12 Types of Givers in the Bible... and What We Can Learn From Them
- Ashland Watson
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
The Bible is filled with many different types of givers, and we broke down a list of 12 types of givers in the Bible and how we can learn from each of them. From Abraham to Dorcas, the Bible is rich with diverse examples of generosity. These stories don’t just warm the heart; they challenge, inspire, and reveal something deeper about God's character.
In fact, giving in Scripture is never just about money. It’s about the heart. It’s about mission. And ultimately, it’s about eternal life.
12 Types of Givers in The Bible
Let’s take a closer look at the 12 types of givers in the Bible, and what we can learn from each one.
1. Abraham — The Willing Giver
Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19) exemplifies a selfless act of obedience. In the end, God provided a ram in place of Isaac, showing that while Abraham's faith was tested, God honored his trust with provision.
What we can learn
True giving often requires full surrender and trust in God's plan, even when it's costly or confusing.
2. The Widow — The Big Little Giver
The widow who gave her two mites, representing all she had, to the temple treasury (Mark 12:41-44) demonstrates the value of a small offering from the heart.
What we can learn
God values the posture and condition of the heart over the size of the gift. What really matters to God is our heart!
3. David — The Sacrificial Giver
David’s refusal to offer a sacrifice that cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24) highlights the importance of giving what is genuinely valuable. David is emphasizing that a true sacrifice must involve personal cost. If he accepted the land and animals for free, it wouldn’t be a genuine sacrifice from him.
What we can learn
Real generosity involves sacrifice, it’s meant to cost us something.
4. The Macedonian Church — The Consecrated Givers
The Macedonians' generous giving, even in the face of their own hardships, shows the dedication of their faith (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
What we can learn
Giving isn’t limited to abundance, true generosity flows from deep devotion.
5. Ananias and Sapphira — The Covetous Givers
Their attempt to deceive the church by withholding part of the proceeds from the sale of their property (Acts 5:1-10) highlights the dangers of hypocrisy.
What we can learn
God sees our motives, integrity matters more than appearance.
6. Peter and John — The Life Givers
Peter and John’s healing of the lame man, without silver or gold, shows the power of their faith and the giving of spiritual gifts (Acts 3:1-9).
What we can learn
We all have something to give, even if it’s not financial. Faith and spiritual gifts are powerful offerings.
7. Zacchaeus — The Voluntary Giver
Zacchaeus’s decision to give half his possessions to the poor and to restore what he had defrauded (Luke 19:1-9) highlights the importance of repentance and generosity.
What we can learn
A changed heart leads to radical generosity and restitution.
8. Dorcas — The Unpretentious Giver
In Acts, Dorcas’s acts of kindness and needlework, providing clothes for the poor, exemplify the beauty of selfless service.
What we can learn
Small acts of kindness can leave a lasting legacy.
9. The Philippians — The Perfumed Givers
The Philippians’ generous gifts to Paul, described as a pleasing aroma to God (Philippians 4:18), show the beauty of giving with a grateful heart.
What we can learn
Giving becomes worship when it’s done from a place of joy and thankfulness.
10. The Samaritan — The Compassionate Giver
In Luke, the Samaritan’s care for a wounded traveler, without seeking praise or recognition, illustrates the importance of compassion and service.
What we can learn
True generosity crosses barriers and meets people where they are.
11. The People of Israel — The People of God's Covenant
The 12 sons of Jacob, who became the 12 tribes, represent God's covenantal people.
What we can learn
Collective giving and unity in identity can be a powerful force for God’s work.
12. The Apostles — The Twelve Sent Ones
The 12 apostles chosen by Jesus to represent his new kingdom highlight the importance of leadership, discipleship, and sacrificial mission.
What we can learn
True leadership means giving your life for others.
Why This Matters for Eternal Life
Every act of giving is ultimately a spiritual act. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the story of the sheep and the goats, how eternal life is linked not just to belief, but to action.
Giving isn’t just generous, it’s transformational. It’s eternal.
Join the Movement: Become a Mosaic Ambassador
At Mosaic International, we believe that givers still change the world. That’s why we created the Mosaic Ambassadors program, an invitation to step into God’s story of global transformation.
Mosaic Ambassadors are passionate advocates who:
Share stories and social content to inspire others
Host gatherings and fundraisers
Encourage prayer, generosity, and action
Receive personal toolkits, support, and exclusive updates
Join a movement of messengers, representatives, and reconcilers (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Whether you’re a student, church leader, or simply someone with a heart for Jesus and faith, your voice matters. You don’t need to be wealthy.
You just need to be willing.
Let your light shine.
Share your story.
And become a giver whose life, like the ones in Scripture, points others to eternal life.
Learn more about becoming a Mosaic Ambassador today.
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