Grant

Greek Word Pronunciation: do-RAY-ah-mai
Strong’s Number: 1433
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 1563
Key Verse: “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness; … He has granted to us His ... promises …” -- 2 Peter 1:3, 4

Three basic Greek words are used in the New Testament that are alternately translated as “give” or “grant.” The most common is didomi, found over 400 times, with various shades of meaning. Charizomai is found 23 times, and signifies “to show favor or kindness” (similar to charis, “grace”).

The key word here is doreomai. In its various forms, it always carries a certain regal sense describing an act of large-handed generosity. It is not just giving, but giving generously and abundantly. This usage can be found in the Septuagint in Genesis 30:20 where Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good gift,” and in Proverbs 4:2, “I give you sound teaching.” In its noun forms, it is usually translated as “gift” or “offering.” In one form (doron), it is most frequently an offering given by man to God (as in Matthew 5:23), except in Ephesians 2:8 where God is portrayed as the giver, indicating that salvation is the gift of God. Another noun form (dorea) always refers to a spiritual or supernatural gift. Examples are in Ephesians 4:7 of the gift of Christ, and in Acts 2:28 of the gift of the Holy Spirit.

This word appears as a verb 3 times. In Mark 15:45, where Pilate granted Jesus’ dead body to Joseph, the implication is that Pilate had complete authority over the body. In the key verses, 2 PETER 1:3-4, both usages of the word grant are in the perfect tense, speaking of the past completed act of God presenting His gifts and promises with the present result that they are in the instant possession of the believer at the moment of salvation. There are no strings attached. These gifts are our permanent possessions, having been given by pure grace.