δοκιμή (dokimē)
dokimē
test
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun dokimē refers to the process of testing something to determine its quality or value. In the New Testament, it describes the experience of trials that serve as a proving ground for faith. This usage appears in passages discussing how hardships produce endurance, as seen in Romans 5:4, where the testing of faith is presented as a necessary step toward spiritual maturity.
Beyond the process itself, dokimē also signifies the result of that trial: approval or proven character. It denotes the state of being found genuine after scrutiny. Paul uses this sense when he speaks of Timothy’s proven worth in Philippians 2:22, highlighting his reliable service. Similarly, in Second Corinthians 13:3, the term points to the evidence of Christ’s power working through believers, demonstrating their authenticity.
The word derives from a root meaning to test metals or examine goods for purity. This background imagery clarifies why the New Testament links dokimē with genuine faith that survives pressure. Translators often render it as "testing" or "approval," depending on whether the context emphasizes the struggle or the successful outcome.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dokimē describes more than just a difficult moment; it captures the entire process of being tested to reveal true character. In the New Testament, this term bridges the gap between hardship and hope. It suggests that trials are not random punishments but purposeful environments where faith is refined, much like metal purified by fire.
When you face pressure, this word reminds you that your current struggles have a goal: proven character. Romans 5:4 shows how perseverance leads to this state of being found genuine. The outcome is not just survival, but a hope that does not disappoint because it rests on what God has accomplished through you.
This concept offers comfort when life feels unstable. You are not being discarded; you are being examined for value. Like Timothy in Philippians 2:22, who proved himself reliable, your faithfulness is seen and known. The result of this testing is a deep assurance that Christ’s power is at work within you, making you strong rather than weak.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- proof3×
- the proven worth1×
- character,1×
- character1×
- a proof1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δοκιμὴν3×
- δοκιμῆς1×
- δοκιμῇ1×
- δοκιμήν,1×
- δοκιμὴ1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 5:4
and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
This verse establishes the causal chain where proven character (dokimē) is the direct result of perseverance and the foundation for hope.
-
II Corinthians 13:3
seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me who is not weak, but is powerful in you.
Here the term signifies evidence that Christ speaks through the believer, demonstrating divine power rather than human weakness.
-
Philippians 2:22
But you know that he has proved himself. As a child serves a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the Good News.
Paul uses this word to describe Timothy's proven reliability and childlike service in advancing the Gospel alongside him.