δοκιμάζω (dokimazō)
dokimazō
to test
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb dokimazō means to test something with the specific hope that it will prove genuine and useful. Its root image comes from assaying metals: just as a refiner heats gold to burn away impurities, this word describes a process of scrutiny intended to reveal true quality. In Scripture, it appears when believers are urged to examine their own hearts (1 Corinthians 11:28) or to test spiritual teachings against the truth (1 John 4:1).
A key feature of dokimazō is that testing and approval are two sides of the same coin. The act of examination is not merely critical; it is constructive, aiming to identify what is worthy. This dual sense creates a slight ambiguity in passages like Romans 2:18, where one might discern or approve moral distinctions. Translators often render it as "test," "examine," or "approve," depending on whether the context emphasizes the effort of scrutiny or the positive result of finding something sound.
The word carries a strong theological weight regarding discernment. It suggests that faith is not blind but involves careful evaluation. Paul uses it to describe how Christians should weigh all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and approve what is good. This approach reflects a confidence that truth can be recognized through honest testing, leading to a life that stands approved before God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dokimazō carries the image of a refiner’s fire, where gold is heated not to destroy it, but to remove impurities and reveal its true value. In your spiritual life, this means that testing is never a sign of distrust; it is an act of care. When you examine your motives or weigh a teaching against Scripture, you are participating in a process designed to strengthen your faith rather than weaken it.
Paul encourages believers to test all things and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This active discernment protects us from error and helps us recognize the specific will of God for our lives. It invites you to approach difficult decisions with confidence, knowing that honest evaluation leads to a character that stands approved before God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to prove2×
- do test;2×
- you shall approve,1×
- will prove.1×
- we have proven1×
- we have been approved1×
- to discern?1×
- to discern,1×
- to approve1×
- they should be tested1×
- they did see fit1×
- should test1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δοκιμάζετε·2×
- δοκιμάζειν2×
- δοκιμαζέτω2×
- ἐδοκίμασαν1×
- ἐδοκιμάσαμεν1×
- δοκιμάσητε,1×
- δοκιμάσει.1×
- δοκιμάσαι1×
- δοκιμάζων·1×
- δοκιμάζοντι1×
- δοκιμάζοντες1×
- δοκιμάζετε1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 12:2
Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Paul links the renewal of the mind to the ability to prove God's will, indicating that spiritual clarity comes through careful evaluation.