Gift

Gifts in the Bible serve a wide range of social and religious functions. They could be gratuities to secure favor (Prov. 19:6), thank-offerings for divine blessing (Num. 18:11), betrothal payments (Gen. 34:12), or tribute rendered to a superior power (2 Sam. 8:2). In the Mosaic law, the firstfruits and tithes were designated gifts to the LORD through the priesthood. The New Testament distinguishes natural gifts from the charismata — the spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church. The supreme gift of God is Jesus Christ himself: "the unspeakable gift" (2 Cor. 9:15), and salvation is described as "the gift of God" in contrast to earned wages (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:8).