δόσις

dósis

G1394 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Act of giving, or the thing given; primarily denotes the process or action of giving, but can also refer to a gift or donation. In varied contexts, it may emphasize the generosity, the actual offering, or the result in the form of a present or benefit.

Semantic Range

act of giving, donation, benefaction, gift, payment, offering

Root / Etymology

From the base δό- of the verb δίδωμι (to give); δόσις is formed directly from the verbal root, with the -σις suffix indicating action or result related to the root verb.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, δόσις denotes an act of giving, a contribution, or a payment, especially in commercial or civic contexts. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek (including the Septuagint and New Testament), the term often takes a more abstract sense, indicating either the act of giving (e.g., generosity) or the specific thing given (a gift). New Testament usage (e.g., Jas 1:17) accentuates the nuance of benefaction, particularly with divine generosity. The -σις suffix marks it as an action noun, distinct from δῶρον, which more directly refers to a material gift or offering. Standard English translations often render δόσις as 'gift,' but this sometimes obscures its verbal, process-oriented nuance. In synagogue and early Christian settings, δόσις might also hint at the ongoing quality or initiative in giving, rather than the completed result.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the base of δίδωμι; a giving; by implication, (concretely) a gift:--gift, giving.

Root Family

δόσις (dosis) — giving, granting, bestowal, gift, donation

Root δο- to give, to grant, to bestow

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1394-01 δόσεως doseos N GEN F SG giving of giving of giving 1
G1394-02 δόσις dosis N NOM F SG good gift a giving gift 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1394-01 Philippians 4:15 δόσεως doseos N GEN F SG giving of giving of giving
G1394-02 James 1:17 δόσις dosis N NOM F SG good gift a giving gift