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δῶρον

dōron

G1435 noun

SILEX Entry

Root δωρ- to give, gift, present

Definition

A gift, present, or offering; primarily denotes an object given voluntarily, often as a token of honor, respect, gratitude, or reverence. In religious contexts, δῶρον refers specifically to an offering made to a divinity at a temple or altar, including both sacrificial and non-sacrificial gifts. In broader usage, it can describe any gift exchanged between persons as a sign of goodwill or obligation.

Semantic Range

gift, present, offering, religious offering, voluntary present, votive gift, token of honor or respect

Root / Etymology

From the Greek root διδωμι (to give); δῶρον is the neuter noun formation from this root, indicating 'that which is given.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, δῶρον is widely used for gifts in both secular and sacred contexts, appearing in epic literature (e.g., Homer) for valuable items exchanged among individuals, leaders, or gods. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, especially in the Septuagint, δῶρον frequently refers to offerings presented at the temple—sometimes translating Hebrew קָרְבָּן (qorbān) or מִנְחָה (minḥah), emphasizing the sense of a voluntary or votive offering as distinct from obligatory sacrifices. In the New Testament, δῶρον most often designates sacrifices and gifts presented at the Jerusalem temple (Matt 5:23; 8:4; 23:18; Heb 5:1), but can also refer more broadly to any gift. English translations often render the religious use as 'offering' and secular as 'gift' or 'present,' but these do not always capture the term's full breadth, particularly the overlap of honorific, religious, and social dimensions. Unlike θυσία (thysia, sacrifice), δῶρον is not limited to blood or animal offerings but includes non-bloody gifts (e.g., grain, incense, or monetary gifts). The word illustrates the social and religious importance of giving in Greek and Judean societies alike.

Root Family

δῶρον (dōron) — gift, present, offering, that which is given

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1435-04 δῶρόν doron N ACC N SG a gift a gift 9
G1435-01 δῶρα dora N ACC N PL gifts gifts 8
G1435-03 δώροις dorois N DAT N PL to/for gifts 1
G1435-02 δώρῳ doro N DAT N SG to a gift 1

Occurrences in Scripture

19 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1435-01 Matthew 2:11 δῶρα dora N ACC N PL gifts gifts
G1435-04 Matthew 5:23 δῶρόν doron N ACC N SG a gift
G1435-04 Matthew 5:24 δῶρόν doron N ACC N SG a gift
G1435-04 Matthew 5:24 δῶρόν doron-2 N ACC N SG a gift
G1435-04 Matthew 8:4 δῶρον doron N ACC N SG a gift
G1435-04 Matthew 15:5 δῶρον doron N NOM N SG a gift
G1435-02 Matthew 23:18 δώρῳ doro N DAT N SG to a gift
G1435-04 Matthew 23:19 δῶρον doron N NOM N SG a gift
G1435-04 Matthew 23:19 δῶρον doron-2 N ACC N SG a gift
G1435-04 Mark 7:11 δῶρον doron N NOM N SG a gift a gift
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