One of the most common NT verbs, meaning to give, grant, bestow, deliver, or commit. It covers the full spectrum of giving: gifts, authority, commands, teachings, and oneself. Used for divine giving (God gives the Spirit, eternal life, grace) and human giving (alms, tithes, the body as a living sacrifice).
The theology of giving is rooted in God's character: 'For God so loved the world, that he gave (edōken) his only begotten Son' (John 3:16) — the supreme act of giving in all of Scripture. Every good gift comes from the Father (Jas 1:17). Jesus gives His flesh for the life of the world (John 6:51), gives living water (John 4:14), gives authority to His disciples (Luke 10:19), and gives peace (John 14:27). The risen Christ gives gifts to the church (Eph 4:8-11). The response of faith is reciprocal giving: 'Give, and it shall be given unto you' (Luke 6:38). The entire economy of the kingdom is gift-based — grace (charis) is literally a 'gift-word.' To know God is to know the Giver, and to follow Christ is to become a giver.