δότης

Pronunciation Guide: doh-tace (with emphasis on the first syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1395: Δότης (dotēs) refers to a giver or donor, specifically one who gives freely and cheerfully. This rare New Testament term appears only once but carries profound theological weight as it describes the type of giver that God loves—one who gives willingly, joyfully, and without reluctance or compulsion.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Noun (masculine)
• Root word: δίδωμι (didōmi) – to give
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Teaching/instructional contexts
• Appears in Pauline epistle (2 Corinthians)
• Related to the verbal form δίδωμι (to give) and the concept of δόσις (the act of giving)

Δότης Morphology:

• δότης (nominative singular) – a giver
• δότου (genitive singular) – of a giver
• δότῃ (dative singular) – to/for a giver
• δότην (accusative singular) – a giver (direct object)

Origin & History

The term δότης derives from the common Greek verb δίδωμι (didōmi), which means “to give” or “to bestow.” In classical Greek literature, this term was used sparingly compared to other giving-related words. Xenophon, in his “Cyropaedia” (8.2.7), uses the term when describing generous benefactors, portraying them as individuals who give freely without expectation of return.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, forms of δίδωμι appear frequently, but the specific noun δότης is absent. This highlights the unique emphasis Paul places on the concept when he introduces it in 2 Corinthians. The early Church Father Clement of Alexandria, in his work “Stromata” (2.18), expands on Paul’s usage, describing God as the ultimate δότης, the perfect model of cheerful giving that believers should emulate.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A person who gives voluntarily and cheerfully
• One who donates or contributes without compulsion
• A benefactor who gives from genuine delight rather than obligation
• A contributor motivated by joy rather than duty

Δότης Translation Options:

• “Cheerful giver” – captures both the action and the spirit behind the giving
• “Willing donor” – emphasizes the voluntary aspect of the giving
• “Joyful contributor” – highlights the emotional state accompanying the act
• “Glad benefactor” – combines both the giving action and the positive attitude
• “Delighted provider” – focuses on the pleasure experienced in the act of giving

Biblical Usage

The term δότης appears only once in the entire New Testament, making it a hapax legomenon (a word that occurs only once within a body of text). Its singular appearance in 2 Corinthians 9:7 where Paul writes, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [ἱλαρὸν δότην]” gives it particular significance.

The rarity of this term highlights its theological importance. Paul deliberately chose this specific word when discussing the collection for the Jerusalem believers, emphasizing that the manner and motivation of giving are as important to God as the gift itself. The context involves Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthian believers to fulfill their previous promise regarding this collection, but to do so with the right heart attitude.

• “For God loves a cheerful giver [ἱλαρὸν δότην].” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world of Paul’s time, giving and benefaction were often public affairs designed to enhance the giver’s social status and honor. Wealthy patrons would provide for clients and public needs with the expectation of receiving public recognition, political support, or other social advantages. Inscriptions throughout the ancient Mediterranean world proudly displayed the names of benefactors who funded public buildings, festivals, or other civic projects.

By contrast, the Jewish tradition from which Paul came emphasized tzedakah (righteousness/charity), where giving was considered a religious obligation and a matter of justice rather than optional generosity. Maimonides, the medieval Jewish philosopher, would later outline eight levels of tzedakah, with anonymous giving that expects nothing in return ranked among the highest forms.

Paul’s use of δότης, especially when paired with ἱλαρός (cheerful), represents a fascinating synthesis of these traditions while transcending both. He removes giving from both the public honor system of Greco-Roman society and the obligatory framework of Jewish law, placing it instead in the realm of cheerful, willing response to God’s grace—a revolutionary concept in both cultural contexts.

Theological Significance

The concept of δότης reveals a profound theological truth about both human giving and divine character. When Paul states that “God loves a cheerful giver,” he is not merely providing instructions about church offerings but revealing something essential about God’s own nature. Yahweh Himself is the ultimate cheerful giver, the one who gives “generously to all without finding fault” (James 1:5).

The theological foundation for cheerful giving is established in the preceding verse, 2 Corinthians 9:6, with the principle of sowing and reaping. This agricultural metaphor highlights that giving is not loss but investment in God’s economy. When believers give cheerfully, they participate in the divine nature and economy of abundance rather than operating from the world’s economy of scarcity and self-protection.

Most profoundly, the ultimate expression of God as δότης is found in the gift of His Son. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). This supreme gift was not given grudgingly or under compulsion, but freely and joyfully from the heart of a loving Father. When believers give cheerfully, they reflect this fundamental aspect of God’s character.

Personal Application

To embody the spirit of a true δότης requires a transformation of heart that only the Messiah can accomplish. When we grasp how abundantly God has given to us—not just material blessings but the riches of His grace, the gift of salvation, and the indwelling of His Spirit—our giving naturally becomes more cheerful. The antidote to reluctant or compulsory giving is not greater willpower but deeper gratitude.

In practical terms, becoming a cheerful giver involves examining our attitudes toward our possessions. Do we view them as our own to protect, or as resources entrusted to us by God to be shared generously? When giving opportunities arise—whether financial contributions, time volunteered, or talents shared—the δότης perspective asks not “How much must I give?” but “How much can I give?” This shift from obligation to opportunity marks the heart of one who has truly understood the grace of God.

Related Words

• δίδωμι (didōmi) – to give, present, bestow – The verb form from which δότης derives, emphasizing the action of giving rather than the character of the giver. See G1325
• δόμα (doma) – gift, present – Refers to the thing given rather than the person giving it. Often used for concrete gifts. See G1390
• δόσις (dosis) – act of giving, gift – Focuses on the process or act of giving rather than the giver himself. See G1394
• δωρεά (dōrea) – free gift, gift – Emphasizes the gratuitous nature of a gift, given without expectation of return. See G1431
• χάρισμα (charisma) – gift of grace – A gift given out of favor or grace, often referring to spiritual gifts. See G5486

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the combination of ἱλαρός (cheerful) with δότης (giver) in 2 Corinthians 9:7 is the origin of our modern English word “hilarious”? While Paul wasn’t suggesting we should laugh when we give, he was emphasizing that giving should come from a place of joy and delight rather than duty or obligation. The Greek ἱλαρός conveyed a sense of readiness, willingness, and joyfulness that should characterize our giving.
• Did you know that in ancient Jewish culture, the highest form of giving was when neither the giver nor the recipient knew each other’s identity? This preserved the dignity of the recipient and ensured the giver’s motives remained pure. The Jerusalem Temple had a “Chamber of Secrets” where people could give anonymously and those in need could receive with dignity. Paul’s emphasis on the cheerful δότης aligns with this tradition but adds the dimension of internal joy rather than just external anonymity.
• Did you know that in Paul’s time, the concept of cheerful giving ran counter to both dominant cultural views? The Romans gave to receive honor and recognition, while many Jews gave out of religious obligation. The concept of a δότης who gives cheerfully from the heart, without compulsion or expectation of return, represented a radical middle path that transcended both approaches—reflecting the transformative power of the gospel in all areas of life, including financial stewardship.

Remember This

The true δότης gives not because of what others might think or because of what they might receive in return, but because they have first received abundantly from the ultimate Giver and find genuine joy in reflecting His generous heart.