Bible Dictionary
Offering
Offerings are gifts or sacrifices presented to God in worship. Under the Law they included several distinct kinds, each governed by appointed requirements.
Definition
An offering is an oblation or gift dedicated to God. In Scripture, offerings included the firstfruits of the earth and the firstlings of the flock, as well as the various sacrifices and gifts prescribed under the Levitical system.
Biblical Usage
Cain offered the firstfruits of the earth, while Abel offered the firstlings of his flock. The Law specified different kinds of offerings and regulated how each was to be presented.
Historical Background
Offerings formed part of Israel’s prescribed worship. Their varieties and presentation requirements are treated under their distinctive names in the biblical legislation.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
An oblation, dedicated to God. Thus Cain consecrated to God of the first-fruits of the earth, and Abel of the firstlings of the flock (Gen. 4:3, 4). Under the Levitical system different kinds of offerings are specified, and laws laid down as to their presentation. These are described under their distinctive names.