Understanding δοκιμάζω (dokimazō) Strong’s G1381: The Divine Process of Testing, Proving, and Approving in Biblical Faith

Pronunciation Guide: doh-kee-MAH-zoh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1381: δοκιμάζω (dokimazō) refers to the process of testing or examining something to determine its genuineness or worth. It carries the sense of proving through examination with the expectation of approval after testing. Unlike terms that suggest destructive testing, δοκιμάζω implies testing with a positive outcome in mind—to validate, confirm, and approve after careful scrutiny.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Word: δόκιμος (dokimos) – “tested,” “approved,” “genuine”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Epistles (especially Pauline), narrative sections (Luke-Acts), teaching passages
• Related Noun Forms: δοκιμή (dokimē, “proof”), δοκίμιον (dokimion, “testing”)

δοκιμάζω Morphology:

• δοκιμάζω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I test, examine, prove
• δοκιμάζεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you test, examine, prove
• δοκιμάζει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it tests, examines, proves
• δοκιμάζομεν (present active indicative, 1st person plural) – we test, examine, prove
• δοκιμάζετε (present active indicative, 2nd person plural) – you (plural) test, examine, prove
• δοκιμάζουσιν (present active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they test, examine, prove
• δοκίμαζε (present active imperative, 2nd person singular) – test!, examine!, prove!
• δοκιμάζετε (present active imperative, 2nd person plural) – test!, examine!, prove! (plural)
• δοκιμάζειν (present active infinitive) – to test, to examine, to prove
• δοκιμάζων (present active participle, masculine nominative singular) – testing, examining, proving

Origin & History

The term δοκιμάζω originates from ancient Greek metallurgical practices, where it described the process of testing precious metals, particularly silver and gold, to verify their purity and value. In classical Greek literature, Herodotus (5th century BCE) used the term when describing how Croesus “tested” (ἐδοκίμαζε) the oracles to determine which was most reliable (Histories 1.47). Plato employed the term in his Republic when discussing how guardians of the state should be “tested” (δοκιμάζειν) through various trials to prove their character (Republic 6.503a).

In the Septuagint (LXX), δοκιμάζω appears in contexts describing how God tests His people, as in Psalm 26:2 (LXX 25:2), “Examine me (δοκίμασόν με), O Lord, and prove me,” and Jeremiah 11:20, where the prophet acknowledges God as the one who “tests” (δοκιμάζων) the righteous. The early Church Father Clement of Rome (late 1st century CE) used the term in his First Epistle to the Corinthians (42:4) when describing how the apostles, having been fully assured by the resurrection of the Messiah, went forth “having been proved” (δεδοκιμασμένοι) by God through the Holy Spirit.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To test for the purpose of approval – Examining something to determine if it meets a standard, with the expectation that it will
• To examine and prove genuine – Scrutinizing to confirm authenticity or purity
• To approve after testing – Conferring formal approval following successful examination
• To discern or distinguish – Using careful judgment to evaluate between options

δοκιμάζω Translation Options:

• Test/Examine – Appropriate when emphasizing the process of scrutiny, as in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, where believers are called to “test everything”
• Prove/Validate – Best used when the focus is on demonstrating something to be true or genuine, as in Romans 12:2
• Approve/Accept – Suitable when the context emphasizes the positive outcome after testing, as in Romans 14:22
• Discern/Distinguish – Preferable when δοκιμάζω refers to making wise judgments between options, as in Luke 12:56
• Evaluate/Assess – Useful for contexts involving thoughtful consideration of worth or quality, as in 1 Corinthians 11:28

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δοκιμάζω appears 22 times, with particular prominence in Paul’s epistles where it often carries theological significance regarding the testing of faith, character, and spiritual maturity. Its first appearance in Luke 12:56 establishes a foundational understanding of the term, where the Messiah challenges His audience about their ability to “interpret” (δοκιμάζειν) the appearance of earth and sky but not the signs of the times—highlighting the term’s connection to discernment and evaluation.

Paul frequently employs δοκιμάζω to describe how believers should test and approve God’s will (Romans 12:2), examine themselves before partaking in communion (1 Corinthians 11:28), and test the spirits to discern what is from God (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Peter uses it to describe how faith, more precious than gold, is “proved genuine” (δοκιμαζομένου) through trials (1 Peter 1:7). Throughout these contexts, δοκιμάζω consistently maintains its nuance of testing with the expectation of approval—reflecting God’s refining process in the lives of believers.

• “[You] know how to interpret [δοκιμάζειν] the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” Luke 12:56
• “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing [δοκιμάζειν] you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
• “Let a person examine [δοκιμαζέτω] himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:28
• “But let each one test [δοκιμαζέτω] his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.” Galatians 6:4
• “Test [δοκιμάζετε] everything; hold fast what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21
• “These also must be tested [δοκιμαζέσθωσαν] first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.” 1 Timothy 3:10
• “So that the tested genuineness [δοκίμιον] of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested [δοκιμαζομένου] by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus the Messiah.” 1 Peter 1:7

Cultural Insights

In ancient Mediterranean culture, the process of δοκιμάζω was closely connected to metallurgy, where precious metals were subjected to intense heat to separate impurities. Silversmiths in ancient Athens were especially respected for their ability to test and authenticate silver coins—a practice vital to commerce in the ancient world. The silversmith would heat the metal and know it was pure when he could see his reflection clearly in the molten substance. This provides a powerful metaphor for understanding God’s refining work in believers—He tests us through trials until His image is clearly reflected in our character.

