Bible Dictionary
BEST
The finest or most excellent in quality, character, or value. In Scripture, the best was often given as a holy offering to God; the best robe in Jesus' parable expresses the Father's lavish welcome of the repentant sinner.
Definition
Best means finest or most excellent in quality, character, or value. Scripture uses it for the choicest land, animals, persons, places, fruits, gold, and priestly gifts. It may also describe the “best robe” or the greater spiritual gifts.
Biblical Usage
The best of Israel’s produce and possessions was given as holy service and support for the sanctuary. In Jesus’ parable, the best robe expresses the Father’s lavish love for the repentant and returning sinner.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>Of five Hebrew originals the chief is Tobh, "good," expressing quality, character. Variously used of objects pleasing to the senses, feelings, mind, moral sense, e.g. "best of the land" (Ge 47:6); "of sheep" (1Sa 15:9); of persons "married to whom they think best" (Nu 36:6); of abode, "where it liketh (the Revised Version (British and American) "pleaseth") him best" (De 23:16).</p><p>In Nu 18:12 the revenues of the priests were to be "holy gifts," e.g. the "best of the oil," etc. (chelebh, "fat"); also 18:29,30,32, the gifts of the heave-offering were to be "of all the best," indicating that the richest elements of life were to go into the support and service of the sanctuary. So "the choice (best) fruits" (zimrah, literally, "the song of the land"), a beautifully poetic expression for the most celebrated fruits (Ge 43:11); equally choice is pazaz, "separate," "the finest (best) gold," hence "purified" (1Ki 10:18).</p><p>Used but twice in the New Testament:</p><p>(1) of spiritual gifts ((kreitton, "better" the Revised Version (British and American) "greater"); 1Co 12:31);</p><p>(2) of raiment (protos, "first"), "best robe" (Lu 15:22), of special significance as expressing the Father's lavish love for the repentant and returning sinner.</p><p>Dwight M. Pratt</p>