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δοκέω

dokéō

G1380 verb

SILEX Entry

Root δοκ- to seem, to appear, to think, to suppose

Definition

To regard, to think, to hold an opinion. In context, δοκέω is used with reference to subjective evaluation: to believe or suppose something, to have the impression that something is so. Additionally, it can signal how something appears to one's perception or estimation (to seem, to appear). In some constructions, especially with impersonal usage (δοκεῖ), it means 'it seems' or 'it appears' and can carry the nuance of 'it seems good,' meaning 'it is judged best' or 'it seems right.'

Semantic Range

to seem, to appear, to be of the opinion, to think, to suppose, to be reputed, to give the impression, it seems good, to decide

Root / Etymology

From the root δοκ- (dok-), to seem, to appear, to think. Sometimes compared to or conflated in ancient lexica with the verb δέω ('to show'), but etymologically distinct. Related to δόξα (doxa), ‘opinion, reputation’.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, δοκέω primarily means 'to seem' or 'to appear,' referring to how something presents itself to perception or opinion. In Koine Greek (including the New Testament), the sense broadens to include 'to think,' 'to suppose,' or 'to be of the opinion.' The verb frequently governs indirect discourse or is used with an infinitive. Impersonal use (δοκεῖ, 'it seems') often introduces a judgment or decision ('it seems good', 'it seems right'), especially in public or legal contexts (cf. Acts 15:28). The semantic range can overlap with νομίζω (to suppose), but whereas δοκέω can suggest uncertainty or merely subjective perception, νομίζω more often suggests normative or customary belief. English translations sometimes render δοκέω as 'seem,' 'think,' or 'appear,' but each may reflect a different nuance in context. In philosophical texts, notably Plato, δοκέω (and its derivatives, like δόξα) denote appearance or belief as distinct from reality or knowledge. In the Septuagint and the New Testament, usage is consistent with this spectrum of meaning, often blending subjective evaluation ('to think, suppose') with perception ('to seem').

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a prolonged form of a primary verb, (used only in an alternate in certain tenses; compare the base of δεικνύω) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly):--be accounted, (of own) please(-ure), be of reputation, seem (good), suppose, think, trow.

Root Family

δοκέω (dokeō) — to seem, to appear, to think, to suppose

Word Forms

24 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1380-02 δοκεῖ dokei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG thinks seems 20
G1380-05 δοκεῖτε dokeite V PRS ACT IND 2P PL think you think 10
G1380-11 δοκοῦντες dokountes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL seemed those supposing 3
G1380-24 ἔδοξεν edoxen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG it seemed good it seemed 3
G1380-15 δόξαντες doxantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL supposing having supposed 2
G1380-16 δόξῃ doxe V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG think to splendor 2
G1380-22 ἔδοξαν edoxan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL they supposed they thought 2
G1380-06 δοκῶ doko V PRS ACT IND 1P SG I think I think 2
G1380-23 ἔδοξε edoxe V AOR ACT IND 3P SG it seemed good it seemed 2
G1380-20 ἐδόκουν edokoun V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL they thought they were supposing 2

Occurrences in Scripture

63 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1380-17 Matthew 3:9 δόξητε doxete V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL you might think
G1380-14 Matthew 6:7 δοκοῦσιν dokousin V PRS ACT IND 3P PL they think
G1380-02 Matthew 17:25 δοκεῖ dokei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG seems
G1380-02 Matthew 18:12 δοκεῖ dokei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG seems
G1380-02 Matthew 21:28 δοκεῖ dokei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG seems
G1380-02 Matthew 22:17 δοκεῖ dokei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG seems
G1380-02 Matthew 22:42 δοκεῖ dokei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG seems
G1380-05 Matthew 24:44 δοκεῖτε dokeite V PRS ACT IND 2P PL you think
G1380-04 Matthew 26:53 δοκεῖς dokeis V PRS ACT IND 2P SG you think
G1380-02 Matthew 26:66 δοκεῖ dokei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG seems
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