### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **dōron**, represented by `{{G1435}}`, is a term for **gift**. It appears 19 times across 17 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning spans from physical presents and ceremonial offerings to the ultimate spiritual gift of salvation from God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1435}}` is used in several key contexts. It is used for tangible objects of worship, such as the **gifts** of **gold** `{{G5557}}`, **frankincense** `{{G3030}}`, and **myrrh** `{{G4666}}` presented to the young child Jesus [[Matthew 2:11]]. The term is also central to religious ritual, as when Jesus instructs a man to offer the **gift** commanded by Moses [[Matthew 8:4]], or when he teaches that one should leave their **gift** at the altar to first reconcile with a brother [[Matthew 5:23-24]]. The word is also used to describe offerings made by the rich into the treasury [[Luke 21:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of giving and offerings:
* `{{G2378}}` **thysía** (sacrifice): This term is frequently paired with **gift**, particularly in the context of priestly duties, to describe the offering of **gifts** and sacrifices for sins [[Hebrews 5:1]].
* `{{G5485}}` **cháris** (graciousness): This word provides the theological foundation for the ultimate gift, describing salvation as being by **grace** `{{G5485}}` through faith, and explicitly states that this salvation is the **gift** of God [[Ephesians 2:8]].
* `{{G2878}}` **korbân** (a votive offering): In [[Mark 7:11]], this word is explicitly defined as a **gift**. It refers to a consecrated present dedicated to the Temple, highlighting a specific religious use of a gift.
* `{{G4374}}` **prosphérō** (to bear towards, i.e. lead to, tender): This verb is consistently used for the action of presenting a **gift**, whether it is the wise men who presented **gifts** to Jesus [[Matthew 2:11]] or the high priests ordained to offer **gifts** [[Hebrews 8:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1435}}` is significant, establishing key principles of worship and salvation.
* **Worship and Righteousness:** Gifts are presented as an integral part of worship and a reflection of one's standing before God. Abel's righteousness was attested to by God in connection with his **gifts** [[Hebrews 11:4]], and high priests are appointed specifically to offer **gifts** and sacrifices [[Hebrews 9:9]].
* **Relationship Over Ritual:** Jesus reorients the focus from the physical offering to the state of the heart. He declares that the altar which sanctifies the **gift** is greater than the **gift** itself [[Matthew 23:19]] and that reconciliation with others must precede the act of offering a **gift** [[Matthew 5:24]].
* **The Gift of Salvation:** The most profound application of `{{G1435}}` is in describing salvation. It is defined not as a human achievement but as "the **gift** of God," distinct from any works and received through faith by grace [[Ephesians 2:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1435}}` is far more than a simple word for a present. It is a cornerstone concept that connects the physical acts of giving to the spiritual realities of worship, reconciliation, and divine grace. From the treasures offered to Christ at his birth to the unearnable **gift** of salvation, **dōron** illustrates how a single term can encompass both human acts of devotion and the ultimate expression of God's favor toward humanity.
TRV