Gift
VIEW:18 DATA:01-04-2020
Gift. 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 as 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.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863
gift (מתּנה, mattānāh, מנחה, minḥāh, שׁחד, shōḥadh; δῶρον, dō̇ron, δωρεά, dōreá, χάρισμα, chárisma): In Gen_25:6; Exo_28:38; Num_18:6, Num_18:7, Num_18:29; Eze_20:26, etc., mattānāh, ?a gift,? is so rendered; minḥāh, an offering or present, used especially of the ?meat offerings,? is translated ?gift? (2Sa_8:2, 2Sa_8:6 the King James Version; 2Ch_26:8), in which passages ?tribute? is meant, as the Revised Version (British and American); Eze_32:23; Psa_45:12. A few other words occur singly, e.g. 'eshkar, ?a reward? (Psa_72:10); mas'ēth, ?lifting up? (Est_2:18); nāthūn is translated ?gifts? (Num_8:19; the Revised Version, margin ?Hebrew nethūnı̄m, given?); nēdheh, nādhān, ?impure gifts? (Eze_16:33); nis-sē'th, ?a thing lifted up? (2Sa_19:42); ה, shōḥadh means ?a bribe? (Exo_23:8; Deu_16:19; 2Ch_19:7; Pro_6:35; Pro_17:8, Pro_17:23; Isa_1:23; Eze_22:12); in each instance the American Standard Revised Version has ?bribe? except Pro_6:35, ?gifts?; terūmāh, ?a present? (Pro_29:4), may also mean a bribe, the King James Version ?he that receiveth gifts,? the Revised Version (British and American) ?he that exacteth gifts,? margin ?imposeth tribute, Hebrew a man of offerings.?
In the New Testament dōron, ?a present,? ?gift? (from dı́dōmi, ?to give?), is translated ?gift? (Mat_2:11; Mat_5:23, Mat_5:14 bis; Mar_7:11 the King James Version; Heb_5:1; Rev_11:10, etc., referring chiefly to gifts or offerings to God); dōrea, ?a free gift? (Joh_4:10; Act_2:38; Rom_5:15, Rom_5:17; 2Co_9:15; Heb_6:4, etc., referring to the gifts of God); dō̇rēma, ?a free gift? (Rom_5:16; Jam_1:17, the English Revised Version ?boon?); dósis, ?giving? (Jam_1:17, ?every good gift,? the Revised Version, margin ?giving?); charisma, ?grace,? ?favor,? a benefit or good conferred, is also used of Divine gifts and favors, especially of the supernatural gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit (charı́smata) enumerated in Rom 12; 1 Cor 12; the word occurs translated ?gift, gifts? (Rom_1:11), ?some spiritual gift? (Rom_5:15, Rom_5:16, ?free gift?; Rom_6:23, ?The gift of God is eternal life,? the Revised Version (British and American) ?free gift?; Rom_11:29; 1Co_1:7; 1Co_7:7; 2Co_1:11; 1Ti_4:14; 2Ti_1:6; 1Pe_4:10); cháris, ?grace,? ?favor? (2Co_8:4, the Revised Version (British and American) ?grace?); merismós, ?distribution,? ?parting? (Heb_2:4, the Revised Version, margin ?distributions?); anáthēma, ?a thing devoted to God,? is once (Luk_21:5) used of ?the goodly gifts? (the Revised Version (British and American) ?offerings?) which adorned the Temple at Jerusalem.
In the Revised Version (British and American) ?gift? is substituted in the text of Gen_33:11 for blessing, margin Hebrew ?blessing?; ?boasteth himself of his gifts falsely? (Pro_25:14) for ?boasteth himself of a false gift,? margin Hebrew ?in a gift of falsehood?; ?a parting gift? for ?presents? (Mic_1:14); ?Given to God? for ?a gift? (Mar_7:11).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.
Exo_23:8 (a) This refers to any bribe of any kind whatsoever that would cause the recipient to be warped or to be partial in his judgment.
Psa_68:18 (b) This refers to the talents and various abilities given to Christians to fit them for special and efficient service. (See also 1Co_12:4; Eph_4:8).
