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Bible Dictionaries
Gift
Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology
or In Old Testament times a gift was customarily given for the price of a bride (Genesis 34:12 ). The gifts of all the wave offerings of the Israelites were given by God to the priests and their families (Numbers 18:11 ). Fathers gave gifts to sons before sending them away (Genesis 25:6 ); sons would receive inheritances from their fathers (2 Chronicles 21:3 ). Gifts were often given to the poor. Gifts were sometimes spiritual in orientation: gifts would be given to God (Exodus 28:38 ) or for service by the Levites and priests (Numbers 18:6,9 ).
Gifts can be used to gain friends (Proverbs 19:6 ) or influence (Proverbs 18:16 ). God gives gifts to people so that they can enjoy life (Ecclesiastes 3:13 ). Some people boast of gifts, and then never give them (Proverbs 25:14 ).
In the New Testament a gift was given by the priest as an offering to God (Hebrews 5:1 ). The magi presented gifts to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11 ). God gave the gift of redemption to humankind (Ephesians 2:8 ).
God's righteousness is a gift (Romans 5:17 ); God has provided for us an "indescribable" gift (2 Corinthians 9:15 ). Paul talks about the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12 ). Those who have tasted the heavenly gift have been enlightened (Hebrews 6:4 ). Paul is a servant of the gospel by the gift of God's grace (Ephesians 3:7 ).
In general, in Scripture the word "gift" has three senses: gifts men give to men; sacrificial offerings presented to God; and gifts God gives to men, especially in connection with salvation, righteousness, and his grace.
Louis Goldberg
See also Offerings and Sacrifices.
Bibliography . F. F. Bruce, ISBE, 2:395-96; F. Buchsel, TDNT, 2:860-66; D. G. Burke, ISBE, 2:465-67; W. Kaiser, TWOT, 2:600-602; G. Thompson and W. A. Elwell, EDT, pp. 1042-46; W. White, Jr., ZPEB, 2:721.
Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Edited by Walter A. Elwell
Copyright © 1996 by Walter A. Elwell. Published by Baker Books, a division of Baker Book House Company, PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516-6287.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Elwell, Walter A. Entry for 'Gift'. Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/bed/g/gift.html. 1996.
