δῶρον

a gift, present

Definition

δῶρον primarily means a gift or present, often used for offerings given to God or to others. In the New Testament, it most frequently refers to religious offerings, such as sacrifices brought to the temple (Matthew 5:23-24, Matthew 8:4). It can also denote gifts given between people, as seen in the Magi's offerings to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11). In a negative context, it describes a 'gift' dedicated to God (Corban) that was misused to avoid supporting one's parents (Mark 7:11), highlighting a conflict between human tradition and God's command.

Biblical Usage

This word appears 17 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. It is used in contexts of temple worship and religious practice, such as bringing gifts to the altar (Matthew 5:23-24) or for purification (Matthew 8:4). It also appears in debates about tradition versus commandment (Matthew 15:5, Mark 7:11). The usage consistently ties the gift to an act of giving, whether pious or hypocritical, within Jewish religious life.

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *dō-, meaning 'to give'. It is related to the verb δίδωμι (didōmi, G1325), 'to give'. The word itself is a native Greek term for a gift or offering, carrying the core idea of something given freely. In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), it often translates Hebrew words for offerings like 'minchah' (grain offering).

Semantic Range

δῶρον is theologically significant as it connects human giving to divine worship. In passages like Matthew 5:23-24, it underscores that reconciliation with others precedes acceptable worship—the gift is worthless without right relationship. Jesus critiques the misuse of 'gift' (Corban) in Mark 7:11, showing how religious tradition can void God's word. The Magi's δῶρα in Matthew 2:11 prefigure Jesus as the ultimate recipient of homage and the one who himself is God's perfect gift to humanity. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the link between physical offerings and the heart attitude behind them.

In its 1st-century Jewish context, a δῶρον often referred to a temple offering or sacrifice, part of the worship system prescribed by the Mosaic Law. This could include animals, grain, or other items. The practice of 'Corban' (Mark 7:11) involved dedicating property or resources to God, which could then be withheld from family—a cultural loophole Jesus condemned. This differs from a modern, secular understanding of a 'gift' as a simple present, as it carried heavy religious and social obligations.

δόμα (doma, G1390) — A more general term for a gift or bounty, often with a focus on the act of giving. θυσία (thysia, G2378) — Specifically a sacrifice or offering, often involving slaughter, whereas δῶρον can be a non-blood gift. χάρισμα (charisma, G5486) — A gift of grace, emphasizing the gracious nature of the giver (often God), unlike the more general δῶρον.

Word Details

Scripture References