δαπάνη (dapanē)
dapanē
cost
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun dapanē refers to the financial outlay or expense required for a specific undertaking. It appears only once in the New Testament, within Jesus’ parable of counting the cost before building a tower (Luke 14:28). The word captures the tangible reality of spending resources, emphasizing that certain commitments demand a measurable price.
Its etymology connects to the verb dapto, meaning "to devour" or consume. This root suggests that dapanē is not merely a neutral transaction but an expenditure that consumes wealth. By using this term, the text highlights the substantial nature of the investment required for discipleship, framing it as a serious financial calculation rather than a vague intention.
Translators typically render dapanē as "cost" or "expense." This choice preserves the concrete economic sense of the original Greek, ensuring readers understand that following Jesus involves real-world sacrifices. The word serves as a reminder that spiritual commitments are not free but require deliberate and significant resource allocation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Jesus uses the word dapanē in Luke 14:28 to describe the tangible expense of building a tower. This term points to a real financial outlay that consumes resources. It is not just a vague intention but a measurable price paid for a specific goal.
When applied to faith, this word reminds us that following Christ involves genuine sacrifice. We are called to count the cost before we begin, ensuring we have the strength and commitment to finish what we start. This honest assessment helps us avoid starting down a path we cannot sustain.
Understanding this concept brings peace rather than fear. It invites us to plan our spiritual lives with wisdom and care. By recognizing the true value of our commitment, we can serve God with steady hearts and clear purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cost1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δαπάνην1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 14:28
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?
This is the only New Testament occurrence of dapanē, where Jesus uses it to illustrate the necessity of calculating financial resources before starting a major construction project.