Pro_18:16 (a) This gift may refer to money. The giving of money obtains a hearing among great people of the earth and the wealthy are given places of honor which are not granted to the poor.
(b) It may refer also to the talents and attainments of an individual through the exercise of which he becomes famous. Edison exercised his gift of invention and was brought before great men; Houdini exercised his gift of magic and appeared before the wealthy; Paderewski exercised his musical talent and played for royalty. So the Christian may develop a gift for GOD under the leadership of the Spirit and be greatly in demand by those who are seeking for the best in Christian service. Some are gifted to teach prophecy or to unfold the Scriptures analytically or to develop and promote Sunday School work or to lead young people in their Christian ministry or to sing GOD's praises. All of these gifts give one a great place among the people of GOD and are in demand for the ministry and service of the King.
Pro_25:14 (a) A reference to one who boasts of an ability which he does not possess. GIFT is used as a type far a number of rich blessings from GOD. The Holy Spirit is called a gift. Eternal life is called a gift. Special blessings and equipment for service are called gifts. Money is also called a gift.
Some of these are listed as follows:
THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Joh_4:10; Act_2:38; Act_8:20; Act_10:45; Act_11:17.
In 2Co_9:15 we read about the "unspeakable gift." This is usually described as referring to the Lord JESUS CHRIST. All Bible students do not agree with this, but rather think that it refers to the Holy Spirit. The word "gift" that is used in this passage is the Greek word that is always used in those passages which plainly state the Holy Spirit is a gift. The word "unspeakable" is a difficult one to analyze. The Lord JESUS spoke often, and so did the Holy Spirit speak often. Neither of these two persons could be adequately described by human speech. We get no help from this word in deciding who is under consideration in this statement. Some think it may refer to "eternal life." The word that is used, however, probably indicates that the Holy Spirit is the one under consideration.
THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE, SALVATION, RICHTEOUSNESS Rom_5:15-18; Rom_6:23; Eph_2:8.
THE GIFT OF SPECIAL BLESSINGS AND EQUIPMENT FOR SERVICE Rom_1:11; 1Co_1:7; 1Co_7:7; 1Co_13:2; Eph_3:7; Eph_4:7; 1Ti_4:14.
THE GIFT OF MONEY 2Co_1:11; 2Co_8:4; Phi_4:17.
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types
press 1957.
Gift
the rendering of seven Heb. and four Greek terms (with their variations from the same root) in the A.V., besides being the import of others differently rendered. Several of these have a distinct and special meaning, indicative of the relation of giver and receiver, or of the motive and object of the presentation. They are as follows:
1. Properly and simply מִתִּן, mattan', a gratuity (Pro_19:6), to secure favor (Pro_18:16; Pro_21:14), in religious thankfulness (Num_18:11), or in dowry (Gen_4:12). From the same root (נָתִן, nathan', to bestow, in the widest sense) are also מִתָּנָה, mattanah', a present, e.g. a divine bestowal (Psa_68:18), in charity (Est_9:22), in religious consecration (Exo_28:38; Lev_23:38; Num_18:6-7; Num_18:29; Deu_16:17; Eze_20:26; Eze_20:31; Eze_20:39), in inheritance (Gen_25:6; 2Ch_21:3; Eze_46:16-17), or as a bribe (Pro_15:27 Ecc_6:7); with its corresponding Chald מִתְּנָה, mattenah', e.g. a royal bounty (Dan_2:6; Dan_2:48; Dan_5:17); and the synonymous מִתִּת, mattath', e.g. a reward (as rendered in 1Ki_13:7) or fee (Pro_25:14), or simple conferment (Ecc_3:13; Ecc_5:19) or contribution (Eze_46:5; Eze_46:11). From the same root likewise the Nethinim (sc. given, i.e., consecrated, Num_8:19).
