Understanding δοκιμή (dokimē) Strong’s G1382: The Proven Character That Emerges Through Testing

Pronunciation Guide: doe-kee-MAY

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1382: δοκιμή (dokimē) refers to the proven quality or character that emerges through testing or trial. It describes the positive outcome of testing—not merely the process of being tested, but the approved quality that results when something has been examined and found genuine. In biblical contexts, it often represents the tested, refined character that develops in believers through hardship and perseverance.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Feminine noun
• Root: From the verb δοκιμάζω (dokimazō, G1381), meaning “to test, examine, prove”
• Language origin: Koine Greek
• Primary usage: Found in didactic (teaching) passages, particularly in Paul’s epistles
• Related to δόκιμος (dokimos, G1384), meaning “approved, tested”
• Cognate with δοκίμιον (dokimion, G1383), meaning “testing, proving”

δοκιμή Morphology:

• δοκιμή (nominative singular) – proven character
• δοκιμῆς (genitive singular) – of proven character
• δοκιμῇ (dative singular) – in/with proven character
• δοκιμήν (accusative singular) – proven character (as direct object)

Origin & History

The word δοκιμή belongs to a word group centered around the concept of testing and proving genuineness. In classical Greek, this family of words was commonly used in contexts of metallurgy, where metals were tested by fire to prove their genuineness and value. Herodotus used related terms when describing the testing of gold to determine its purity. The word group was also used in commercial settings to refer to the examination of coins to ensure they were genuine and not counterfeit.

In the Septuagint (LXX), though δοκιμή itself rarely appears, related words from this same family are used to translate Hebrew terms connected to refining metals and testing character. For example, in Psalm 12:6 (LXX 11:7), the purification of silver is described using a related term to illustrate how God’s words are pure. By the time of the New Testament, this word group had developed strong associations with the process of testing that reveals genuine worth and character. The church fathers, particularly Clement of Rome and Ignatius, continued this usage, applying it to the testing of faith and the development of Christian virtues through trials.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The proven quality or character that emerges from testing
• The state of being approved after examination
• The positive result of a test or trial
• The validated authenticity demonstrated through testing
• The refined character produced through enduring hardship

δοκιμή Translation Options:

• Proven character – Emphasizes the quality that emerges through testing; captures the resultant state rather than the process
• Approvedness – Highlights the state of having been examined and found worthy
• Proven worth – Focuses on the demonstrated value that testing reveals
• Tested genuineness – Emphasizes authenticity confirmed through examination
• Proven integrity – Highlights the moral quality revealed through testing

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δοκιμή appears only seven times, with most occurrences found in Paul’s letters, particularly in Romans and 2 Corinthians. Its first appearance is in Romans 5:4, where Paul outlines a spiritual progression: tribulation produces perseverance, perseverance produces δοκιμή (proven character), and proven character produces hope. This progression illustrates how the testing of faith ultimately contributes to spiritual maturity and a deepened relationship with God.

In 2 Corinthians, Paul uses δοκιμή to refer to the Corinthians’ obedience that had been proven genuine through testing (2 Corinthians 2:9), and to describe how the Macedonian believers’ δοκιμή of severe affliction resulted in abundant joy and generosity (2 Corinthians 8:2). These usages consistently emphasize not merely testing, but the positive quality that emerges through testing.

• “And perseverance, proven character [δοκιμή]; and proven character, hope.” Romans 5:4
• “For to this end also I wrote, so that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things [εἰς δοκιμήν].” 2 Corinthians 2:9
• “That in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality [ἡ δοκιμὴ τῆς θλίψεως].” 2 Corinthians 8:2
• “Since you are seeking for proof [δοκιμήν] of the Christ who speaks in me.” 2 Corinthians 13:3
• “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test [ἀδόκιμοί]?” 2 Corinthians 13:5
• “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting [τὸ καύχημα] in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.” Galatians 6:4
• “For you know the proven worth [τὴν δοκιμήν] of Timothy, that he served with me in the gospel as a child serves his father.” Philippians 2:22

Cultural Insights

In the ancient world, metallurgy provided a powerful metaphor for the development of character through suffering. Gold and silver were refined by fire, which burned away impurities and revealed the true metal. This process was well-known in the Mediterranean world and formed the background for understanding δοκιμή. When a metal was δόκιμος (the adjectival form), it meant it had passed the test of fire and was proven pure and genuine.

