natural, widely applicable to persons, objects, and qualities, and easily covers both the act of examining and the sense of approving after examination, so it best fits the typical usages.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δόκιμος; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve:--allow, discern, examine, X like, (ap-)prove, try.
Root Family
δοκιμάζω (dokimazō) — to test, to approve, to discern
Word Forms
16 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1381-06 |
δοκιμάζειν | dokimazein | V PRS ACT INF |
to analyze | to test for genuineness | to analyze | 4 |
G1381-09 |
δοκιμάζετε | dokimazete | V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL |
test | Be testing for genuineness | Be testing for genuineness | 3 |
G1381-10 |
δοκιμαζέτω | dokimazeto | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
let him examine | let him keep testing | let him examine | 2 |
G1381-05 |
δοκιμάζει | dokimazei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
approves | tests for genuineness | approves | 1 |
G1381-01 |
δεδοκιμάσμεθα | dedokimasmetha | V PRF PASS IND 1P PL |
we have been approved | we have been approved | we have been approved | 1 |
G1381-16 |
ἐδοκίμασαν | edokimasan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
they approved | they tested for approval | they approved | 1 |
G1381-07 |
δοκιμάζεις | dokimazeis | V PRS ACT IND 2P SG |
approve | you test for genuineness | you approve | 1 |
G1381-14 |
δοκιμάζοντι | dokimazonti | V PRS ACT PTCP DAT M SG |
who examines | to the one testing | testing one | 1 |
G1381-02 |
δοκιμάσαι | dokimasai | V AOR ACT INF |
to prove them | to test for genuineness | to test for genuineness | 1 |
G1381-15 |
ἐδοκιμάσαμεν | edokimasamen | V AOR ACT IND 1P PL |
we have tested/proved | we tested | we tested | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
22 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1381-06 |
Luke 12:56 | δοκιμάζειν | dokimazein | V PRS ACT INF |
to analyze | to test for genuineness | to analyze |
G1381-06 |
Luke 12:56 | δοκιμάζειν | dokimazein-2 | V PRS ACT INF |
to analyze | to test for genuineness | to analyze |
G1381-02 |
Luke 14:19 | δοκιμάσαι | dokimasai | V AOR ACT INF |
to prove them | to test for genuineness | to test for genuineness |
G1381-16 |
Romans 1:28 | ἐδοκίμασαν | edokimasan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
they approved | they tested for approval | they approved |
G1381-07 |
Romans 2:18 | δοκιμάζεις | dokimazeis | V PRS ACT IND 2P SG |
approve | you test for genuineness | you approve |
G1381-06 |
Romans 12:2 | δοκιμάζειν | dokimazein | V PRS ACT INF |
prove | to test for genuineness | to test for genuineness |
G1381-05 |
Romans 14:22 | δοκιμάζει | dokimazei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
approves | tests for genuineness | approves |
G1381-03 |
1 Corinthians 3:13 | δοκιμάσει | dokimasei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
will test | will test for genuineness | will test |
G1381-10 |
1 Corinthians 11:28 | δοκιμαζέτω | dokimazeto | V PRS ACT IMP 3P SG |
let him examine | let him keep testing | let him examine |
G1381-04 |
1 Corinthians 16:3 | δοκιμάσητε | dokimasete | V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL |
you approve | you may test for genuineness | you approve |