2. From the root נָשָׂא, nasa', to raise, in the "Piel" sense of aiding, sc. by a gift, come מִשְׂאִת, maseth', pecuniary assistance (Est_2:18; elsewhere in various altered significations, and with different renderings); and נַשֵּׂאת, nisseth, a present in token of respect (2Sa_19:42). Perhaps the inherent idea of these terms, however, is rather that of oblation to a superior, i.e., honorary gift; hence the former is also used of a dish of honor sent to special guests ("mess," 43:34; 2Sa_11:8), and of a tax or fixed contribution towards the sanctuary ("collection," 2Ch_24:6; 2Ch_24:9), or voluntary first-fruits offered ("oblation," Eze_20:40); like the cognate מִשָּׂא, massa' ("tribute," 2Ch_17:11).
3. More distinctly in the sense of a votive offering is מַנְחָה, minchah', an oblation or propitiatory gift (2Sa_8:2; 2Sa_8:6; 1Ch_18:2; 1Ch_18:6; 2Ch_26:8; 2Ch_32:23; Psa_45:12; "present," Gen_32:13; Genesis 18, 20, 21; Gen_33:10; Gen_43:11; Gen_43:15; Gen_43:25-26; Jdg_3:15; Jdg_3:17-18; Jdg_6:18; 1Sa_10:27; 1Ki_4:21; 2Ki_8:8-9; 2Ch_9:24; 2Ch_17:5; 2Ch_17:11; Psa_72:10; in several of which passages the word has the accessory idea of tribute; elsewhere usually rendered "offering"). Kindred in meaning with the last, but from an entirely different root (שׁוּר, shur, to travel about with a commodity offered in sale), is תְּשׁוּרָה, teshurah', a conciliatory "present," e.g. to a seer-fee (1Sa_9:7). Different still is תְּרוּמָה, terumah' (from רוּם, rum, to be h^glh), an oblation (Pro_29:4), especially a peace-offering (as usually rendered). The word בְּרָכָה, blessing, is sometimes used of a present (Gen_33:11; 1Sa_25:27; 2Ki_5:15), munificence (Pro_11:25), or benefaction (Gen_49:25; Isa_19:24).
4. Mercenary in character are the following: שֹׁחִר, sho'chad, a bribe, especially given to a judge to obtain a favorable verdict (Exo_23:8; Deu_16:19; 2Ch_19:7; Pro_6:35; Pro_17:8; Pro_17:23; Isa_1:23; Eze_22:12; elsewhere rendered "bribe," "reward," "present"); אֶשְׁכָּר, eshkar' (from שָׁכִר, to hire), price, i.e., tribute (Psa_72:10; "present," Eze_27:15). So also שַׁלּוּחַים, shilluchim' (literally sendings away), dotal "presents" (1Ki_9:16) SEE DOWRY; but נֵדֶה, ne'deh (lit. liberality), signifies the prodigal wages of a harlot (Eze_16:35).
5. In Greek the usual terms are some derivative from δίδωμι, to give, namely δόμα, a gift, simply, it is the thing given (Mat_7:11; Luk_11:13; Eph_4:8; Php_4:17), δόσις, the act of giving (Jam_1:17); δῶρον, a conferment in token of amity (Mat_2:11; Eph_2:8; Rev_11:10), or sacrificial (Mat_5:23-24; Mat_8:4; Mat_23:18-19; Heb_5:1; Heb_8:3-4; Heb_9:9; Heb_11:4), or merely eleemosynary (Luk_21:1) or in consecration (Mat_15:5; Mar_7:11) SEE CORBAN; whereas δωρεά, a gratuity (Joh_4:10; Act_2:38; Act_8:20; Act_10:45; Act_11:17; Rom_5:15; Rom_5:17; 2Co_9:15; Eph_3:7; Eph_4:7; Heb_6:4), and δώρημα, endowment (Rom_5:16; Jam_1:17), refer to spiritual bestowments, i.e. grace. These significations are distributed in ἀνάθημα, a votive offering (Luk_21:5, as being hung up),.and χάρις (2Co_8:4; "liberality," 1Co_16:3; "benefit," 2Co_1:15), grace (as elsewhere usually rendered), and its cognate χάρισμα, an inpasrtation which is spoken of spiritual and unmerited endowments (Rom_5:15, i6; 6:23), especially the miraculous or special powers granted to the early Christians (Rom_1:11; Rom_12:6; 1Co_1:7; 1Co_7:7; 1Co_12:4; 1Co_12:9; 1Co_12:28; 1Co_12:30-31; 2Co_1:11; 1Ti_4:14; 2Ti_1:6; 1Pe_1:10); while μεοισμός (a dividing, as in Heb_4:12), points out the distribution of these among believers (Heb_2:4). Henderson has admirably analyzed the terms used in the above passage (1Co_12:4-6) for these various "operations" in his work on Divine Inspiration (Lond. 1847), lect. 4. SEE SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
