Lexical Summary migdanah: Choice gift, precious thing, delicacy Original Word: מִגְדָּנָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance precious thing, present From the same as meged; preciousness, i.e. A gem -- precious thing, present. see HEBREW meged NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as meged Definition a choice or excellent thing NASB Translation choice presents (1), precious things (2), valuables (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מִגְדָּנָה] noun feminine choice of excellent thing; — plural absolute מִגְדָּנוֺת, as gifts, Genesis 24:53; 2Chronicles 21:3; 32:23 ("" מִנְחָה), Ezra 1:6. Topical Lexicon Definition and Meaning מִגְדָּנָה (migdanah) denotes articles of exceptional value presented as gifts. The term embraces precious metals, costly garments, and other treasured objects that communicate honor, affection, or allegiance. In every appearance it is linked to generosity that acknowledges a relational covenant—whether marital, familial, political, or spiritual. Occurrences and Literary Context 1. Genesis 24:53 – Abraham’s servant secures Rebekah’s consent to marry Isaac by bestowing “gold and silver jewelry, and clothing,” together with “costly gifts” for her family. The lavishness underscores the gravity of the marriage covenant and the prosperity associated with the Abrahamic blessing. Historical and Cultural Background In the Ancient Near East, exchange of valuable gifts was integral to diplomacy, marriage negotiations, and acts of worship. Such offerings functioned as tangible symbols of loyalty and reconciliation, often ratifying covenants. The chronicler’s repeated use of מִגְדָּנָה situates Judah within this wider cultural milieu while highlighting the distinctive covenantal faith of Israel, where every gift ultimately acknowledges the LORD as the source of blessing (Deuteronomy 8:18). Theological Themes 1. Divine Provision – Each passage stresses God’s ability to furnish His people with resources that exceed natural expectation. Abraham’s household, Judah’s princes, Hezekiah, and the returning exiles all benefit from wealth God channels through human agents. Christological Significance The motif of precious gifts foreshadows the magi’s presentation of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11). Just as מִגְדָּנָה signifies honor to patriarchs and kings, so the gifts of the wise men proclaim Christ’s royal and divine identity. Moreover, the voluntary offerings in Ezra typify the generosity of believers empowered by grace (2 Corinthians 8:1-5), reflecting the ultimate gift of God’s Son (John 3:16). Application for Ministry • Encourage believers to view material resources as instruments for covenantal blessing—supporting marriages, families, congregations, and missions. Summary מִגְדָּנָה encapsulates the biblical principle that costly gifts, rightly offered, honor God, strengthen covenants, and advance His redemptive plan. Each occurrence testifies that the Lord both provides and directs material bounty for His glory and the welfare of His people. Forms and Transliterations וּבַמִּגְדָּנ֑וֹת וּלְמִגְדָּנ֔וֹת וּמִ֨גְדָּנ֔וֹת וּמִ֨גְדָּנֹ֔ת ובמגדנות ולמגדנות ומגדנות ומגדנת ū·ḇam·miḡ·dā·nō·wṯ ū·lə·miḡ·dā·nō·wṯ ū·miḡ·dā·nō·wṯ ū·miḡ·dā·nōṯ ūḇammiḡdānōwṯ ulemigdaNot ūləmiḡdānōwṯ uMigdaNot ūmiḡdānōṯ ūmiḡdānōwṯ uvammigdaNotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 24:53 HEB: וַיִּתֵּ֖ן לְרִבְקָ֑ה וּמִ֨גְדָּנֹ֔ת נָתַ֥ן לְאָחִ֖יהָ NAS: he also gave precious things to her brother KJV: and to her mother precious things. INT: and gave to Rebekah precious gave to her brother 2 Chronicles 21:3 2 Chronicles 32:23 Ezra 1:6 4 Occurrences |
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