δόσις (dosis)
dosis
gift
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun dosis refers to a specific act of giving or the resulting gift itself. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, yet each instance carries significant theological weight regarding the nature of divine generosity. The word derives from the verb didōmi, meaning "to give," and emphasizes the concrete reality of what is bestowed rather than the abstract concept of giving.
In Philippians 4:15, Paul uses the term to describe the financial support he received from the Philippian church. Here, it denotes their practical contribution, highlighting the tangible nature of their partnership in the gospel. Conversely, James 1:17 applies the word to God’s gifts, describing every good and perfect gift as coming from above. This usage underscores the idea that all blessings are specific acts of divine generosity, not vague or impersonal forces.
While the related term charisma often refers to spiritual gifts or grace, dosis focuses on the act of donation itself. It reminds readers that God’s provision is intentional and particular. The word serves as a reminder that every blessing is a deliberate gift from a generous giver.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dosis points to a specific, tangible act of giving. It is not about vague blessings or abstract ideas, but concrete realities that land in our hands. When we look at how this term is used, we see that generosity has shape and substance. It reminds us that the support we receive from others, like the Philippian church’s contribution to Paul, is a real partnership in the gospel.
More importantly, it highlights God’s intentional nature. Every good thing we experience comes from Him as a distinct act of grace. This understanding helps us move beyond seeing blessings as random luck. Instead, we recognize them as deliberate gifts from a Father who gives with precision and love. We can trust that our needs are met by His specific provision.
This perspective invites us to receive with gratitude and give with purpose. Whether it is financial support or spiritual encouragement, every dosis reflects the character of the Giver. It encourages us to value the tangible ways God works through people and circumstances in our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of giving1×
- act of giving1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δόσις1×
- δόσεως1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 4:15
You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.
This verse uses the word to describe the specific financial partnership the Philippians had with Paul, grounding the concept of 'gift' in practical gospel support.
-
James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation nor turning shadow.
Here the term applies to God's provision, emphasizing that every good thing comes from Him as a distinct, intentional act rather than an impersonal force.