"The giving and receiving of presents has in all ages been not only a usore frequent, but also a more formal and significant proceeding in the East than among ourselves. It enters largely into the ordinary transactions of life: no negotiation, alliance, or contract of any kind can be entered into between states or sovereigns without a previous interchange of presents: none of the important events of private life, betrothal, marriage, coming of age, birth, take place without presents: even a visit, if of a formal nature, must be prefaced by a present. The extent to which the custom prevailed admits of some explanation from the peculiar usages of the East: it is clear that the term 'gift' is frequently used where we would substitute 'tribute' or 'fee.' The tribute of subject states was paid, not in a fixed sum of money, but in kind, each nation presenting its particular product a custom which is frequently illustrated in the sculptures of Assyria and Egypt; hence the numerous instances in which the present was no voluntary act, but an exaction (Jdg_3:15-18; 2Sa_8:2; 2Sa_8:6; 1Ki_4:21; 2Ki_17:3; 2Ch_17:11; 2Ch_26:8); and hence the expression 'to bring presents' to own submission (Psa_68:29; Psa_76:11; Isa_18:7).
Again, the present taken to a prophet-was viewed very much in the light of a consulting 'fee,' and conveyed no idea of bribery (1Sa_9:7; comp. 12:3; 2Ki_5:5; 2Ki_8:9): it was only when false prophets and corrupt judges arose that the present was prostituted, and became, instead of a minchah (as in the instances quoted), a shockad or bribe (Isa_1:23; Isa_5:23; Eze_22:12; Mic_3:11). But even allowing for these cases, which are hardly 'gifts' in our sense of the term, there is still a large excess remaining in the practice of the East: friends brought presents to friends on any joyful occasion (Est_9:19; Est_9:22), those who asked for information or advice to those who gave it (2Ki_8:8), the needy to the wealthy from whom any assistance was expected (Gen_43:11; 2Ki_15:19; 2Ki_16:8), rulers to their favorites (Gen_45:22; 2Sa_11:8), especially to their officers (Est_2:18; Josephus, Ant. 12:2, 15), on to the people generally on festive occasions (2Sa_6:19): on the occasion of a marriage, ,the bridegroom not only paid the parents for his bride (A.V. 'dowry'), but also gave the bride certain presents (Gen_34:12; comp. Gen_24:22), while the father of the bride gave her a present on sending her away, as is expressed in the term shilluchîm (שַׁלֻּחַים (1Ki_9:16); and again, the portions of the sons of concubines were paid in the form of presents (Gen_15:6). "The nature of the presents was as various as were the occasions: food (1Sa_9:7; 1Sa_16:20; 1Sa_25:18), sheep, and cattle (Gen_32:13-15; Jdg_15:1), gold (2Sa_18:11; Job_13:11; Mat_2:11), jewels (Gen_24:53), furniture, and vessels for eating and drinking (2Sa_17:28), delicacies, such as spices, honey, etc. (Gen_24:53; 1Ki_10:25; 2Ki_5:22), particularly in the case of persons inducted into high office (Est_6:8; Dan_5:16; comp. Herod. 3:20). The mode of presentation was with as much parade as possible; the presents were conveyed by the hands of servants (Jdg_3:18), or, still better on the backs of beasts of burden (2Ki_8:9), even when such a mode of conveyance was unnecessary. The refusal of a present was regarded as a high indignity, and this constituted the aggravated insult noticed in Mat_22:11, the marriage robe having been offered and refused (Trench, Parables). No less an insult was it not to bring a present when the position of the, parties demanded it (1Sa_10:27). SEE PRESENT.
CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863
gift (מתּנה, mattānāh, מנחה, minḥāh, שׁחד, shōḥadh; δῶρον, dō̇ron, δωρεά, dōreá, χάρισμα, chárisma): In Gen_25:6; Exo_28:38; Num_18:6, Num_18:7, Num_18:29; Eze_20:26, etc., mattānāh, ?a gift,? is so rendered; minḥāh, an offering or present, used especially of the ?meat offerings,? is translated ?gift? (2Sa_8:2, 2Sa_8:6 the King James Version; 2Ch_26:8), in which passages ?tribute? is meant, as the Revised Version (British and American); Eze_32:23; Psa_45:12. A few other words occur singly, e.g. 'eshkar, ?a reward? (Psa_72:10); mas'ēth, ?lifting up? (Est_2:18); nāthūn is translated ?gifts? (Num_8:19; the Revised Version, margin ?Hebrew nethūnı̄m, given?); nēdheh, nādhān, ?impure gifts? (Eze_16:33); nis-sē'th, ?a thing lifted up? (2Sa_19:42); ה, shōḥadh means ?a bribe? (Exo_23:8; Deu_16:19; 2Ch_19:7; Pro_6:35; Pro_17:8, Pro_17:23; Isa_1:23; Eze_22:12); in each instance the American Standard Revised Version has ?bribe? except Pro_6:35, ?gifts?; terūmāh, ?a present? (Pro_29:4), may also mean a bribe, the King James Version ?he that receiveth gifts,? the Revised Version (British and American) ?he that exacteth gifts,? margin ?imposeth tribute, Hebrew a man of offerings.?
In the New Testament dōron, ?a present,? ?gift? (from dı́dōmi, ?to give?), is translated ?gift? (Mat_2:11; Mat_5:23, Mat_5:14 bis; Mar_7:11 the King James Version; Heb_5:1; Rev_11:10, etc., referring chiefly to gifts or offerings to God); dōrea, ?a free gift? (Joh_4:10; Act_2:38; Rom_5:15, Rom_5:17; 2Co_9:15; Heb_6:4, etc., referring to the gifts of God); dō̇rēma, ?a free gift? (Rom_5:16; Jam_1:17, the English Revised Version ?boon?); dósis, ?giving? (Jam_1:17, ?every good gift,? the Revised Version, margin ?giving?); charisma, ?grace,? ?favor,? a benefit or good conferred, is also used of Divine gifts and favors, especially of the supernatural gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit (charı́smata) enumerated in Rom 12; 1 Cor 12; the word occurs translated ?gift, gifts? (Rom_1:11), ?some spiritual gift? (Rom_5:15, Rom_5:16, ?free gift?; Rom_6:23, ?The gift of God is eternal life,? the Revised Version (British and American) ?free gift?; Rom_11:29; 1Co_1:7; 1Co_7:7; 2Co_1:11; 1Ti_4:14; 2Ti_1:6; 1Pe_4:10); cháris, ?grace,? ?favor? (2Co_8:4, the Revised Version (British and American) ?grace?); merismós, ?distribution,? ?parting? (Heb_2:4, the Revised Version, margin ?distributions?); anáthēma, ?a thing devoted to God,? is once (Luk_21:5) used of ?the goodly gifts? (the Revised Version (British and American) ?offerings?) which adorned the Temple at Jerusalem.
In the Revised Version (British and American) ?gift? is substituted in the text of Gen_33:11 for blessing, margin Hebrew ?blessing?; ?boasteth himself of his gifts falsely? (Pro_25:14) for ?boasteth himself of a false gift,? margin Hebrew ?in a gift of falsehood?; ?a parting gift? for ?presents? (Mic_1:14); ?Given to God? for ?a gift? (Mar_7:11).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.
Exo_23:8 (a) This refers to any bribe of any kind whatsoever that would cause the recipient to be warped or to be partial in his judgment.
Psa_68:18 (b) This refers to the talents and various abilities given to Christians to fit them for special and efficient service. (See also 1Co_12:4; Eph_4:8).
