### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tᵉshûwrâh**, represented by `{{H8670}}`, means a **gift** or **present**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The term is derived from a root word meaning arrival, suggesting a gift brought by someone upon reaching a destination or meeting someone of importance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H8670}}` occurs when Saul `{{H7586}}` speaks `{{H559}}` with his servant `{{H5288}}` about what they can bring `{{H935}}` to the man `{{H376}}` of God `{{H430}}`. Saul notes that their bread `{{H3899}}` is spent `{{H235}}` from their vessels `{{H3627}}`, and consequently, they have no **present** `{{H8670}}` to offer [[1 Samuel 9:7]]. This context establishes the word as denoting a customary gift of honor or respect when approaching a significant spiritual figure.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its sole context help clarify its meaning:
* `{{H935}}` **bôwʼ** (to go or come): This primitive root, used for "to bring" in this context, frames the action of presenting the gift. Its use is seen in the direct question "what shall we **bring** the man?" and the statement that there is no present "to **bring**" [[1 Samuel 9:7]].
* `{{H3899}}` **lechem** (food... especially bread): This word identifies the specific provision that has been depleted. The lack of **bread** is the reason Saul cannot offer a gift, showing how basic sustenance was intertwined with social and religious customs [[1 Samuel 9:7]].
* `{{H235}}` **ʼâzal** (to go away, hence, to disappear; fail): This word describes the status of their provisions, translated as "is **spent**" [[1 Samuel 9:7]]. It signifies that their resources have failed or disappeared, creating the dilemma of arriving empty-handed before the man of God.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8670}}` is derived entirely from its specific narrative use.
* **Custom of Honor:** The sole appearance of `{{H8670}}` underscores the cultural and spiritual importance of bringing a gift when seeking an audience with a prophet or a "man of God" `{{H430}}`. Saul's `{{H7586}}` concern reveals this was a deeply ingrained protocol of respect [[1 Samuel 9:7]].
* **Expression of Need:** The narrative links the lack of a **present** directly to the fact that their bread `{{H3899}}` is "spent" `{{H235}}`. This situation highlights a moment of human insufficiency when approaching a divine representative, emphasizing their dependence and lack of resources.
### Summary
In summary, **tᵉshûwrâh** `{{H8670}}` is a highly specific term for a **present** or **gift** that appears only once in scripture. Its singular context in [[1 Samuel 9:7]] powerfully illustrates the custom of bringing an offering to a person of spiritual authority. The word's significance is tied to the act of arrival and the protocol of showing honor, as highlighted by Saul's concern when his provisions were spent and he had nothing to bring.
TRV