Proof

see EXPERIENCE, No. 2.

"a test, a proof," is rendered "proof" in Jam 1:3, RV (AV, "trying"); it is regarded by some as equivalent to dokimeion, "a crucible, a test;" it is the neuter form of the adjective dokimios, used as a noun, which has been taken to denote the means by which a man is tested and "proved" (Mayor), in the same sense as dokime (No. 1) in 2Co 8:2; the same phrase is used in 1Pe 1:7, RV, "the proof (of your faith)," AV, "the trial;" where the meaning probably is "that which is approved [i.e., as genuine] in your faith;" this interpretation, which was suggested by Hort, and may hold good for Jam 1:3, has been confirmed from the papyri by Deissmann (Bible Studies, p. 259ff.). Moulton and Milligan (Vocab.) give additional instances.

see DECLARE, B. Cp. the synonymous word endeigma, "a token," 2Th 1:5, which refers rather to the thing "proved," while endeixis points to the act of "proving."

"a sure sign, a positive proof" (from tekmar, "a mark, sign"), occurs in Act 1:3, RV, "proofs" (AV, "infallible proofs;" a "proof" does not require to be described as infallible, the adjective is superfluous).

Note: For the AV in 2Ti 4:5, "make full proof," RV, "fulfill" (plerophoreo), see FULFILL.