God's Gift to Mankind: Definition Meaning and Origin

Last Updated on
July 2, 2023

The saying "God's gift to mankind" usually talks about a person or thing that people think is amazing and really helps humanity. Some people use it in a sarcastic way to talk about someone who thinks they're super important when they're not.

In short:

“God’s gift to mankind” describes someone or something that is considered to be very valuable, beneficial or desirable.

What Does ‘God's Gift to Mankind’ Mean?

"God's gift to mankind" is an idiom often used in English that refers to a person who considers themselves of great importance or value to the world. It sometimes has a sarcastic tone, criticizing people who think too highly of themselves.

Let's explore its core meanings and usage:

  • "God's gift to mankind" is usually used to describe a person with an inflated self-image, often to the point of being narcissistic.
  • This idiom is also used for objects or concepts that greatly benefit humanity, like important scientific breakthroughs or life-changing inventions.
  • It can be used in a variety of contexts but is most commonly seen in informal, conversational settings.

Where Does ‘God's Gift to Mankind’ Come From?

The expression "God's gift to mankind" has its roots in religious beliefs about special blessings or gifts from a higher power bestowed upon humanity. This phrase has evolved and is frequently used in a sarcastic or humorous way to mock individuals who have an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Historical Example

"In Him was God's gift to mankind. Had she but known it, the present relation between them would have been reversed..."

- The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, 1886

10 Examples of ‘God's Gift to Mankind’ in Sentences

Here are some examples of the idiom in use:

  • His attitude, believing he is God's gift to mankind, riles up a lot of people in our group.
  • She believes her cooking is God's gift to mankind.
  • She walked into the room like a smoke show, acting as if she was God's gift to mankind.
  • Some view the internet as God's gift to mankind because of its ability to provide information and connect people globally.
  • She rolled her eyes when he entered the room as if he were God's gift to mankind.
  • His confidence can be a boon or a bane, especially when he believes himself to be God's gift to mankind.
  • This new invention is truly God's gift to mankind.
  • He walks around the office like he's God's gift to mankind, but his work performance is mediocre at best.
  • Everyone seems to fawn over her as though she is God's gift to mankind.
  • Be still my heart; he walks around as if he's God's gift to mankind, fascinating everyone in the room.

Examples of ‘God's Gift to Mankind’ in Pop Culture

The phrase "God's gift to mankind" is commonly used in pop culture, often to depict characters with inflated self-importance.

Let's explore some instances:

  • The song "God's Gift" by rapper J. Cole uses the phrase to express his own success and talent in the music industry.
  • "The deception of God's gift to mankind gives us an idea of how tactical Satan can be to achieve his objectives," is a quote from the 2014 book Divine Mutuality by Jacques Labossiere.
  • "Donald can I start with you – is science God's curse or God's gift to Mankind?" is a quote from the 2017 book The Temple of The Blue Dog by R.J. Harris
  • "God's Gift to Mankind" is the title of an episode of the podcast series Pillars of Faith.

Other/Different Ways to Say ‘God's Gift to Mankind’

There are various other expressions that convey a similar meaning to "God's gift to mankind."

Here are some of them:

  • A gift from the heavens
  • A blessing for humanity
  • Thinks the world of oneself
  • Has a high opinion of oneself
  • Thinks one is the bee's knees
  • Thinks one is the cat's whiskers
  • Believes oneself to be indispensable
  • Considers oneself a cut above the rest
  • Thinks one hangs the moon
  • Believes one is the best thing since sliced bread

10 Frequently Asked Questions About ‘God's Gift to Mankind’:

  • What does "God's gift to mankind" mean?

"God's gift to mankind" typically refers to a person who considers themselves highly important or valuable, often used sarcastically to mock their self-importance.

  • How can I use "God's gift to mankind" in a sentence?

You can use it to express a sense of overbearing self-importance or to describe something beneficial to humanity. For example, "She acts like she's God's gift to mankind."

  • Where does the idiom "God's gift to mankind" come from?

The phrase originates from religious contexts, where divine blessings are considered gifts to humanity. It's now often used sarcastically to mock inflated self-worth.

  • Is the phrase "God's gift to mankind" always used sarcastically?

Mostly, yes. The phrase is commonly used to mock those who think highly of themselves. However, it can also be used sincerely to describe something greatly beneficial to humanity.

  • Can "God's gift to mankind" refer to inanimate objects?

Yes, it can refer to inventions, ideas, or objects that have a significant positive impact on humanity.

  • Can "God's gift to mankind" be used in a professional context?

Generally, this phrase is used in informal or casual contexts. However, it could be used in professional settings when discussing ideas or innovations that have significantly benefited humanity.

  • Does "God's gift to mankind" imply narcissism?

When used to describe a person, the phrase often implies a level of self-importance or arrogance that could be associated with narcissism.

  • Is "God's gift to mankind" a common phrase?

While it's not the most common phrase, "God's gift to mankind" is widely understood and used, particularly in English-speaking countries.

  • Can the phrase "God's gift to mankind" be offensive?

Depending on the context, it could be offensive to some, particularly if they perceive it as a mockery or consider the self-importance it often implies to be inappropriate.

  • Is there a gender-specific usage for "God's gift to mankind"?

No, the phrase can be used to describe individuals of any gender. However, the alternative phrase "God's gift to women" is often used specifically to describe a man who thinks of himself as particularly attractive or irresistible to women.

Final Thoughts about ‘God's Gift to Mankind’

The phrase "God's gift to mankind" underscores a stark duality—it can either express the humility of accepting divine blessings or highlight the inflated ego of those who consider themselves supremely important. It's a phrase that serves as a reminder to balance self-confidence with humility and understand that every individual has a unique value.

Here's a quick recap:

  • "God's gift to mankind" can describe something or someone greatly beneficial to humanity.
  • However, it's often used sarcastically to critique those with inflated self-importance.
  • Despite its religious origins, the phrase now has a more secular usage and is well-understood across various cultural contexts.

Whether we are discussing beneficial innovations or mocking overconfidence, "God's gift to mankind" remains a compelling phrase for highlighting the impact of self-perception on how we view and interact with the world around us.

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