δίδωμι

I offer, give

Definition

The verb δίδωμι fundamentally means 'to give' or 'to grant,' but its usage in the New Testament is rich and varied. In its most basic sense, it describes the act of giving something tangible, such as food (Matthew 6:11) or alms (Matthew 5:42). It also extends to granting authority, power, or permission, as when Jesus says all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him (Matthew 28:18). In a more abstract sense, it can mean 'to put' or 'to place,' as in placing a lamp under a basket (Matthew 5:15). Crucially, it is used for God's ultimate gift of salvation and eternal life (John 3:16, Romans 6:23).

Biblical Usage

δίδωμι is one of the most common verbs in the New Testament, appearing across all genres. In the Gospels, it is frequently used in Jesus's teachings about prayer and God's provision (Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:13). In John's writings, it has profound theological weight, describing God's gift of His Son and eternal life (John 3:16, 10:28). In the epistles, it is used for the giving of grace, the Spirit, and spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:8, James 1:5). Revelation uses it for the granting of authority and power to figures like the beast (Revelation 13:7).

Etymology

δίδωμι is a primary, irregular verb in Greek. It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *dō-, meaning 'to give,' which is also the source for the Latin 'dare' (to give) and English words like 'donate' and 'dose.' Its fundamental sense of transferring something from one party to another remained stable throughout its development into Koine Greek.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically central, encapsulating the core of the gospel: God's gracious giving. It highlights grace as an unearned gift (Ephesians 2:8) and frames salvation not as a transaction but as a divine bestowal (Romans 6:23). Understanding δίδωμι enriches reading by emphasizing the initiative and generosity of God in all aspects of Christian life, from daily bread to eternal life, contrasting human giving with God's perfect giving (James 1:17).

In the Greco-Roman world, giving was deeply embedded in systems of patronage, reciprocity, and social obligation. A gift created a bond and often an expectation of return. The New Testament's use of δίδωμι, especially for God's gifts, often subverts this cultural norm by portraying divine giving as gracious, unilateral, and without demand for repayment, thus redefining the nature of generosity and grace.

χαρίζομαι (charizomai, G5483) — emphasizes giving as an act of grace or favor, often freely and graciously. ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi, G591) — means to give back, repay, or render what is due. παρέχω (parechō, G3930) — focuses on providing, supplying, or making something available.

Word Details

Scripture References