[Greek] δόσις (dosis), [Latin] donum, [Latin] datum, [Old Norse] gift: activity of giving, a gift, thing given; Phil 4:15,Mt.6:1-3,Jas.1:17
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means gift, contribution, permission, bequest, legacy, portion, dose, and fate. Plato’s Euthypro 14c states “What do you say holiness is? Sacrificing is making gifts to the gods. Praying is asking for gifts from them (the gods). Herodotus’ The Histories 1.61 states “The opinion of Hippias prevailing, that they should recover the sovereignty, they set out collecting contributions from all the cities that owed them anything.” Homer’s Odyssey 14.58 states “For from Zeus, we are all strangers and beggars, and a gift though small is welcome from such as we.” Virgil’s Aenid 2.49 states “Do not trust the horse, Trojans! Whatever it is, I fear the Dannaans even if they are bearing gifts.”
Old Testament: This term means statute, ordinance, something prescribed, gift, offering, present, and reward. Thus Joseph made it a statute for the land of Egypt (Gen.47:26). No matter how high you set the bridal price and gift I will give you whatever you ask from me (Gen.34:12). Everybody is a friend of a gift giver (Pro.19:6). Moreover, that all can eat and drink and joy the good of all their toil—this is a gift of God (Ecc.3:13). Those to whom God gives riches and property, and grants power to partake of them. This is a gift from God (Ecc.5:18).
New Testament: This term means gift and the act of giving. Although Paul strives to be self-sufficient, he gives thanks to the Philippians for their gift (money) to him sent by Epaphroditus. Paul speaks of giving and receiving in commercial terms. Paul is more concerned about the spiritual growth of the Philippians. Paul emphasizes that the Philippians will receive God’s care. All good and every perfect gift comes from the Father. These gifts come from the Father who does not alter or change.
Scripture:
“You Philippians indeed know that the the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, not a single church share with me in an account of giving and receiving except you alone.” Php. 4:15
The Philippians gave help to Paul. Philippia was the first place that Paul preached the gospel in Europe.
“All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of light, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.” Jas.1:17
The Father never changes or diminishes in giving gifts.
Etymology: The Latin datum is the neuter past participle of the Latin verb dare, meaning to give. Data is essentially a thing given or granted. The Latin donum is a gerund (a verb form functioning as a noun). Interestingly, donum is also related to the Latin verb dare.
Paraclesus (1493-1541): “The dose makes it either a poison or remedy.” Poison was placed on an arrow for hunting. Poison also has been used throughout history for killing and assassination purposes. This later becomes involved with the administration and quantities of medication. The German word for poison and present is gift. It is also interesting to note that the German mitgift (with gift) means dowry. A dowry is an ancient family tradition. It was a practice by which the bridegroom offers to the father of the bride a satisfaction before he can receive. This practice appears in Gen.34:12.
Conclusion:
Dose, dosage, data, donation, dowry
It was interesting to discover the varied and nuanced meanings of this term in Greek Hellenism. Plato, a non-Christian, makes some astute observations about giving and receiving gifts. Plato unknowingly touches upon the Christian notion of holiness in sacrificing or serving others. In a sense, we also receive gifts from God in our prayer requests. We are also reminded that not all gifts may be good. Hence, we are all familiar with the expression, “Beware of Greek bearing gifts.”
In the Old Testament, it is also interesting to note that this term can also mean a statute or ordinance. The Old Testament provides the basis that all gifts come from God. The Old Testament develops the notion that wealth and prosperity were signs of God’s blessing. This provides the basis for all those pastors who champion the ‘wealth and prosperity’ gospel.
In the New Testament, Jesus initiates a new paradigm shift regarding wealth and prosperity. Jesus calls one to be humble servant to others. Instead of accumulating earthly wealth and riches, Jesus calls us to instead accumulate spiritual treasures. Although the Philippians provided money to Paul, Paul stresses that God will provide for others. All good gifts come from the unchanging and perfect Father.
Paraclesus (1493-1541):”The dose makes it either a poison or remedy.” Poison was placed on arrow for hunting. Poison also has been used throughout history for killing and assassination uses. This later becomes involved with the administration and quantities of medication. The German word for poison and present is gift. It is also interesting to note that the German mitgift (with gift) means dowry. A dowry is an ancient family tradition. It was a practice by which the bridegroom offers to the father of his bride as a satisfaction before he can receive. This practice appears in Gen.34:12.
Scripture:
“You Phillippians indeed know that the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, not a single church shared with me in an account of giving and receiving, except you alone.” Phil 4:15
Paul praises the Phillippians for their generosity to others.
“But take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogue and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” Matthew 6:1-3
Yes. It is important that we show generosity in giving gifts and alms. But is also important in how we give these gifts to others. God says that we should not draw attention to ourselves when giving gifts. In doing so, God may repay us in kind more favorably.
“All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” Jas. 1:17
All gifts come from the Father.
Conclusion:
From this we get the modern day words dose and dosage. Both gifts and poisons are often freely and given to others. In Matthew 14:7 it also interesting to note that Herod gave a birthday “gift” of John the Baptist’s head on a platter to his daughter Salome
A dowry cabinet