Strong's g1390

Pronunciation Guide: DOH-mah (δό-μα)

Basic Definition

Key Information

δόμα

Transliteration: doma Part of Speech: noun First Appears: Matthew 7:11 Appears: 4 times

Strong’s Entry

g1390

Gloss: doma (dom’-ah) n.1. a present[from the base of G1325]KJV: gift Root(s): G1325 

Strong’s G1390: δόμα (doma) refers to a gift, present, or offering freely given from one person to another. It emphasizes the concrete nature of what is given rather than the act of giving itself. In biblical contexts, it often highlights the tangible blessings and provisions that God bestows upon His children, revealing His generous and giving nature.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (neuter)
• Derived from the verb δίδωμι (didōmi, “to give”)
• Primarily used in teaching passages and narrative sections
• Found in both the Septuagint and New Testament
• Used in contexts emphasizing God’s generosity and human giving

δόμα Morphology:

• δόμα (nominative singular) – a gift
• δόματος (genitive singular) – of a gift
• δόματι (dative singular) – with/by a gift
• δόμα (accusative singular) – a gift (direct object)
• δόματα (nominative/accusative plural) – gifts

Origin & History

The term δόμα (doma) derives from the ancient Greek verb δίδωμι (didōmi), which means “to give.” In classical Greek literature, it appears in works such as Herodotus’ “Histories,” where it denotes gifts exchanged between rulers or diplomatic presents. The word gained particular significance in the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, where it was used to translate the Hebrew term מַתָּנָה (mattanah), meaning “gift” or “present.”

The concept of δόμα took on deeper theological significance in the writings of early Church Fathers such as Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata” and Origen in “Against Celsus,” where they explored the nature of God’s gifts to humanity. These early Christian writers often contrasted earthly gifts (δόματα) with spiritual gifts (χαρίσματα), emphasizing that while both originate from God, the latter carry eternal significance.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A concrete gift or present given from one person to another
• A tangible blessing or provision from God to His people
• A donation or offering given voluntarily
• A token of goodwill or favor extended to another

δόμα Translation Options:

• Gift – Most common translation, emphasizing something freely given
• Present – Highlights the tangible nature of what is given
• Offering – Stresses the voluntary aspect of giving
• Donation – Emphasizes the transfer of something of value from one to another
• Bestowal – Underscores the act of conferring something valuable

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δόμα appears primarily in teachings about God’s generosity toward His children. The most notable usage occurs in Matthew 7:11, where Yeshua (Jesus) contrasts imperfect human parents who give good δόματα to their children with our Heavenly Father who gives even better gifts. This usage establishes an important theological principle: if flawed humans know how to give good gifts, how much more will our perfect Heavenly Father give good things to those who ask Him?

The term also appears in significant passages like Ephesians 4:8, where Paul quotes from Psalm 68:18 regarding the Messiah giving gifts to men. This usage connects the concept of δόμα to the spiritual gifts distributed by the risen and ascended Messiah to equip His body, the Church. The term thus bridges practical human giving and divine spiritual provision.

• “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts [δόματα] to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11
• “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift [δόματος].” Ephesians 4:7
• “Therefore it says, ‘When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, And He gave gifts [δόματα] to men.'” Ephesians 4:8
• “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts [δόματα] to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Luke 11:13
• “Every good thing given and every perfect gift [δόμα] is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” James 1:17

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, gift-giving was a significant social practice that established and maintained relationships. Kings would exchange δόματα as diplomatic gestures, and these gifts often carried symbolic meaning beyond their material value. The giving of gifts was not merely a transaction but a means of establishing covenant relationships and honoring others.

In Jewish tradition, the concept of gift-giving was deeply embedded in religious practices. The three-fold concept of tzedakah (righteousness through giving), gemilut hasadim (acts of loving-kindness), and matanot (gifts) formed an important part of Jewish piety. The Hebrew concept behind δόμα (מַתָּנָה, mattanah) appears in contexts like the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, which was considered God’s greatest gift to Israel. This cultural background enriches our understanding of δόμα as not merely a material object but as a concrete expression of relationship and covenant faithfulness.

