δόσις

a giving, gift.

Definition

δόσις (dosis) primarily means 'a giving' or 'the act of giving,' and by extension, 'that which is given'—a gift or donation. In the New Testament, it captures both the action and the result. In Philippians 4:15, it refers to the concrete 'gift' or financial support the Philippian church gave to Paul. In James 1:17, the focus shifts to the divine source, describing God as the giver of 'every good gift and every perfect gift,' emphasizing the act of giving itself as part of His nature.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, appearing in an epistle (Philippians) and a general letter (James). In Philippians 4:15, it describes a specific, practical gift of financial partnership. In James 1:17, it is used in a theological statement about God's character and the nature of blessings, paired with the related word δώρημα (dōrēma) for 'gift.' The usage spans from concrete, human generosity to abstract, divine benevolence.

Etymology

Derived from the verb δίδωμι (didōmi, G1325), meaning 'to give.' The -σις (-sis) suffix typically forms nouns denoting an action or process. Thus, δόσις fundamentally means 'the act of giving.' It is related to other gift-words like δῶρον (dōron, G1435) and δωρεά (dōrea, G1431), but with a stronger emphasis on the action or process behind the gift.

Semantic Range

δόσις is theologically significant because it connects human acts of giving to the divine character. In James 1:17, it underscores that God is not merely a source of gifts but is fundamentally characterized by the act of giving—every good thing flows from His generous nature. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that Christian generosity (Philippians 4:15) is a reflection of God's own giving heart.

In the Greco-Roman world, gift-giving (δόσις) was deeply embedded in social and patron-client relationships, often creating obligations. The New Testament usage, especially in James, transforms this concept by presenting God's giving as free, perfect, and without any shadow of selfishness or expectation of return, contrasting with cultural norms of reciprocal obligation.

δῶρον (dōron, G1435) — a gift or present, often used for offerings; δωρεά (dōrea, G1431) — a free gift, emphasizing its gratuitous nature; χάρισμα (charisma, G5486) — a gift of grace, often spiritual and for service.

Word Details

Scripture References