Pro_18:16 (a) This gift may refer to money. The giving of money obtains a hearing among great people of the earth and the wealthy are given places of honor which are not granted to the poor.
(b) It may refer also to the talents and attainments of an individual through the exercise of which he becomes famous. Edison exercised his gift of invention and was brought before great men; Houdini exercised his gift of magic and appeared before the wealthy; Paderewski exercised his musical talent and played for royalty. So the Christian may develop a gift for GOD under the leadership of the Spirit and be greatly in demand by those who are seeking for the best in Christian service. Some are gifted to teach prophecy or to unfold the Scriptures analytically or to develop and promote Sunday School work or to lead young people in their Christian ministry or to sing GOD's praises. All of these gifts give one a great place among the people of GOD and are in demand for the ministry and service of the King.
Pro_25:14 (a) A reference to one who boasts of an ability which he does not possess. GIFT is used as a type far a number of rich blessings from GOD. The Holy Spirit is called a gift. Eternal life is called a gift. Special blessings and equipment for service are called gifts. Money is also called a gift.
Some of these are listed as follows:
THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Joh_4:10; Act_2:38; Act_8:20; Act_10:45; Act_11:17.
In 2Co_9:15 we read about the "unspeakable gift." This is usually described as referring to the Lord JESUS CHRIST. All Bible students do not agree with this, but rather think that it refers to the Holy Spirit. The word "gift" that is used in this passage is the Greek word that is always used in those passages which plainly state the Holy Spirit is a gift. The word "unspeakable" is a difficult one to analyze. The Lord JESUS spoke often, and so did the Holy Spirit speak often. Neither of these two persons could be adequately described by human speech. We get no help from this word in deciding who is under consideration in this statement. Some think it may refer to "eternal life." The word that is used, however, probably indicates that the Holy Spirit is the one under consideration.
THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE, SALVATION, RICHTEOUSNESS Rom_5:15-18; Rom_6:23; Eph_2:8.
THE GIFT OF SPECIAL BLESSINGS AND EQUIPMENT FOR SERVICE Rom_1:11; 1Co_1:7; 1Co_7:7; 1Co_13:2; Eph_3:7; Eph_4:7; 1Ti_4:14.
THE GIFT OF MONEY 2Co_1:11; 2Co_8:4; Phi_4:17.
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types
press 1957.
Gift
the rendering of seven Heb. and four Greek terms (with their variations from the same root) in the A.V., besides being the import of others differently rendered. Several of these have a distinct and special meaning, indicative of the relation of giver and receiver, or of the motive and object of the presentation. They are as follows:
1. Properly and simply מִתִּן, mattan', a gratuity (Pro_19:6), to secure favor (Pro_18:16; Pro_21:14), in religious thankfulness (Num_18:11), or in dowry (Gen_4:12). From the same root (נָתִן, nathan', to bestow, in the widest sense) are also מִתָּנָה, mattanah', a present, e.g. a divine bestowal (Psa_68:18), in charity (Est_9:22), in religious consecration (Exo_28:38; Lev_23:38; Num_18:6-7; Num_18:29; Deu_16:17; Eze_20:26; Eze_20:31; Eze_20:39), in inheritance (Gen_25:6; 2Ch_21:3; Eze_46:16-17), or as a bribe (Pro_15:27 Ecc_6:7); with its corresponding Chald מִתְּנָה, mattenah', e.g. a royal bounty (Dan_2:6; Dan_2:48; Dan_5:17); and the synonymous מִתִּת, mattath', e.g. a reward (as rendered in 1Ki_13:7) or fee (Pro_25:14), or simple conferment (Ecc_3:13; Ecc_5:19) or contribution (Eze_46:5; Eze_46:11). From the same root likewise the Nethinim (sc. given, i.e., consecrated, Num_8:19).
