gifts in the Bible

also known as: presents

The giving of presents was an important affair of common life in the Middle East. The nature of the presents was as various as were the occasions.

• sheep, goats and cattle (Genesis 32:13-15)
• horses and mules (1 Kings 10:25)
• silver (2 Samuel 18:11)
• gold (1 Kings 10:10; 10:25)
• jewels (Genesis 24:53; 1 Kings 10:10)
• garments (1 Kings 10:25; 2 Kings 5:22)
• vessels for eating and drinking (2 Samuel 17:28)
• delicacies, such as spices, honey, etc. (1 Kings 10:10; 10:25; 2 Kings 5:22)
• pistachio nuts and almonds (Genesis 43:11)
• myrrh (Genesis 43:11; Matthew 2:11)
• frankincense (Matthew 2:11)
• balm (Genesis 43:11)
• aromatic gum (Genesis 43:11)
• weapons (1 Kings 10:25)
• food (1 Samuel 9:7; 16:20)
• perfumes / fragrances
• furniture

The mode of presentation was with as much parade as possible: the presents were conveyed by the hands of servants (Judges 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 Matthew 22:11, the marriage robe having been offered and refused.

Purpose of gifts given in the Bible

• A gratuity (Proverbs 19:6) to secure favor (Prov. 18:16; 21:14)
• a thank-offering (Numbers 18:11)
• a dowry (Genesis 34:12)

• An offering of worship or signifying devotion or a propitatory gift (2 Samuel 8:2; 8:6; 1 Chronicles 18:2; 18:6; 2 Chronicles 26:8; Psalm 45:12; 72:10).

• A bribe to a judge to obtain a favorable verdict (Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19).

• Simply a thing given (Matthew 7:11; Luke 11:13; Ephesians 4:8); sacrifical (Matthew 5:23-24; 8:4); eleemosynary (Luke 21:1); a gratuity (John 4:10; Acts 8:20).

The gift of the Holy Spirit

In Acts 2:38 the generic Greek word dorea is translated as “gift.” It differs from the word charisma (1 Corinthians 12:4) as denoting not miraculous powers but the working of a new spirit in men, and that spirit from God.

More information

• food
• drink
• tithe
• grace
• What is the Holy Spirit?
• What are spiritual gifts?
• What is the gift of tongues?