gift Summary and Overview

(1.) An gratuity (Prov. 19:6) to secure favour (18:16; 21:14), a thank-offering (Num. 18:11), or a dowry (Gen. 34:12). (2.) An oblation or proppitatory gift (2Sa 8:2,6; 1Ch 18:2,6; 2Ch 26:8; Ps. 45:12; 72:10). (3.) A bribe to a judge to obtain a favourable verdict (Ex. 23:8; Deut. 16:19). (4.) Simply a thing given (Matt. 7:11; Luke 11:13; Eph. 4:8); sacrifical (Matt. 5:23, 24; 8:4); eleemosynary (Luke 21:1); a gratuity (John 4:10; Acts 8:20). In Acts 2:38 the generic word dorea is rendered "gift." It differs from the charisma (1 Cor. 12:4) as denoting not miraculous powers but the working of a new spirit in men, and that spirit from God. The giving of presents entered largely into the affairs of common life in the East. The nature of the presents was as various as were the occasions: food (1 Sam. 9:7; 16:20), sheep and cattle (Gen. 32:13-15), gold (2 Sam. 18:11), jewels (Gen. 24:53), furniture, and vessels for eating and drinking (2 Sam. 17:28); delicacies, as spices, honey, etc. (1 Kings 10:25; 2 Kings 5: 22). The mode of presentation was with as much parade as possible: the presents were conveyed by the hands of servants (Judg. 3:18), or still better, on the backs of beasts of burden (2 Kings 8:9). The refusal of a present was regarded as a high indignity; and this constituted the aggravated insult noticed in Matt. 22:11, the marriage robe having been offered and refused.

The giving and receiving of presents has in all ages been not only a more frequent but also a more formal and significant proceeding in the East than among ourselves. We cannot adduce a more remarkable proof of the important part which presents play in the social life of the East than the fact that the Hebrew language possesses no less than fifteen different expressions for the one idea. The mode of presentation was with as much parade as possible. The refusal of a present was regarded us a high indignity. No less an insult was it not to bring a present when the position of the parties demanded it. #1Sa 10:27|

GIFT , The practice of making presents as a token of esteem and respect prevailed very extensively in the East. They were frequently made to secure favor, as in the case of Jacob and Esau, Gen 32:13-15. Kings and princes often made splendid gifts. Gen 45:22-23, and subjects approached their kings with presents. 1 Kgs 4:21; 2 Chr 17:5, etc. To refuse to make presents to a king was a mark of contempt, 1 Sam 10:27. The articles thus bestowed were very various -- cattle. Gen 32:13; garments, 2 Kgs 5:23; money, 2 Sam 18:11, etc. See, for a list of presents, 1 Kgs 10:25. The wise men from the East presented the infant Jesus with the most costly articles of the Orient -- "gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." Matt 2:11. The peculiar offerings under the Law are spoken of as gifts. Deut 16:17; Matt 5:23-24. And it is with singular force that the blessings of the gospel through Jesus Christ are called gifts, inasmuch as they cannot be purchased, and nothing can be given in return for them.