δώρημα
dṓrēma
G1434 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Material object or benefit given as a gift, with emphasis on the act of giving and the generosity or favor conferred; denotes something graciously bestowed, not a payment or wage. Can refer to any kind of beneficent gift, whether material, spiritual, or circumstantial, provided by a donor to a recipient.
Semantic Range
gift, offering, present, benefit given or bestowed, gracious bestowal, unmerited benefit, thing freely given
Root / Etymology
From the verbal root δωρ- (to give, offer), derived from δωρέομαι ('to give, bestow') and related to δῶρον ('gift, present'). The suffix -μα forms an abstract noun indicating the result of the action (i.e., 'that which is given').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, δώρημα is relatively rare and typically means a gift or present, often with an emphasis on the physical action of giving rather than the object itself. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, its usage is primarily in contexts emphasizing gracious bestowal, especially of benefits freely granted, and frequently with reference to divine gifts (e.g., blessings, circumstances, spiritual benefits). In the New Testament (e.g., James 1:17), δώρημα underscores the gracious, unsolicited nature of what is received from God, in contrast to reciprocal exchange or merit—distinct from other terms like χάρισμα (spiritual gift or favor) or δῶρον (offering, gift in cultic context). While later Christian translations often render it simply as 'gift', the term carries connotations of unearned beneficence. The verb δωρέομαι and the noun δωρεά stress the act and nature of giving; δώρημα the thing bestowed as the result of that action.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δωρέομαι; a bestowment:--gift.
Root Family
δώρημα (dṓrēma) — that which is given, gift, bestowal, benefit freely given
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1434-01 |
δώρημα | dorema | N NOM N SG |
perfect gift | a gracious gift | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1434-01 |
Romans 5:16 | δώρημα | dorema | N NOM N SG |
a gracious gift | |
G1434-01 |
James 1:17 | δώρημα | dorema | N NOM N SG |
perfect gift | a gracious gift |