Theological Significance

The concept of δόμα reveals profound truths about God’s character and His relationship with humanity. At its core, δόμα demonstrates that Yahweh is fundamentally a giver—the ultimate source of all good gifts. This stands in stark contrast to pagan deities of the ancient world, who were often portrayed as demanding sacrifices and offerings from humans with little in return. The God of Scripture, however, is characterized by His generous giving, beginning with creation itself and culminating in the gift of His Son.

The theology of δόμα also illuminates the principle that God’s gifts are perfect and purposeful. Unlike human gifts, which may be flawed or self-serving, God’s δόματα are always “good and perfect” (James 1:17). This reveals His omniscience and omnibenevolence—He knows exactly what we need and gives accordingly. Furthermore, the New Testament expands this concept by teaching that God’s greatest δόμα is salvation through Yeshua the Messiah, described as His “indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15), though a different Greek word (δωρεά) is used there.

Personal Application

Understanding δόμα should transform our approach to both receiving and giving. When we recognize that everything we have—from material possessions to spiritual blessings—is a δόμα from our Heavenly Father, it cultivates a heart of gratitude and stewardship. Rather than claiming ownership or entitlement, we acknowledge that we are recipients of God’s generosity and are called to manage His gifts faithfully.

This understanding also shapes our practice of giving to others. As recipients of God’s lavish δόματα, we are called to be channels of His generosity, giving freely and joyfully to those around us. When we give—whether time, resources, or talents—we reflect the giving nature of our Father, participating in His divine character. True biblical giving is not grudging or calculated but flows from a heart transformed by the recognition of God’s abundant giving toward us.

Related Words

• χάρισμα (charisma, KAR-is-mah) – A grace gift or spiritual endowment given by God through His grace; emphasizes the gracious nature of the gift rather than its tangible aspect. While δόμα focuses on the concrete gift itself, χάρισμα highlights the graciousness behind the giving. See G5486
• δωρεά (dōrea, doh-REH-ah) – A free gift or bounty given without expectation of return; emphasizes the freely given nature of the gift. Where δόμα is more general, δωρεά specifically underscores the gift’s gratuitous nature. See G1431
• δῶρον (dōron, DOH-ron) – A gift presented as an offering or sacrifice, often in religious contexts; emphasizes the presentation aspect of giving. While δόμα focuses on the gift itself, δῶρον highlights the act of presenting or offering the gift. See G1435
• μερισμός (merismos, mer-is-MOS) – A distribution, apportionment, or sharing; emphasizes the dividing and distributing aspect of giving. Unlike δόμα which focuses on the gift object, μερισμός highlights the act of division and distribution. See G3311
• λῆμψις (lēmpsis, LAYMP-sis) – The act of receiving; forms the counterpart to δόμα, emphasizing the recipient’s perspective rather than the giver’s. See G3028

Did you Know?

• Did you know that in ancient Greek culture, the concept of δόμα was intricately connected to the practice of reciprocity? Unlike modern gift-giving, which often carries no expectation of return, ancient Mediterranean societies viewed gift-giving as establishing social bonds and obligations. This cultural context helps us understand the radical nature of God’s gifts, which are given freely without expectation of equivalent return—a concept that would have been countercultural in the first-century world.
• Did you know that the Hebrew concept behind δόμα appears in the tradition of the “Gifts of the Magi” to the child Yeshua? When the wise men presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they were participating in an ancient tradition of presenting δόματα to honor royalty. These weren’t merely random valuables but carefully selected gifts that prophetically acknowledged the infant’s identity as King (gold), Priest (frankincense), and Sacrificial Lamb (myrrh).
• Did you know that modern Greek still uses the word δόμα, but primarily to refer to a terrace or rooftop? This linguistic evolution demonstrates how words can shift in meaning over time. In ancient biblical Greek, δόμα referred to what was given, but in contemporary Greek, it refers to the uppermost part of a building structure. This linguistic journey reminds us of the importance of understanding words in their historical and cultural context.

Remember This

δόμα reveals that at the heart of God’s character is generous giving—He is not primarily a demander but a provider whose perfect gifts demonstrate His intimate knowledge of our needs and His boundless love for His children.