The word "examine" in I Corinthians 11:27-28 is dokimazo, meaning tested, approved. It carries the sense of trying, proving, discerning, distinguishing, or approving. Paul advises us to look deeply within ourselves to discern what we are. The purpose of this self-examination is to pause in the rush of life and consider how well we have done in our calling, setting goals to correct our shortcomings. God expects all baptized members to take the Passover annually, and through this examination, He wants us to remember the price Jesus paid for us in suffering and death. He also desires that we realize His great love for us in paying this price, using it as incentive to work on correcting our flaws in preparation for life in His Kingdom.

The Greek word *dokimazo* (G1381), translated as "examine," carries a profound meaning of testing, discerning, or proving. It implies a deep level of scrutiny, investigation, inquiry, searching, and correcting, far beyond a superficial glance. In the context of self-examination, as instructed by Paul in I Corinthians 11:28, it urges a thorough and honest evaluation of oneself before partaking of the Passover symbols. This process of examination, tied to *dokimazo*, is meant to be a diligent and ongoing way of life, ensuring that one aligns with God's expectations and avoids judgment. In II Corinthians 13:5-6, Paul further emphasizes this by exhorting believers to test themselves to confirm whether they are in the faith and to prove their spiritual fruit, reflecting the presence of Jesus Christ within them through their behavior.

The Greek word *dokimazo* (G1381), as used in Galatians 6:4, means to test or prove, with the expectation of approving. It also carries the sense of discerning or distinguishing, suggesting the act of proving whether something is worthy or not. This word underscores the importance of examining one's own work, ensuring personal satisfaction in doing one's best without the need to compare oneself with others. Through this process of self-examination, with God's help, the inner secrets of the heart can be made plain by His Spirit, allowing for necessary change and repentance. This effort, though sometimes painful, is a vital part of the continuing journey to draw closer to God and to secure entrance into His Kingdom.

Examine (dokimazo G1381) refers to the process of proving, testing, and determining whether metal is pure, and it carries the sense of approval rather than condemnation. In the instruction to examine oneself before partaking of the bread and cup, the term calls for an honest inspection to determine whether progress is occurring as God expects. The evaluation centers on revealing the attitude of the heart so that the Passover may be taken confidently with a right heart. This examination is likened to standing apart from oneself in order to make an objective assessment of spiritual progress over the past year. It compels a person to confront true character rather than continuing in self-deception through inconsistent study, prayer, and conduct. The standard against which the examination occurs is the perfect example of Jesus Christ, whose character embodies the full fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Such testing is intended to identify present flaws that require change, enabling worship in Spirit and truth. Although the process may involve personal cost and resistance from human nature, it remains essential for approaching the Passover with thankfulness and joy rather than doubt or heaviness.

The Greek term dokimazo (G1381) appears in the instruction of II Corinthians 13:5 to prove or test oneself as to whether one is in the faith. This verb carries a stronger force than the preceding term rendered examine, evoking the process of assaying metals under intense heat to determine their genuine quality and endurance. The command therefore requires believers to subject their religion to the most thorough trial, comparing their views and feelings with the Word of God and then placing that faith under the actual pressures of daily duty, affliction, and responsibility. Such testing reveals whether the profession will withstand opposition, persecution, and disappointment without complaint or collapse, much as an ax proves its worth only when swung repeatedly in the forest. This rigorous self-examination stands in direct contrast to allowing variable feelings or moods to govern conduct; it places the mind and will under the authority of Scripture so that genuine piety may be confirmed and the gift of God stirred into active service. By obeying the call to dokimazo, believers guard against the instability that arises when emotions are permitted to dictate spiritual direction and instead cultivate the steadfast rejoicing that flows from tested faith.

In II Corinthians 13:5, Paul commands the Corinthians to examine themselves as to whether they are in the faith and to prove themselves, using the Greek term dokimazo for the second imperative. This word, rendered "prove" in the verse, more correctly means to examine, scrutinize, or inspect, to decide upon after examination, to judge, distinguish, or discern, although it can also carry the sense of trying or testing. In the context of the Corinthian church, which struggled with numerous flaws, Paul thereby urges believers to undertake a deliberate mental and physical task of self-analysis, inspecting their own character and behavior to determine whether Jesus Christ is in them. The instruction places the responsibility for this quality-control process directly on each person, requiring honest admission of flaws and their correction with God's help so that one does not remain disqualified.