δωρεά
dōreá
G1431 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A gift; something given freely, usually as an expression of favor, generosity, or grace, rather than in exchange or obligation. The term is employed in a variety of contexts to indicate a present offered without expectation of return, often signifying benevolence. In literary and religious contexts, particularly in the Septuagint and New Testament, it denotes both concrete gifts and more abstract bestowals such as spiritual blessings or divine favor.
Semantic Range
gift, free gift, act of giving, benefaction, gratuity, donation, bestowal (especially of divine or spiritual things)
Root / Etymology
From δῶρον (dōron, 'gift, present'), a primary Greek noun; δωρεά extends the root with the sense of the act, manner, or result of giving. The suffix -εά (-ea) forms abstract nouns, emphasizing the quality or action.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, δωρεά is less common than δῶρον but appears in philosophical and Hellenistic texts as an abstract or collective term for gifts, sometimes used in official decrees for endowments or benefactions. In the Greek Bible (LXX, NT), δωρεά often refers to divine generosity — such as the 'gift of the Holy Spirit' (Acts 2:38) or the 'free gift' contrasted with wages or obligations (Romans 5:15-17). It is distinct from δῶρον, which may refer to gifts presented in ritual, diplomatic, or secular contexts. δωρεά tends to emphasize the undeserved or unearned nature of the gift. English translations typically render δωρεά as "gift" or "free gift," but this sometimes underrepresents its nuance as a voluntary or gracious act. Notably, Septuagint use makes a sharper distinction between δωρεά (unconditional gift) and δῶρον (ritual or formal gift/offering).
Translation Consistency
δωρεά is primarily a noun meaning a present or free bestowal (including spiritual/divine bestowals). “Gift” is the natural, common English equivalent that covers both concrete and abstract senses, and can be modified (e.g., “free gift,” “gift of grace”) when context requires. It is simple, consistent, and captures the typical usage in LXX/NT contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δῶρον; a gratuity:--gift.
Root Family
δωρεά (dōrea) — gift, free giving, benefaction, bestowal
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1431-02 |
δωρεὰν | dorean | N ACC F SG |
gift | as a free gift | as a free gift | 5 |
G1431-03 |
δωρεᾶς | doreas | N GEN F SG |
gift | of a free gift | of a free gift | 3 |
G1431-01 |
δωρεὰ | dorea | N NOM F SG |
gift | a free gift | a free gift | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
11 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1431-02 |
John 4:10 | δωρεὰν | dorean | N ACC F SG |
gift | as a free gift | gift |
G1431-02 |
Acts 2:38 | δωρεὰν | dorean | N ACC F SG |
gift | as a free gift | as a free gift |
G1431-02 |
Acts 8:20 | δωρεὰν | dorean | N ACC F SG |
gift | as a free gift | as a free gift |
G1431-01 |
Acts 10:45 | δωρεὰ | dorea | N NOM F SG |
gift | a free gift | a free gift |
G1431-02 |
Acts 11:17 | δωρεὰν | dorean | N ACC F SG |
gift | as a free gift | gift |
G1431-01 |
Romans 5:15 | δωρεὰ | dorea | N NOM F SG |
gift | a free gift | a free gift |
G1431-03 |
Romans 5:17 | δωρεᾶς | doreas | N GEN F SG |
gift | of a free gift | of a free gift |
G1431-01 |
2 Corinthians 9:15 | δωρεᾷ | dorea | N DAT F SG |
gift | a free gift | a free gift |
G1431-02 |
Ephesians 3:7 | δωρεὰν | dorean | N ACC F SG |
gift | as a free gift | as a free gift |
G1431-03 |
Ephesians 4:7 | δωρεᾶς | doreas | N GEN F SG |
gift | of a free gift | of a free gift |