Lexical Summary dokimion: Testing, trial, proving Original Word: δοκίμιον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance trial, trying. Neuter of a presumed derivative of dokime; a testing; by implication, trustworthiness -- trial, trying. see GREEK dokime HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1383 dokímion (a neuter noun) what is found approved (genuine) after testing, focusing on the inevitable results of this. See 1384 (dokimos) and 1381 (dokimázō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dokimos Definition a testing NASB Translation proof (1), testing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1383: δοκίμιονδοκίμιον, δοκιμιου, τό (dokimee]; 1. equivalent to τό δοκιμάζειν, the proving: τῆς πίστεως, James 1:3. 2. that by which something is tried or proved, a test: Dionysius Halicarnassus ars rhet. 11; γλῶσσα γεύσεως δοκίμιον, Longinus, de sublima. 32, 5; δοκίμιον δέ στρατιωτῶν κάματος, Herodian, 2, 10, 12 (6, Bekker edition); in the Sept. of a crucible or furnace for smelting: Proverbs 27:21; Psalm 11:7 3. equivalent to δοκιμή, 2: ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως, your proved faith, 1 Peter 1:7. This word is treated of fully by Fritzsche in his Praliminarien as above with, pp. 40, 44. Strong’s 1383 names the authenticated quality that emerges when faith has been assayed. It is not the ordeal itself but the reliable character produced by it. James calls it “the testing of your faith” that “develops perseverance” (James 1:3). Peter sees it as “the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold” (1 Peter 1:7). Literary Background In the Greek commercial world the term described a metallurgist’s proof coin or an assayer’s certificate. Only metal that survived the furnace without dross could be stamped as genuine. The writers borrow this everyday image to assure believers that the fires they endure are designed to certify, not destroy. Canonical Usage • James 1:3 addresses scattered Jewish Christians facing socioeconomic pressure. Their trials, rightly received, yield a faith able to endure for the long haul. Theological Themes 1. Divine Intention: God is the Refiner; His aim is maturity, never failure. Old Testament Foundations The concept rests on a rich Hebrew backdrop: “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests hearts” (Proverbs 17:3). Job trusts, “When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). Prophets portray a remnant purified in fire (Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:3). The New Testament usage carries these covenant promises forward into the lives of believers in Messiah. Related New Testament Vocabulary • dokimos – “approved” (Romans 16:10; 2 Timothy 2:15) describes the person who has passed the test. Pastoral and Practical Implications 1. Suffering is not evidence of divine displeasure but of divine craftsmanship. Eschatological Outlook The final revelation of Jesus Christ will publicize the hidden worth produced in present trials. What is now invisible to culture will then receive “praise, glory, and honor.” This future orientation fuels present endurance and guards against bitterness. Historical Witness The earliest church, scattered by persecution (Acts 8:1-4), displayed the very quality James commends, turning exile into evangelism. Throughout history—from Polycarp’s martyrdom to modern believers in restricted nations—the church’s most compelling testimony often rises from crucibles that prove the gospel’s reality. Application to Christian Ministry • Preaching: Present trials as integral to God’s redemptive storyline. Summary Strong’s 1383 captures the certified genuineness of faith refined by hardship. Scripture presents such testing as purposeful, precious, and praise-generating, assuring believers that every furnace moment is forging an eternal weight of glory. Englishman's Concordance James 1:3 N-NNSGRK: ὅτι τὸ δοκίμιον ὑμῶν τῆς NAS: knowing that the testing of your faith KJV: [this], that the trying of your INT: that the testing of your 1 Peter 1:7 N-NNS |
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