2. From the root נָשָׂא, nasa', to raise, in the "Piel" sense of aiding, sc. by a gift, come מִשְׂאִת, maseth', pecuniary assistance (Est_2:18; elsewhere in various altered significations, and with different renderings); and נַשֵּׂאת, nisseth, a present in token of respect (2Sa_19:42). Perhaps the inherent idea of these terms, however, is rather that of oblation to a superior, i.e., honorary gift; hence the former is also used of a dish of honor sent to special guests ("mess," 43:34; 2Sa_11:8), and of a tax or fixed contribution towards the sanctuary ("collection," 2Ch_24:6; 2Ch_24:9), or voluntary first-fruits offered ("oblation," Eze_20:40); like the cognate מִשָּׂא, massa' ("tribute," 2Ch_17:11).
3. More distinctly in the sense of a votive offering is מַנְחָה, minchah', an oblation or propitiatory gift (2Sa_8:2; 2Sa_8:6; 1Ch_18:2; 1Ch_18:6; 2Ch_26:8; 2Ch_32:23; Psa_45:12; "present," Gen_32:13; Genesis 18, 20, 21; Gen_33:10; Gen_43:11; Gen_43:15; Gen_43:25-26; Jdg_3:15; Jdg_3:17-18; Jdg_6:18; 1Sa_10:27; 1Ki_4:21; 2Ki_8:8-9; 2Ch_9:24; 2Ch_17:5; 2Ch_17:11; Psa_72:10; in several of which passages the word has the accessory idea of tribute; elsewhere usually rendered "offering"). Kindred in meaning with the last, but from an entirely different root (שׁוּר, shur, to travel about with a commodity offered in sale), is תְּשׁוּרָה, teshurah', a conciliatory "present," e.g. to a seer-fee (1Sa_9:7). Different still is תְּרוּמָה, terumah' (from רוּם, rum, to be h^glh), an oblation (Pro_29:4), especially a peace-offering (as usually rendered). The word בְּרָכָה, blessing, is sometimes used of a present (Gen_33:11; 1Sa_25:27; 2Ki_5:15), munificence (Pro_11:25), or benefaction (Gen_49:25; Isa_19:24).
4. Mercenary in character are the following: שֹׁחִר, sho'chad, a bribe, especially given to a judge to obtain a favorable verdict (Exo_23:8; Deu_16:19; 2Ch_19:7; Pro_6:35; Pro_17:8; Pro_17:23; Isa_1:23; Eze_22:12; elsewhere rendered "bribe," "reward," "present"); אֶשְׁכָּר, eshkar' (from שָׁכִר, to hire), price, i.e., tribute (Psa_72:10; "present," Eze_27:15). So also שַׁלּוּחַים, shilluchim' (literally sendings away), dotal "presents" (1Ki_9:16) SEE DOWRY; but נֵדֶה, ne'deh (lit. liberality), signifies the prodigal wages of a harlot (Eze_16:35).
5. In Greek the usual terms are some derivative from δίδωμι, to give, namely δόμα, a gift, simply, it is the thing given (Mat_7:11; Luk_11:13; Eph_4:8; Php_4:17), δόσις, the act of giving (Jam_1:17); δῶρον, a conferment in token of amity (Mat_2:11; Eph_2:8; Rev_11:10), or sacrificial (Mat_5:23-24; Mat_8:4; Mat_23:18-19; Heb_5:1; Heb_8:3-4; Heb_9:9; Heb_11:4), or merely eleemosynary (Luk_21:1) or in consecration (Mat_15:5; Mar_7:11) SEE CORBAN; whereas δωρεά, a gratuity (Joh_4:10; Act_2:38; Act_8:20; Act_10:45; Act_11:17; Rom_5:15; Rom_5:17; 2Co_9:15; Eph_3:7; Eph_4:7; Heb_6:4), and δώρημα, endowment (Rom_5:16; Jam_1:17), refer to spiritual bestowments, i.e. grace. These significations are distributed in ἀνάθημα, a votive offering (Luk_21:5, as being hung up),.and χάρις (2Co_8:4; "liberality," 1Co_16:3; "benefit," 2Co_1:15), grace (as elsewhere usually rendered), and its cognate χάρισμα, an inpasrtation which is spoken of spiritual and unmerited endowments (Rom_5:15, i6; 6:23), especially the miraculous or special powers granted to the early Christians (Rom_1:11; Rom_12:6; 1Co_1:7; 1Co_7:7; 1Co_12:4; 1Co_12:9; 1Co_12:28; 1Co_12:30-31; 2Co_1:11; 1Ti_4:14; 2Ti_1:6; 1Pe_1:10); while μεοισμός (a dividing, as in Heb_4:12), points out the distribution of these among believers (Heb_2:4). Henderson has admirably analyzed the terms used in the above passage (1Co_12:4-6) for these various "operations" in his work on Divine Inspiration (Lond. 1847), lect. 4. SEE SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
