Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextThe term "bestowing" refers to the act of giving or granting something, often as a gift or blessing. In the biblical context, bestowing is frequently associated with God’s generosity and grace, as well as the responsibilities of believers to share their blessings with others. It encompasses both material and spiritual gifts, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and the divine origin of all good things.
Biblical Instances and Themes1.
Divine Bestowal God is often depicted as the ultimate giver, bestowing blessings upon His people. In
James 1:17 , it is written, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow." This verse highlights the constancy and generosity of God in bestowing gifts upon humanity.
2.
Spiritual Gifts The New Testament speaks of spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers by the Holy Spirit. In
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 , Paul writes, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." These gifts are bestowed for the edification of the church and the fulfillment of God’s purposes.
3.
Wisdom and Understanding Solomon’s request for wisdom is a notable example of God bestowing a non-material gift. In
1 Kings 3:9-12 , Solomon asks for "an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." God responds by bestowing upon him unparalleled wisdom, as well as riches and honor, because Solomon sought wisdom above all else.
4.
Material Blessings Material blessings are also a form of bestowal from God. In
Deuteronomy 28:1-6 , God promises Israel that if they obey His commandments, He will bestow blessings upon them: "Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb, the produce of your land, and the offspring of your livestock."
5.
Human Responsibility Believers are called to emulate God’s generosity by bestowing blessings upon others. In
Acts 20:35 , Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of Jesus’ words: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This principle underscores the Christian duty to share one’s blessings, whether material or spiritual, with those in need.
6.
Grace and Salvation The ultimate act of bestowing is God’s gift of grace and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage emphasizes that salvation is a divine bestowal, not earned by human effort but given freely by God’s grace.
ConclusionThe concept of bestowing in the Bible is deeply intertwined with the character of God as a generous and loving Father. It calls believers to recognize the source of all blessings and to act as conduits of God’s grace and generosity in the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Bestow.
Library
That the Power ofBestowing Divine Grace did not Come to Christ in...
... Book II. Chapter VI. That the power ofbestowing Divine grace did not come to Christ
in the course of time, but was innate in Him from His very birth....
The Boasted Merit of Works Subversive Both of the Glory of God, in...
... CHAPTER 15. THE BOASTED MERIT OF WORKS SUBVERSIVE BOTH OF THE GLORY OF GOD,
INBESTOWING RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND OF THE CERTAINTY OF SALVATION....
Herod is Confirmed in his Kingdom by Caesar, and Cultivates a...
... Confirmed In His Kingdom By Caesar, And Cultivates A Friendship With The Emperor
By Magnificent Presents; While Caesar Returns His Kindness ByBestowing On Him...
Faith is not an Effect of Election, but is a Necessary Requisite...
... who are to be elected. And the decree concerning thebestowing of faith
precedes the decree of election. Faith is not an effect...
The Causes of Impatience, and their Correspondent Precepts.
... body? Patience in losses is an exercise inbestowing and communicating.
Who fears not to lose, finds it not irksome to give. Else...
Divine Grace.
... His blood is not laws, nor ordinances, nor commandments, but a price, a redeeming
price. He justifies us bybestowing upon us, not by expecting from us....
The Last Words of the Old and New Testaments
... Grace is love that imparts, and this grace, thus stooping, thus pardoning, thus
bestowing, is a universal gift. The Apostolic benediction...
I Will Lay Hold Upon Thee and Bring Thee into My Mother's House...
... The other thing which she experiences is, that there He instructs her,bestowing
upon her the knowledge of His secret things, which is only given to the...
Of the Kinds of Beneficence, and Works of Mercy.
... favour of others, [1174] to pretend and allege anything, to appear to be doing one
thing when he is doing another, to feign that he isbestowing upon another...
Whether There Should be Keys in the Church?
... Reply to Objection 3: The key whereby hell is opened and closed, is the power of
bestowing grace, whereby hell is opened to man, so that he is taken out from...
Thesaurus
Bestowing (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Bestow. Multi-Version
Concordance
Bestowing (2 Occurrences). Acts 15:8 And God, who
...Bestows (7 Occurrences)
Kingly (7 Occurrences)
... Romans 5:21 in order that as sin has exercised kingly sway in inflicting death,
so grace, too, may exercise kingly sway inbestowing a righteousness which...
Overlook (7 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To look over and beyond (anything) without seeing it; to miss or omit in
looking; hence, to refrain frombestowing notice or attention upon; to neglect...
Lavish (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Expending orbestowing profusely; profuse;
prodigal; as, lavish of money; lavish of praise. 2. (a...
Liberal (11 Occurrences)
... or studies. 2. (a.)Bestowing in a large and noble way, as a freeman; generous;
bounteous; open-handed; as, a liberal giver. 3. (a...
Giving (611 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Give. 2. (n.) The act ofbestowing
as a gift; a conferring or imparting. 3. (n.) A gift; a benefaction....
Gracious (106 Occurrences)
... orbestowing mercy; characterized by grace; beneficent; merciful; disposed to show
kindness or favor; condescending; as, his most gracious majesty....
Glorify (49 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To make glorious bybestowing glory upon; to confer honor and distinction
upon; to elevate to power or happiness, or to celestial glory....
Gift (148 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The act, right, or power of giving orbestowing; as, the office is in the
gift of the President. 3. (n.) A bribe; anything given to corrupt....
Resources
What is a Pastor Emeritus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between mercy and grace? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between a blessing and a birthright (Genesis 25)? | GotQuestions.orgBestowing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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