Lexical Summary
migdanah: Choice gift, precious thing, delicacy
Original Word:מִגְדָּנָה
Part of Speech:Noun Feminine
Transliteration:migdanah
Pronunciation:mig-daw-NAH
Phonetic Spelling:(mig-daw-naw')
KJV: precious thing, present
NASB:precious things, choice presents, valuables
Word Origin:[from the same asH4022 (מֶגֶד - choice)]
1. preciousness, i.e. a gem
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
precious thing, present
From the same asmeged; preciousness, i.e. A gem -- precious thing, present.
see HEBREWmeged
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom the same as
megedDefinitiona choice or excellent thing
NASB Translationchoice presents (1), precious things (2), valuables (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
[] ; — plural absolute , as gifts,
Genesis 24:53; 2Chronicles 21:3; 32:23 ("" ),
Ezra 1:6.
Topical Lexicon
Definition and Meaningמִגְדָּנָה (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.
2.2 Chronicles 21:3 – Jehoshaphat apportions “gifts of silver and gold, as well as valuable articles” to his sons. These gifts provide economic security but do not override the divinely sanctioned principle of primogeniture, which reserves the throne for Jehoram.
3.2 Chronicles 32:23 – Following Hezekiah’s deliverance from Assyria, foreign nations send “valuable gifts” to both the LORD and the king, acknowledging Yahweh’s supremacy and Hezekiah’s role as His servant. The verse anticipates the eschatological vision of the nations streaming to Zion (Isaiah 2:2-4).
4.Ezra 1:6 – As the exiles prepare to return, neighbors supply “articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts.” These contributions fulfill the prophetic promise that Israel would depart Babylon “with silver and gold” (compareIsaiah 60:9), demonstrating God’s providence in restoring temple worship.
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.
2. Covenant Loyalty – Gifts are not random acts of philanthropy; they confirm covenant commitments. The bride-price for Rebekah, the royal inheritance, the tribute to Hezekiah, and the offerings for the second temple each advance redemptive history.
3. Witness to the Nations – In2 Chronicles 32:23, gentile rulers acknowledge Israel’s God through valuable gifts, prefiguring the global homage to Messiah (Psalm 72:10-11;Matthew 2:11).
4. Stewardship and Responsibility – Material abundance brings accountability. Jehoram’s failure despite his privileged inheritance (2 Chronicles 21:4-6) warns that lavish gifts do not guarantee faithfulness.
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.
• Teach that generosity is a testimony to God’s supremacy; well-timed gifts can turn hearts toward the LORD, just as Hezekiah’s tribute did among the nations.
• Remind the church that prosperity carries a mandate for faithfulness; spiritual vitality, not wealth, secures legacy.
• Use the narrative ofEzra 1:6 to inspire confidence that God can move even unbelievers to supply what is needed for kingdom purposes today.
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 uvammigdaNot
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