δωρεάν
dōrean
freely
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word δωρεάν (dōrean) is defined as "freely" in 9 occurrences of the Bible. This word suggests the absence of obligation or constraint, emphasizing a spontaneous and unsolicited action. In context, δωρεάν is often used to describe actions or gifts given without expectation of payment or reward. The word δωρεάν appears in various parts of the New Testament, highlighting its significance across different genres and themes. Its usage ranges from describing gifts (e.g., a widow giving "freely" to the poor) to emphasizing the nature of certain actions, such as Jesus' statement that He came "not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many for the sake of many" (Mark), where His actions are characterized as δωρεάν. The significance of δωρεάν lies in its implicit rejection of reciprocity and the expectation of reward. It points to an action that is done unconditionally, without strings attached, and is an essential aspect of relationships built on trust, love, and selflessness.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences across the text
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.
Matthew 10:8Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.
John 15:25But this happened so that the word may be fulfilled which was written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.’
Romans 3:24being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;
2 Corinthians 11:7Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you God’s Good News free of charge?
Galatians 2:21I don’t reject the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!”
2 Thessalonians 3:8neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you,
Revelation 21:6He said to me, “I have become the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give freely to him who is thirsty from the spring of the water of life.
Revelation 22:17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.