δώρημα (dōrēma)
dōrēma
free gift
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun dōrēma refers to a free gift or boon, emphasizing that the benefit is given without cost or obligation to the recipient. Derived from the verb dōreō, it appears only twice in the New Testament, specifically in Romans 5:16 and James 1:17. In both instances, the word underscores the unearned nature of what is bestowed.
Its usage carries significant theological weight by contrasting human failure with divine generosity. Paul uses it to describe how God’s grace abounds even more than sin did in Adam, while James applies it to every good and perfect gift coming from above. The term highlights that these blessings are not transactions but pure acts of benevolence.
Translators typically render dōrēma as "free gift" or simply "gift," though the Greek root reinforces the idea of a present given freely. This distinction helps readers see that the source of such gifts is entirely separate from any merit on the part of those who receive them, pointing to a generosity that initiates and sustains life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we look at the word dōrēma, we see a clear picture of grace that needs nothing in return. It describes a present given freely, without any cost or obligation on your part. This is not a transaction where you earn a reward, but a pure act of kindness from God. He gives because it is His nature to be generous, not because you have paid Him back.
In Romans 5:16, Paul uses this term to show how God’s grace covers our many mistakes. Even when we fail, His gift of justification stands firm. Similarly, James reminds us in verse 17 that every good thing comes from the Father above. These blessings are not random; they flow from a source that never changes or casts a shadow.
Knowing this can bring deep peace to your heart. You do not need to strive to keep God’s love; it is already yours as a free gift. This truth invites you to rest in His care, trusting that He provides what you need without demanding anything in return. May you feel the weight of this generosity lifting your burdens today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gift;1×
- gift1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δώρημα·1×
- δώρημα1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 5:16
The gift is not as through one who sinned; for the judgment came by one to condemnation, but the free gift followed many trespasses to justification.
This occurrence contrasts the condemnation from Adam's sin with the abundant justification God freely gives despite many trespasses.
-
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 word emphasizes that every perfect blessing originates from the unchanging Father of lights, not from human effort.