A Greek verb meaning to test, try, examine, prove, approve after testing, discern. Originally used for testing metals to determine genuineness (assaying gold), it metaphorically describes the process of examining something to determine its true character and worth. The result of successful testing is approval (dokimos — 'approved, tested, genuine').
This word reveals that Christian life involves constant discernment. Paul commands: 'Test everything; hold fast what is good' (1 Thessalonians 5:21) — believers are not to be gullible but discerning. 'Be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God' (Romans 12:2) — spiritual maturity produces the ability to assay truth from error. 'Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread' (1 Corinthians 11:28) — self-testing precedes worship. God Himself tests hearts (1 Thessalonians 2:4): He has 'tested us and entrusted us with the gospel.' The metallurgical background is key: testing is not punishment but purification — the fire doesn't destroy gold; it proves it genuine.