δωρέω (dōreō)
dōreō
to give
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb dōreō describes the act of giving or bestowing something freely. It appears in only three verses, with two occurrences in Mark’s Gospel and one in Second Peter. In Mark 15:45, Pilate grants Jesus’ body to Joseph of Arimathea, using this term to highlight the official nature of the handover.
Lexical sources link it closely to dōrema (a gift), emphasizing that the action involves a generous transfer rather than a commercial exchange. The middle voice form, dōreomai, is used in both passages, suggesting the giver actively participates in the act of granting. This distinguishes it from simple giving by adding a sense of personal investment or formal bestowal.
Translators typically render this word as "gave" or "granted." Its rarity in the New Testament makes each usage significant. In Second Peter 1:3, God grants all things necessary for life and godliness, framing divine provision as a deliberate, generous act. The word underscores that what is given comes from abundance and goodwill.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word dōreō describes a specific kind of giving: one that is free, generous, and often formal. It does not describe a trade or a payment, but a gift bestowed from abundance. When you encounter this term in Scripture, it reminds us that God’s provision is never grudging or limited. He gives freely, without expecting anything in return.
In Mark 15:45, Pilate grants Jesus’ body to Joseph. This was an official act, yet it carried deep significance for the burial of the Lord. It shows how even political decisions can align with God’s plan when people act with a sense of duty and generosity. The word highlights that what is given comes from a place of goodwill.
Second Peter 1:3 uses this verb to describe how God has granted us everything we need for life and godliness. This is not a partial or conditional gift, but a complete provision through our knowledge of Him. It invites us to rest in the assurance that our spiritual needs are fully met by His generous heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having himself given1×
- He has himself given,1×
- He granted1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐδωρήσατο1×
- δεδώρηται,1×
- δεδωρημένης1×
Key Verses
-
II Peter 1:3
seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue,
This verse uses dōreō to emphasize that God’s provision for godliness is a complete and deliberate grant, not a partial or earned reward.
-
Mark 15:45
When he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.
Here the word marks an official handover, showing how even a Roman governor’s formal act played a role in fulfilling the burial of Jesus.
-
II Peter 1:4
by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.
The same verb appears again to describe the granting of promises, linking divine provision directly to our participation in the divine nature.