δόκιμος
dókimos
G1384 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
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 |