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δοκιμή

dokimḗ

G1382 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Character of being proven or tested; the state or quality of having passed a test or examination. In extended use, refers to approved character or proven worth, particularly as recognized through enduring trials or difficulties. Can also signify the process or result of examination, often with the implication of positive outcome—demonstrated reliability or trustworthiness.

Semantic Range

the state of being proven or tested, approved character, reliability resulting from trial, a test or trial, the result of examination, attested worth, proven reliability, recognized approval

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root δόκιμος (dokimos), meaning 'approved, tested, genuine,' with the abstract noun ending -ή. The term thus denotes the abstract quality or result relating to the process of testing and approval.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Δοκιμή appears in a limited but significant set of Hellenistic and Koine Greek contexts. In classical usage, cognates such as δοκιμάζω ('to test, examine') and δόκιμος are more frequent, with δοκιμή in post-classical texts and inscriptions denoting the process or outcome of testing, especially in administrative and social contexts (e.g., the proving of money, materials, or people). In the Septuagint, the term appears rarely, but the cognate verb and adjectives are used in contexts of examining (e.g., metals) or evaluating persons. In the New Testament (notably Romans 5:4; 2 Corinthians 2:9; 8:2; 9:13; Philippians 2:22), δοκιμή emphasizes the result of enduring affliction—a character or reputation validated by having undergone trials, at times with a focus on communal recognition. English translations such as 'experience,' 'proof,' or 'trial' may not fully communicate the nuance of assessed and approved character. Synonyms include πειρασμός (testing/trial with the unknown outcome) but δοκιμή is distinct in its implication of a successful outcome—an approval or trustworthiness resulting from a test. Early Christian moral language adapted the term to express proven spiritual or ethical character, building on broader Greco-Roman uses of the word with coins, people, or offices being 'tested and approved.'

Translation Consistency

primary "prove" 0 occurrences

δοκιμή centers on being tested and shown trustworthy or approved. The verb 'prove' naturally covers both the testing process and the resulting state (proven/approved), matches common English renderings (proven, proof, approval) and provides a single, natural base for consistent inflection across all forms.

Alternatives (7 occurrences):
"proven character" (7x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as δόκιμος; test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness:--experience(-riment), proof, trial.

Root Family

δοκιμή (dokimē) — testing, proving, approval, proven character

Root δοκίμ- to test, to prove, to approve

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1382-02 δοκιμήν dokimen N ACC F SG proof proven character proven character 4
G1382-01 δοκιμὴ dokime N NOM F SG experience proven character proven character 2
G1382-03 δοκιμῆς dokimes N GEN F SG proof of proven character of proven character 1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1382-02 Romans 5:4 δοκιμήν dokimen N ACC F SG experience proven character proven character
G1382-01 Romans 5:4 δοκιμὴ dokime N NOM F SG experience proven character proven character
G1382-02 2 Corinthians 2:9 δοκιμὴν dokimen N ACC F SG proof proven character proven character
G1382-01 2 Corinthians 8:2 δοκιμῇ dokime N DAT F SG trial proven character proven character
G1382-03 2 Corinthians 9:13 δοκιμῆς dokimes N GEN F SG proof of proven character of proven character
G1382-02 2 Corinthians 13:3 δοκιμὴν dokimen N ACC F SG proof proven character proven character
G1382-02 Philippians 2:22 δοκιμὴν dokimen N ACC F SG proof proven character proven character
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