δόκιμος

dókimos

G1384 predicate adjective

SILEX Entry

Root δοκ- to seem, to think, to approve after testing

Definition

Having been tested and found genuine or worthy, especially after evaluation or trial. In various contexts, denotes that which has demonstrated reliability or quality through examination, whether referring to people as tested and trustworthy, or to things (such as coins) as authentic and not counterfeit. Its primary sense is 'approved as genuine after testing.'

Semantic Range

approved after testing, proven genuine, reliable, trustworthy, worthy, (of coins) authentic / not counterfeit, accepted, tested and found fit

Root / Etymology

From the verb δοκέω ('to think, to seem'), via the related concept of examination and judgment. δόκιμος thus reflects the outcome of a process of assessment, with semantic development in Hellenistic and Koine Greek toward the meaning 'proven genuine after testing.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

First attested in classical Greek, where δόκιμος often referred to something deemed fit or worthy after public scrutiny, such as a citizen eligible for office (through public vetting). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, particularly in the Septuagint and New Testament, it retains the core meaning of 'approved' or 'tested and found worthy.' In New Testament usage, commonly applied to people whose character or faithfulness has been assayed; also occasionally to things or statements shown to be true or authentic. In Greco-Roman contexts, the term is used for tested metal, especially coins, emphasizing genuineness over mere appearance. Standard English translations (e.g., 'approved,' 'genuine,' 'worthy') capture the main sense but may underplay the root idea of going through a process of testing or evaluation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from δοκέω; properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e. approved:--approved, tried.

Root Family

δόκιμος (dokimos) — approved after testing, proven genuine, found worthy

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1384-03 δόκιμος dokimos ADJ.P NOM M SG approved proven genuine 3
G1384-02 δόκιμον dokimon ADJ.R ACC M SG approved proven genuine (accusative masculine singular) 2
G1384-01 δόκιμοι dokimoi ADJ.S NOM M PL approved proven genuine ones 2

Occurrences in Scripture

7 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1384-03 Romans 14:18 δόκιμος dokimos ADJ.P NOM M SG approved proven genuine
G1384-02 Romans 16:10 δόκιμον dokimon ADJ.R ACC M SG approved proven genuine (accusative masculine singular)
G1384-01 1 Corinthians 11:19 δόκιμοι dokimoi ADJ.S NOM M PL approved proven genuine ones
G1384-03 2 Corinthians 10:18 δόκιμος dokimos ADJ.P NOM M SG proven genuine
G1384-01 2 Corinthians 13:7 δόκιμοι dokimoi ADJ.P NOM M PL proven genuine ones
G1384-02 2 Timothy 2:15 δόκιμον dokimon ADJ.S ACC M SG approved proven genuine (accusative masculine singular)
G1384-03 James 1:12 δόκιμος dokimos ADJ.P NOM M SG approved proven genuine