Greek word · G1382

δοκιμή

dokimē

test

The process of testing (as metal is tried in fire), the proof that results, and the tested, proven character of someone who has passed. Related to δόκιμος ("approved, genuine," used of coins that passed inspection) and ἀδόκιμος ("failing the test, counterfeit").

Appears 7 times in 6 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

δοκιμή, -ῆς, ἡ

(δόκιμος), [in Sm.: Psalms 68:31 * ;]

1. the process of trial, proving, test: 2 Corinthians 8:2 9:13

2. The result of trial, approval, approvedness, proof: Romans 5:4, 2 Corinthians 2:9 13:3, Philippians 2:22 (Cremer, 212, 701).†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of 2 Corinthians 13:3

Range of meaning

The process of testing (as metal is tried in fire), the proof that results, and the tested, proven character of someone who has passed. Related to δόκιμος ("approved, genuine," used of coins that passed inspection) and ἀδόκιμος ("failing the test, counterfeit").

Against the English

English translations agree on "proof" (KJV "a proof", BSB/NIV/ESV "proof"). The English word is accurate, but readers tend to hear evidence or an argument. The Greek pictures a trial: something put to the test and found genuine or fake.

How it drifted

Modern English "proof" leans toward logical or documentary evidence. The older sense of "proof" as a test (as in "the proof of the pudding" or a gun "proved" by firing it) has mostly faded.

Used elsewhere in the period

The noun is rare before Paul. Paul uses it seven times: Rom 5:4 ("tested character"), 2 Cor 2:9, 8:2, 9:13, 13:3, Phil 2:22. The word family is common in Greek for assaying money and metals. The Septuagint uses the verb δοκιμάζω for God testing hearts like silver (e.g., Ps 66:10; Prov 17:3; Jer 9:7).

From the study of 2 Corinthians 8:2

Range of meaning

(1) A test or trial that checks whether something is genuine. (2) The proof or evidence that results from such a test. (3) The quality of having been tested and found true: "proven character". The word is related to dokimos ("tested, approved", used of assayed coins and metals) and dokimazō ("to test, to approve").

Against the English

KJV "trial", BSB and NASB "ordeal", ESV "test". All of these catch the hardship, but they lose the idea that the hardship proved something. Modern "trial" can sound like a courtroom or simply "a hard time".

How it drifted

"Trial" in Tyndale-KJV English meant a test or proving. Today it more often suggests a legal proceeding or a general difficulty.

Used elsewhere in the period

The word is very rare before Paul, and in the NT only Paul uses it: Rom 5:4 (suffering produces endurance, endurance produces dokimē, "proven character"), 2 Cor 2:9, 9:13 ("the proof of this service"), 13:3, Phil 2:22. The related verb is used for assaying metal (LXX Prov 17:3; Zech 13:9; compare 1 Pet 1:7).

From the study of 2 Corinthians 9:13

Range of meaning

(1) A test or trial that puts something to the proof; (2) the result of passing such a test: proven worth, tested character, evidence. It comes from the same family as dokimazō, 'to assay', used of testing coins and metals.

Against the English

KJV has 'experiment', which in 1611 meant a trial or proof but now suggests a lab. BSB, WEB and NASB have 'proof'. NIV turns it into 'the service by which you have proved yourselves'. Some versions read it as the recipients' 'approval' of the service.

How it drifted

KJV's 'experiment' has narrowed to the scientific sense since 1611. The Greek word was never tentative or exploratory.

Used elsewhere in the period

The noun is not attested in Greek before Paul. It may be his coinage or a rare everyday word, built on the common verb dokimazō, used in papyri for testing coinage and approving officials. Paul uses it in 2 Cor 2:9; 8:2 ('a severe test of affliction'); 13:3; Rom 5:4; Phil 2:22.

Where it appears

Romans · 2

  1. Romans 5:4 δοκιμήν, δοκιμὴ character,, character

    perseverance, character; and character, hope.

    Here: What you have once you have been tested and come through: proven genuineness, like metal that has passed the assayer's fire. It is the object of the verb "produces," which is left out but understood from verse 3.

2 Corinthians · 4

  1. 2 Corinthians 2:9 δοκιμὴν proof

    My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.

  2. 2 Corinthians 8:2 δοκιμῇ proof

    In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.

    Here: This is the testing that proves whether something is genuine, the way metal is assayed. Their affliction worked as the test, and it showed what they really were.

  3. 2 Corinthians 9:13 δοκιμῆς proof

    Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others.

    Here: The proof that comes from being tested, like metal tried in fire. The collection shows that the Corinthians' faith is real.

  4. 2 Corinthians 13:3 δοκιμὴν a proof

    since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you but is powerful among you.

    Here: Proof that comes from testing something and finding it genuine. The Corinthians want Paul's claim to speak for Christ put to the test and shown real. It sets up the wordplay on "tested / failing the test" in 13:5–7.

Philippians · 1

  1. Philippians 2:22 δοκιμὴν the proven worth

    But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.