Lexical Summary dokimos: Approved, tested, tried, genuine Original Word: δόκιμος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance approved, tried. From dokeo; properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e. Approved -- approved, tried. see GREEK dokeo HELPS Word-studies 1384 dókimos (an adjective, derived from 1209/de [1384 (dókimos) is the root of: 1381 (dokimázō), 1382 (dokimḗ) and 1383 (dokímion). 1384 (dókimos) was used for the proving (testing) of coins, i.e. confirming they were genuine (not counterfeit, corrupted).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dechomai Definition tested, approved NASB Translation approved (7). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1384: δόκιμοςδόκιμος, δόκιμον (δέχομαι); from Herodotus down; 1. properly, accepted, particularly of coins and metals, Genesis 23:16; 2 Chronicles 9:17; Lucian, Herm. 68, etc.; hence, universally, proved, tried: in the N. T. one who is of tried faith and integrity (R. V. approved), Romans 16:10 (τόν δόκιμον ἐν Χριστῷ, the approved servant of Christ); 1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Corinthians 10:18; 2 Corinthians 13:7; 2 Timothy 2:15 (παρισταναι ἑαυτόν δόκιμον τῷ Θεῷ); James 1:12. 2. accepted, equivalent to acceptable, pleasing: εὐάρεστος τῷ Θεῷ καί δόκιμος (L marginal reading δοκιμοις) τοῖς ἀνθρώποις, Romans 14:18. Strong’s 1384 revolves around the idea of something or someone first being tested and then found genuine. The word pictures metal tried by fire or coinage examined for purity, conveying both process (scrutiny) and result (acceptance). In Scripture the term always looks past appearance to verdict: God, circumstances, or the believing community apply pressure; the unworthy fall away, but what is authentic emerges with commendation. Occurrences in the New Testament 1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Corinthians 10:18; 2 Corinthians 13:7; Romans 14:18; Romans 16:10; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:12. Approved before God Two passages make explicit that the decisive courtroom is heavenly. 2 Corinthians 10:18 warns, “For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” Self-promotion or even human applause cannot substitute for divine recognition. Similarly, 2 Timothy 2:15 exhorts workers in the gospel: “Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.” Ministerial diligence, doctrinal accuracy, and personal integrity combine to produce the commendation that matters. Approved among People Romans 14:18 balances the vertical with the horizontal: “For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.” When believers walk in love and righteousness, public reputation often echoes God’s verdict, providing testimony to the world. Yet 2 Corinthians 13:7 reminds the church not to seek appearances: Paul prays they will “do what is right even if we seem to have failed,” surrendering the need to look successful so that true righteousness may flourish. Testing through Trials James 1:12 reveals that the path to approval is frequently paved with hardship: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” Trials do not manufacture faith; they expose its authenticity, qualifying believers for eschatological reward. Discernment inside the Church 1 Corinthians 11:19 observes, “And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved.” Controversies in Corinth, though regrettable, became an arena where genuine faithfulness stood out. Church disagreements, handled biblically, can clarify who holds fast to truth and charity. An Individual Example Romans 16:10 greets “Apelles, who is approved in Christ.” Nothing else is recorded of Apelles, yet this brief note immortalizes him as one whose life had passed divine inspection. The early church viewed such approval as the highest accolade, surpassing office or notoriety. Ministry and Leadership Implications • Leaders must value God’s commendation above numerical success or personal brand. Practical Application for Believers 1. Embrace trials as opportunities for proven faith rather than interruptions of comfort. Relation to Broader Biblical Themes The concept intersects with words for “testing” (peirasmos) and “refining” imagery throughout Scripture (for example, Zechariah 13:9; 1 Peter 1:7). Salvation is by grace, yet God still evaluates works for reward and stewardship (1 Corinthians 3:13–15). Strong’s 1384 provides vocabulary for that evaluative aspect, assuring believers that God’s scrutiny is purposeful and His approval attainable through faith-energized obedience. Summary Strong’s 1384 portrays the believer, the leader, and the church body subjected to examination and emerging genuine. Whether through doctrinal labor, moral choices, or fiery trials, those who endure with faith find themselves stamped “approved,” both now in conscience and finally at the judgment seat of Christ. Englishman's Concordance Romans 14:18 Adj-NMSGRK: θεῷ καὶ δόκιμος τοῖς ἀνθρώποις NAS: to God and approved by men. KJV: to God, and approved of men. INT: to God and approved by men Romans 16:10 Adj-AMS 1 Corinthians 11:19 Adj-NMP 2 Corinthians 10:18 Adj-NMS 2 Corinthians 13:7 Adj-NMP 2 Timothy 2:15 Adj-AMS James 1:12 Adj-NMS Strong's Greek 1384 |
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