This metallurgical background also illuminates the Jewish understanding of suffering. In rabbinic literature, the refining of metals was used as an analogy for how God purifies His people through hardship. Rabbi Akiva is recorded as saying, “Just as the furnace tests gold, so tribulation tests the righteous.” This cultural understanding helps explain why Paul could present suffering as a pathway to proven character (δοκιμή) and ultimately to hope. For the first-century audience, the connection between fiery testing and the emergence of something valuable and genuine was an intuitive concept deeply embedded in their worldview.

Theological Significance

The concept of δοκιμή reveals profound insights about God’s character and His work in believers’ lives. First, it demonstrates that God is intentional in His refinement of His people. Just as a refiner applies fire not to destroy the metal but to purify it, God allows trials not to harm His people but to develop their character. This reveals His wisdom and love—He sees beyond our present discomfort to the δοκιμή (proven character) that will emerge.

Furthermore, δοκιμή illustrates the transformative power of the gospel. The progression in Romans 5:3-5 (tribulation → perseverance → proven character → hope) shows how God redeems suffering in the believer’s life. What might otherwise be merely painful becomes purposeful in God’s hands. Our trials become the very laboratory where Yahweh develops proven character within us.

This concept also points to an important truth about spiritual authenticity. In a world where appearances often deceive, δοκιμή represents genuine faith that has been tested and proven real. The Messiah warned about those who would appear religious but would fall away in times of testing (Matthew 13:20-21). δοκιμή represents the opposite—faith that endures and is shown authentic through trials. This reflects God’s desire for genuine relationship rather than mere religious performance.

Personal Application

The concept of δοκιμή invites us to reframe our understanding of hardship. When we face trials, we can recognize them not merely as painful experiences to endure but as opportunities for the development of proven character. This perspective doesn’t trivialize suffering, but it does infuse it with meaning. Like gold in the refiner’s fire, we emerge more valuable, not despite our trials but because of them.

Practically, we can embrace this concept by resisting the temptation to avoid all discomfort. While we shouldn’t seek suffering, when trials come, we can face them with confidence that God is at work developing δοκιμή within us. We might ask: “What quality is God refining in me through this challenge?” or “How might this difficulty be revealing and strengthening my faith?” Such questions help us cooperate with God’s refining work rather than merely enduring it.

Related Words

• δοκιμάζω (dokimazō) [doe-kee-MAH-zoe] – The verb meaning “to test, prove, examine” from which δοκιμή derives. While δοκιμή focuses on the result of testing, δοκιμάζω emphasizes the process of testing itself. See G1381
• δόκιμος (dokimos) [DOE-kee-mos] – An adjective meaning “approved, tested, genuine.” It describes a person or thing that has successfully passed testing and proven genuine. δοκιμή is the state of being δόκιμος. See G1384
• δοκίμιον (dokimion) [doe-KEE-mee-on] – A neuter noun referring to “the act of testing” or sometimes “that which is genuine.” It emphasizes the testing process itself or the means of testing. See G1383
• ἀδόκιμος (adokimos) [ah-DOE-kee-mos] – The negated form of δόκιμος, meaning “unapproved, failed, counterfeit.” It describes what has been tested and found wanting. See G96
• ὑπομονή (hupomonē) [hoo-po-mo-NAY] – A noun meaning “endurance, steadfastness, perseverance.” In Romans 5:3-4, Paul places this before δοκιμή in the progression of spiritual development. See G5281

Did you Know?

• The word family of δοκιμή has influenced modern languages. The English word “document” ultimately derives from the Latin “documentum,” which shares the same Indo-European root as δοκιμή. Both relate to “that which teaches or proves something.” This etymology reveals how deeply the concept of proving or demonstrating worth is embedded in our understanding of documentation.
• Ancient coin testers (δοκιμασταί) would bite coins to test if they were genuine gold or silver, as precious metals have distinct softness compared to counterfeit materials. This practice is the origin of the modern Olympic tradition of athletes biting their gold medals—a vestige of this ancient verification process connected to the concept of δοκιμή.
• While δοκιμή emphasizes the positive outcome of testing, its counterpart ἀδόκιμος (adokimos) appears in 1 Corinthians 9:27, where Paul expresses concern about being “disqualified” after preaching to others. This reveals the sobering reality that testing can have two outcomes—proven genuineness (δοκιμή) or proven counterfeit (ἀδόκιμος)—emphasizing the importance of responding properly to life’s tests.

Remember This

δοκιμή reminds us that our trials are not meaningless suffering but God’s refiner’s fire, transforming our tested faith into proven character that radiates His glory.