Gift

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 (Pr 19:6), to secure favor (Pr 18:16; Pr 21:14), in religious thankfulness (Nu 18:11), or in dowry (Ge 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 (Ps 68:18), in charity (Es 9:22), in religious consecration (Exodus 28:38; Le 23:38; Nu 18:6-7,29; De 16:17; Eze 20:26,31,39), in inheritance (Ge 25:6; 2Ch 21:3; Eze 46:16-17), or as a bribe (Proverbs 15:27 Ec 6:7); with its corresponding Chald מִתּנָה, mattenah', e.g. a royal bounty (Da 2:6,48; Da 5:17); and the synonymous מִתִּת, mattath', e.g. a reward (as rendered in 1Ki 13:7) or fee (Pr 25:14), or simple conferment (Ec 3:13; Ec 5:19) or contribution (Eze 46:5,11). From the same root likewise the Nethinim (sc. given, i.e., consecrated, Nu 8:19).

2. From the root נָשָׂא, nasa', to raise, in the "Piel" sense of aiding, sc. by a gift, come מִשׂאִת, maseth', pecuniary assistance (Es 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 24:6,9), or voluntary first-fruits offered ("oblation," Eze 20:40); like the cognate מִשָּׂא, massa' ("tribute," 2Ch 17:11).