"The giving and receiving of presents has in all ages been not only a usore frequent, but also a more formal and significant proceeding in the East than among ourselves. It enters largely into the ordinary transactions of life: no negotiation, alliance, or contract of any kind can be entered into between states or sovereigns without a previous interchange of presents: none of the important events of private life, betrothal, marriage, coming of age, birth, take place without presents: even a visit, if of a formal nature, must be prefaced by a present. The extent to which the custom prevailed admits of some explanation from the peculiar usages of the East: it is clear that the term 'gift' is frequently used where we would substitute 'tribute' or 'fee.' The tribute of subject states was paid, not in a fixed sum of money, but in kind, each nation presenting its particular product a custom which is frequently illustrated in the sculptures of Assyria and Egypt; hence the numerous instances in which the present was no voluntary act, but an exaction (Jdg_3:15-18; 2Sa_8:2; 2Sa_8:6; 1Ki_4:21; 2Ki_17:3; 2Ch_17:11; 2Ch_26:8); and hence the expression 'to bring presents' to own submission (Psa_68:29; Psa_76:11; Isa_18:7).
Again, the present taken to a prophet-was viewed very much in the light of a consulting 'fee,' and conveyed no idea of bribery (1Sa_9:7; comp. 12:3; 2Ki_5:5; 2Ki_8:9): it was only when false prophets and corrupt judges arose that the present was prostituted, and became, instead of a minchah (as in the instances quoted), a shockad or bribe (Isa_1:23; Isa_5:23; Eze_22:12; Mic_3:11). But even allowing for these cases, which are hardly 'gifts' in our sense of the term, there is still a large excess remaining in the practice of the East: friends brought presents to friends on any joyful occasion (Est_9:19; Est_9:22), those who asked for information or advice to those who gave it (2Ki_8:8), the needy to the wealthy from whom any assistance was expected (Gen_43:11; 2Ki_15:19; 2Ki_16:8), rulers to their favorites (Gen_45:22; 2Sa_11:8), especially to their officers (Est_2:18; Josephus, Ant. 12:2, 15), on to the people generally on festive occasions (2Sa_6:19): on the occasion of a marriage, ,the bridegroom not only paid the parents for his bride (A.V. 'dowry'), but also gave the bride certain presents (Gen_34:12; comp. Gen_24:22), while the father of the bride gave her a present on sending her away, as is expressed in the term shilluchîm (שַׁלֻּחַים (1Ki_9:16); and again, the portions of the sons of concubines were paid in the form of presents (Gen_15:6). "The nature of the presents was as various as were the occasions: food (1Sa_9:7; 1Sa_16:20; 1Sa_25:18), sheep, and cattle (Gen_32:13-15; Jdg_15:1), gold (2Sa_18:11; Job_13:11; Mat_2:11), jewels (Gen_24:53), furniture, and vessels for eating and drinking (2Sa_17:28), delicacies, such as spices, honey, etc. (Gen_24:53; 1Ki_10:25; 2Ki_5:22), particularly in the case of persons inducted into high office (Est_6:8; Dan_5:16; comp. Herod. 3:20). The mode of presentation was with as much parade as possible; the presents were conveyed by the hands of servants (Jdg_3:18), or, still better on the backs of beasts of burden (2Ki_8:9), even when such a mode of conveyance was unnecessary. The refusal of a present was regarded as a high indignity, and this constituted the aggravated insult noticed in Mat_22:11, the marriage robe having been offered and refused (Trench, Parables). No less an insult was it not to bring a present when the position of the, parties demanded it (1Sa_10:27). SEE PRESENT.
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