Encyclopedia entry
Gift
Disambiguation
The source enumerates 4 distinct subjects under Gift. Jump to one below, or read in order.
Gift (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).
Gift (2)
#An oblation or proppitatory gift (2Sa 8:2, 6; 1Ch 18:2, 6; 2Ch 26:8; Ps. 45:12; 72:10).
Gift (3)
#A bribe to a judge to obtain a favourable verdict (Ex. 23:8; Deut. 16:19).
Gift (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.
Also from Smith's (1884) +−
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. (1 Samuel 10:27)
In the Bible
86
Verses where Gift is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- 1 Corinthians 1:7
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 7:7
I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.
- 1 Corinthians 13:2
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
- 1 Corinthians 14:1
Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
- 1 Corinthians 16:3
Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
- 1 Kings 15:19
“Let there be a treaty between me and you as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you a gift of silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.”
+80 more verses naming Gift.
Scripture on Gift
78
See all 78 +−
- Matthew 52 Corinthians 8Genesis 33Genesis 34Genesis 43Exodus 231 Samuel 92 Kings 5Psalms 45Proverbs 17Proverbs 19Ezekiel 46Matthew 23John 4Acts 2Acts 82 Corinthians 9Ephesians 4Genesis 24Genesis 30Leviticus 22Numbers 8Judges 31 Samuel 101 Samuel 251 Samuel 302 Samuel 112 Samuel 172 Samuel 182 Samuel 191 Kings 101 Kings 152 Kings 162 Kings 20Proverbs 18Proverbs 21Proverbs 25Ecclesiastes 3Ecclesiastes 5Ecclesiastes 7Isaiah 39Isaiah 66Jeremiah 40Matthew 7Matthew 8Matthew 15Matthew 22Mark 7Luke 11Luke 21Acts 1Acts 10Acts 11Romans 1Romans 4Romans 6Romans 121 Corinthians 11 Corinthians 71 Corinthians 121 Corinthians 131 Corinthians 141 Corinthians 162 Corinthians 1Ephesians 2Ephesians 3Philippians 41 Timothy 42 Timothy 1Hebrews 6James 11 Peter 31 Peter 4
Entries that reference Gift
16
Voices on Gift
24
Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.
Sources · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897) · Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.