📖 Biblical Definition
Giving is the deliberate transfer of resources, time, gifts, or oneself to another — and Scripture identifies it as the act most characteristic of God Himself in the gospel: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son" (John 3:16). It is therefore the act most stamping the believer who has received. Paul’s sustained teaching on Christian giving in 2 Corinthians 8-9 names the principles: cheerful ("God loveth a cheerful giver", 9:7), proportionate ("according as God hath prospered him", 1 Corinthians 16:2), planned, secret (Matthew 6:3-4), sacrificial, and joyful. "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). The Christian man earns much, lives modestly, and gives generously.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
GIVE, v.t.
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To bestow; to confer; to impart; to grant; to communicate or pass from one to another. Giving — the act of bestowing as a gratuity.
📖 Key Scripture
John 3:16 — "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son."
2 Corinthians 9:7 — "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give... for God loveth a cheerful giver."
Acts 20:35 — "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Luke 6:38 — "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity hears “giving” and reaches for the wallet; Scripture intends the whole self.
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The most-quoted verse in human history is John 3:16, and its central verb is gave. The God who is the eternal Giver gave His Son; the Son gave His life; the Spirit gives gifts; the church gives back. Giving is not a side-discipline of Christian life; it is the imitation of the triune God Himself.
Modern Christianity often shrinks giving to its monetary slice. Tithe, offering, gift to a campaign — necessary, biblical, but not the whole. The believer is also called to give time, attention, hospitality, presence, forgiveness, second chances, and life itself. 2 Corinthians 8 says the Macedonians first gave their own selves to the Lord — and only then was the financial gift meaningful. Begin with self-surrender; the wallet follows easily.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew nathan (H5414); Greek didomi (G1325).
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Usage
"Begin with self-surrender; the wallet follows easily."
"Giving is not a side-discipline; it is the imitation of the triune God Himself."
"God loves a cheerful giver — the adverb is non-negotiable."