Lexical Summary teshurah: Gift, present, offering Original Word: תְּשׁוּרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance present From shuwr in the sense of arrival; a gift -- present. see HEBREW shuwr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shur Definition perhaps gift, present NASB Translation present (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs תְּשׁוּרָה noun feminine gift, present (?) (from above √ = thing brought, offered ? very dubious); — ׳ת 1 Samuel 9:7 (meaning inferred from context). Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting The word תְּשׁוּרָה appears solely in 1 Samuel 9:7, where Saul, still an obscure Benjamite, hesitates to consult Samuel because he lacks “a gift to present to the man of God”. The scene occurs during Saul’s search for his father’s lost donkeys—an errand that providentially leads to his anointing as Israel’s first king. The term therefore stands at a narrative hinge in redemptive history: the transition from the period of the judges to the united monarchy. Meaning and Usage Though the form occurs only once, Scripture elsewhere describes a similar practice of bringing material tokens to God’s servants. Such gifts—voluntary, respectful, and proportionate—communicated honor toward the bearer of divine revelation and, by extension, toward the LORD who sent him (1 Samuel 9:8; 1 Kings 14:3; 2 Kings 4:42; 5:15; 8:8). In 1 Samuel 9:7 the gesture is not payment for prophecy but an outward sign of humility and esteem. Historical and Cultural Background In the ancient Near East visitors commonly approached elders, prophets, or rulers with presents. This custom did not purchase favor; rather, it acknowledged rank and underscored the visitor’s dependence. Within Israel such offerings carried additional theological freight: Yahweh had taught His people to honor Him with firstfruits and freewill offerings (Leviticus 23:10; Deuteronomy 16:16-17). Extending that practice to His appointed representatives reinforced covenant consciousness and maintained a rhythm of gratitude within the community. Theological Themes 1. Reverence for Divine Revelation – Bringing a תְּשׁוּרָה expressed confidence that God speaks and that His word is worth any cost (Psalm 19:10). Ministry Implications The pattern illustrated by תְּשׁוּרָה shapes biblical ethics of supporting gospel laborers. Jesus instructed, “The worker is worthy of his provisions” (Matthew 10:10), and Paul grounds ministerial support in Old Testament precedent, concluding, “the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14). Honoring faithful servants with material resources remains a tangible way the Church acknowledges Christ’s continuing provision through them. Intertextual Echoes Numerous narratives echo the 1 Samuel precedent: These accounts balance generosity with the reminder that prophetic ministry is not for sale (Micah 3:11). Christological and Apostolic Resonances Magoi from the east “presented to Him gifts” (Matthew 2:11), bringing the practice of honoring God’s chosen Servant to its highest expression. In the New Testament Church, believers pooled resources so “there were no needy ones among them” (Acts 4:34), a communal תְּשׁוּרָה reflecting gratitude for the gospel. Paul, himself a prophet-apostle, thanks the Philippians: “You sent me aid again and again when I was in need” (Philippians 4:16). Their offering becomes “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). Lessons for Contemporary Believers • Honor God-given authority: joyfully recognize those who labor in the word (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Forms and Transliterations וּתְשׁוּרָ֥ה ותשורה ū·ṯə·šū·rāh uteshuRah ūṯəšūrāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 9:7 HEB: אָזַ֣ל מִכֵּלֵ֔ינוּ וּתְשׁוּרָ֥ה אֵין־ לְהָבִ֖יא NAS: and there is no present to bring KJV: in our vessels, and [there is] not a present to bring INT: is gone our sack present and there to bring 1 Occurrence |
    |