Meaning of PRESENT, GIFT

(The term “present” is used very frequently in the OT, although “gift” is also used, which is used more frequently in the NT.)

Parents gave gifts to their sons (Gen. 25:6), they gave a dowry to their daughter when she married (Judg. 1:15); the bridegroom gave a gift to the bride's father (Gen. 34:12); wedding guests brought gifts (Ps. 45:12).

Men of good will exchanged gifts, and gave gifts to the poor (Est. 9:22); They were offered to the great in order to obtain their favor (Prov. 18:16).

It was forbidden to buy gifts from the judges (Ex. 23:8; Deut. 16:19; Prov. 29:4). The rulers rewarded those who had done them a service (Dan. 2:48), and showed generosity toward their subjects to make them happy (Est. 2:18).

Kings received tribute from their subjects (2 Sam. 8:2, 6; 2 Chron. 26:8; Ps. 45:12; 72:10; Mt. 2:11). The performance of public worship generated expenses that had to be maintained with offerings (Mt. 5:23, 24; 8:4; Luke 21:5).

In the East these habits of liberality continue to exist. The “gift of God” is eternal life in Jesus Christ (John 4:10; Rom. 6:23). Christ has given gifts to men (Eph. 4:8).

Not only has He opened a way that leads to God, allowing men to present themselves before Him, the Holy and Righteous One, but He has obtained for them the gifts of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; 16:6; Acts 2 :38), which are manifested in the hearts and lives of believers in repentance (Acts 5:31), faith (Eph. 2:8), love (Rom. 5:5), joy , peace, patience, kindness, goodness, meekness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).

Thus, all Christian virtues are the fruit of the Spirit, a gift from Him. God also gives different gifts to his Church, qualifying men who can contribute to his building (Rom. 12: 6; 1 Cor. 7: 7; 12: 4-9; Eph. 4: 7-16) .