Best - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

BEST

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" (Genesis 47:6); "of sheep" (1 Samuel 15:9); of persons "married to whom they think best" (Numbers 36:6); of abode, "where it liketh (the Revised Version (British and American) "pleaseth") him best" (Deuteronomy 23:16).

In Numbers 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 (Genesis 43:11); equally choice is pazaz, "separate," "the finest (best) gold," hence "purified" (1 Kings 10:18).

Used but twice in the New Testament:

(1) of spiritual gifts ((kreitton, "better" the Revised Version (British and American) "greater"); 1 Corinthians 12:31);

(2) of raiment (protos, "first"), "best robe" (Luke 15:22), of special significance as expressing the Father's lavish love for the repentant and returning sinner.

Dwight M. Pratt

Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'BEST'". "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". 1915.