[Greek] δόσις (dosis), [Latin] datum, [Latin] donum, [Old Norse] gift: gift, act of giving, thing given; Php.4:15, Jas.1:17
Did you bring your gift to Him? It’s His birthday after all!
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means gift, contribution, permission, giving, favor, wish, bequest, legacy, portion, dose, and fate.
Plato’s Euthypro 14c: “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: “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: “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: “Do not trust the horse, Trojans! Whatever it is, I fear the Dannaans even if they are bearing gifts.”
Homer’s Iliad 10.213: “Great would his fame be under heaven among all men, and a goodly gift shall be his.”
Old Testament: This term means statute, ordinance, something prescribed, gift, offering, present, and reward.
New Testament: This term means gift and the act of giving.
Scripture:
Php.4:15: “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.” (The Philippians gave help to Paul. Philippia was the first place that Paul preached the gospel in Europe. Paul emphasized that the Philippians will receive God’s care.)
Jas.1:17: “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.” (The Father never changes or diminishes in giving gifts. All good and every perfect gift comes from the Father. These gifts that come from the Father does not alter or change.)
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. They could potentially also be deadly. Hence, we are all familiar with the expression, “Beware of Greeks 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 (preachers) who champion the ‘wealth and prosperity’ gospel. This has even come to the point of pastors (preachers) having mansions! Not a good look!
In the New Testament, Jesus initiates a new paradigm shift regarding wealth and prosperity. Jesus calls one to be a humble servant to others. Instead of accumulating earthly wealth and riches, Jesus calls us instead to 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.
Now for a dose of good news: The Father brings His Son as a gift to us! This is His birthday. I hope you received many wonderful gifts (not just presents) this Christmas! Did you also bring your gift for Him? Parum Pum Pum Pum!