δοκίμιον

From the study of James 1:3

Range of meaning

A rare word in the δοκιμ- family (δοκιμάζω "to test, assay, approve"; δόκιμος "tested, approved, genuine"; δοκιμή "proven character"). It has two main senses: (1) the process or means of testing, such as an assay or crucible (BDAG sense 1, citing this verse); (2) the genuine, tested quality that survives the test (BDAG sense 2, citing 1 Peter 1:7). The neuter of the adjective δοκίμιος, "genuine," could also be used as a noun meaning "the genuine part."

Against the English

Most modern versions say "testing" (BSB, WEB, NIV, ESV, NASB). KJV says "trying", which in 1611 was the refiner's word: gold was "tried" in the fire. YLT's "proof" leans toward the result. None of these is wrong, but modern English "testing" can suggest an exam you pass or fail. The Greek picture is metal being refined and shown to be real.

How it drifted

"Trying" has shifted in English from "refining, assaying" to "attempting" or "annoying," so KJV readers today can miss the metallurgy.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Greek Old Testament (LXX), Proverbs 27:21 reads δοκίμιον ἀργύρῳ καὶ χρυσῷ πύρωσις, "the testing of silver and gold is the furnace." Psalm 11:7 LXX (12:6 English) speaks of silver "tried" in a furnace. Adolf Deissmann showed from Greek papyri that δοκίμιος was common in the sense "genuine" for gold and silver. The near-identical phrase τὸ δοκίμιον ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως appears in 1 Peter 1:7, where it is explicitly compared with gold tested by fire.

From the study of 1 Peter 1:7

Range of meaning

Two related senses: (1) a test or means of testing, such as a crucible, an assay, or the process of proving something; (2) as the neuter of the adjective dokimios, 'genuine, tested, up to standard', it means the tested genuineness of something, the part that passes the test.

Against the English

KJV 'trial' (1611 English for an assay or proof); BSB 'proven character'; WEB/YLT 'proof'; ESV/NIV 'tested/proven genuineness'. 'Trial' now sounds like an ordeal or a courtroom; 'proof' and 'genuineness' are closer.

How it drifted

The Latin Vulgate's probatio ('a proving') became 'trial' in the Douay and KJV. In older English, a 'trial' of metal was its assay. Modern English 'trial' mostly means hardship, so readers now hear 'your sufferings are more precious than gold'.

Used elsewhere in the period

LXX Proverbs 27:21: 'fire is the dokimion for silver and gold' (the testing-place). LXX Psalm 11:7 (12:6 in English Bibles): the Lord's words are 'silver fired, tested (dokimion) in the earth'. James 1:3 has the exact phrase 'the dokimion of your faith', which there 'produces endurance', the process sense. Greek papyri use dokimios of gold as 'genuine, standard-quality' (Deissmann, Bible Studies), and BDAG gives 'genuineness' for 1 Peter 1:7.