[Greek] δοκιμάζω (dokimazō), [Latin] probare, [Latin] comprobare: to test, to prove, to approve, to examine, to discern, to put through a trial; Lk.12:56, Lk.14:19, Rom.1:28, Rom.2:18, Rom.12:2, Rom.14:22, 1Cor.3:13, 1Cor.11:28, 1Cor.16:3, 2Cor.8:8,22, 2Cor.13:5, Gal.6:4, Eph.5:10, Php.1:10, 1Thess.2:4, 1Thess.5:21, 1Tim.3:10, Heb.3:9, 1Pet.1:7, 1Jn.4:1
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to examine, to prove (for oneself), to choose, to approve, to sanction, and to be fit (to serve). Xenophon’s Economics 8.10 states “Let us instruct the maid to take the goods and put them back again. Thus we shall know what is safe and sound and what is not, for the place itself will miss what is not in it.” Xenophon’s Memorabilia 2.6.1 states “In the following conversation I thought he gave instruction for testing the qualities that make a man’s friendship worth winning.” Andocides On the Mysteries 1.82 states “You therefore called a meeting of the assembly to discuss the difficulty, and as a result, enacted that the whole lot of the laws should be revised.”
Old Testament: This term means to test (examine), to prove, to make a trial, to choose, to refine, and to prove true. By this you will be tested by the life of Pharaoh (Gen.42:15). That you examine him every morning (Job 7:18). For the righteous God tries the hearts and minds (Psa.7:9). Moses chose able men out of Israel (Exo.18:25). Then you shall investigate and search out and inquire thoroughly (Deu.13:14). The weight of the bronze could not be ascertained (1Kgs.7:47). Let us examine and probe our ways (Lam.3:40). You have refined us as silver is refined (Psa.66:10). Behold, I will refine them and assay them (Jer.9:7). For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fuller’s soap (Mal.3:2).
Etymology: This term is related to the Greek noun dokime, meaning what is accepted (dogma). The Greek verb dokeo means to mentally accept (to get something in one’s head). This describes the mental image of invoking images in one’s mind that refer to observable reality. The related Greek noun dokos describes the main beam of either the roof or floor of a building. This is the beam that accepts the roof or floor.
New Testament: This term means to interpret, to evaluate, to test, to examine, to discern, and to approve. Jesus accused the crowds of being foolish in understanding scripture. In the Parable of the Great Feast, Jesus likens the guests’ refusal to attend the feast to the Jews’ refusal to accept Jesus’ salvation message. Paul appeals to the Romans in not conforming themselves to the age, but to discern what is the will of God. One’s actions will may be revealed or tested by fire. A person must examine himself in how he celebrates eating the Bread and drinking the Cup. It is often necessary to test the one’s character and genuineness of faith. The ancestors in the desert tried (tested) God.
Lk.12:56: “To interpret scripture”
Rom.1:28: “To do what is improper”
Rom.2:18: “To discern what is important”
Rom.12:2: “To discern what is the will of God”
1Cor.3:13: “Will test the qualities of each one’s work”
1Cor.11:28: “A person should examine himself”
2Cor.8:8: “To test the genuiness of your love”
2Cor.8:22: “Our brother whom we often tested”
2Cor.13:5: “Examine whether you are living in faith”
Heb.3:9: “Your ancestors tested and tried Me.”
1Pet.1:7: “Faith, though tested by fire”
1Pet.4:1: “Test the spirits to see whether they belong to God”
Conclusion:
Dogma, dogmatic, probe
This term indicates the sense of examining and testing of character and decision making. Xenophon makes reference to whether or not goods are safe. Andocides makes reference to whether or not laws must be revised. Aristotle makes reference to personal qualifications.
God’s relationship with man is often tested and examined. One’s faith can be tested through trials and tribulations. Faith, like a precious metal, can be refined and purified by fire (trials). One’s testing (refusing to follow) God will ultimately be tied to the judgment that one will receive from God.
The New Testament continues the Old Testament’s understanding of this term. The Parable of the Great Feast illustrates the Jews who refuse to accept Jesus’s salvation message. Paul calls others faith to not be in conformity to the age. Rather, one must be in conformity to God’s will. Honest examination requires one to understand what is God’s will for that person. One must be very conscious in not eating the Body and drinking the cup unworthily, lest one drinks in judgment. Faith is more important than precious minerals. Spirits, which can be deceptive, must be tested to determine if they come from God.
It is interesting to note that this term is related to dogma (what is accepted). Examining and testing is also linked to accepting.
Current events: In my personal opinion, the pope and other Church leaders are often sowing confusion in their statements about giving implied recognition, acceptance, or even approval to gay civil unions. Unfortunately, the pope has a long history of making confusing or misleading statements. The pope has made confusing states about the recognition or tacit recognition of gay civil unions. Many are now awaiting further clarification about this statements.
In my personal opinion, the pope needs to seriously examine his tendency in making confusing or seemingy contradictory statements regarding Catholic teaching. These statements are contrary to what is stated in the Catechism. This, in turn, has contributed to the conflict (divisions) between traditional Catholics and the more progressive Catholics within the Church.
Jesus, in His compassion for sinners, and told them to sin no more, not to normalize their sinful actions!