In Roman society, the concept of δοκιμάζω was institutionalized in the process of “probatio” (from which we get our English word “probation”), where young men were tested before being accepted into military service or public office. This cultural practice would have resonated with Paul’s predominantly Gentile audience when he used δοκιμάζω to describe the testing of deacons before they could serve (1 Timothy 3:10). Similarly, in Jewish tradition, candidates for priesthood underwent rigorous examination to prove their Levitical lineage and physical perfection before being allowed to serve in the Temple—a background that enriches our understanding of how the early Jewish believers would have understood the testing processes described using δοκιμάζω.

Theological Significance

The concept of δοκιμάζω reveals a profound aspect of God’s character and His relationship with humanity. Unlike πειράζω (peirazō), which can refer to testing with the intent to cause failure, δοκιμάζω consistently points to God’s desire for our success through refinement. When God tests His people, He does so as a loving Father who seeks to approve and validate their faith, not to destroy it. This highlights the redemptive purpose behind divine testing—God proves us genuine so that we might stand approved before Him.

The progressive nature of δοκιμάζω also illuminates the transformative journey of sanctification. When Paul encourages believers to “test and approve” God’s will (Romans 12:2), he indicates that discernment of divine purpose comes through an ongoing process of testing, refining, and approving. This process mirrors God’s own deliberate work in creation, where He repeatedly “saw that it was good” (Genesis 1), suggesting that divine validation follows divine testing. Through this lens, trials and challenges become opportunities for validation rather than mere hardships—each test an invitation to prove the genuineness of our faith and experience God’s approval.

In Messianic theology, δοκιμάζω connects profoundly to Yeshua’s own testing in the wilderness (though different Greek terms are used) and throughout His ministry, culminating in His ultimate testing at Gethsemane and Calvary. The Messiah emerged from each test approved and validated, establishing a pattern for His followers. This presents a beautiful harmony between Old and New Testament understandings of divine testing—from Abraham at Moriah to the disciples at Pentecost, God’s people have always been refined through testing to reveal their true nature and prepare them for divine purpose.

Personal Application

When we understand δοκιμάζω correctly, our perspective on life’s challenges transforms dramatically. The trials we face are not random hardships but purposeful refining processes designed to validate the genuine work God has begun in us. Just as gold emerges purer and more valuable after the refiner’s fire, our faith becomes more precious when tested through difficulties. This invites us to approach our struggles with a new mindset—not asking “Why is this happening to me?” but rather “What is God validating in me through this test?”

The dual aspects of δοκιμάζω also call us to active participation in our spiritual growth. We are both the subjects being tested and agents called to test. We must examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:28), test everything against God’s truth (1 Thessalonians 5:21), and discern God’s will through the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). This balanced approach prevents both passive resignation to circumstances and hyperactive self-reliance. Instead, it positions us to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s refining work, trusting that each test we face—whether from external circumstances or internal examination—is designed to approve and validate us as genuine followers of the Messiah.

Related Words

• δόκιμος (dokimos) – “approved,” “tested,” “genuine” – This adjective describes something or someone who has successfully passed testing and stands approved. While δοκιμάζω describes the process of testing, δόκιμος identifies the result—one who is proven genuine through testing. See G1384
• δοκιμή (dokimē) – “proof,” “testing,” “approved character” – This noun refers to the proven character that results from enduring tests. Paul uses it in Romans 5:4 to describe how endurance produces “proven character.” It represents the quality that emerges from successful testing. See G1382
• ἀδόκιμος (adokimos) – “unapproved,” “rejected,” “disqualified” – This term is the negative counterpart to δόκιμος, describing that which fails to pass the test. Paul uses it to warn against being “disqualified” after preaching to others (1 Corinthians 9:27). See G96
• πειράζω (peirazō) – “to test,” “to tempt,” “to try” – Unlike δοκιμάζω, which tests to validate, πειράζω can include testing with the intent to cause failure. It’s often used for temptation but can also describe trials that test faith. See G3985
• διακρίνω (diakrinō) – “to discern,” “to distinguish,” “to judge” – This term focuses on the act of distinguishing between options, making it related to the discernment aspect of δοκιμάζω, but with greater emphasis on separation and distinction. See G1252

Did you Know?

• Did you know that ancient Greek bankers were called δοκιμαστής (dokimastēs), which derives from δοκιμάζω? These professionals specialized in testing coins for authenticity by examining their weight, sound, and appearance. When Jesus taught about discerning the signs of the times (Luke 12:56), His audience would have immediately understood the reference to this meticulous process of authentication. Just as a dokimastēs could detect a counterfeit coin at a glance, Jesus expected His followers to accurately “read” the spiritual climate of their day.
• Did you know that in ancient Athens, young men underwent a process called δοκιμασία (dokimasia) before being granted full citizenship rights? This rigorous examination tested their legal status, character, and fitness for civic participation. Officials would question the candidate about his family lineage, military service, and moral conduct. This cultural practice illuminates why early Christians readily understood Paul’s use of δοκιμάζω in contexts of church leadership qualification (1 Timothy 3:10) and spiritual discernment (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
• Did you know that modern psychologists have adopted the term “eudaimonic well-being” to describe the fulfillment that comes from living a life of purpose and virtue? This concept remarkably parallels the biblical understanding of δοκιμάζω, where testing produces approved character. Research shows that people who endure challenges while maintaining purpose experience greater long-term satisfaction than those pursuing mere pleasure. This scientific finding affirms the ancient biblical wisdom that testing (δοκιμάζω) produces endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5)—a divine progression that modern research now validates.

Remember This

δοκιμάζω reveals God’s heart toward testing—not to break us but to authenticate us, not to expose our weakness but to validate our worth, transforming us through divine refinement until we stand approved, reflecting His image with unmistakable clarity.