Earnest. Something given as a pledge for the performance of a specified bargain. Genesis 38:17; R. V., "pledge." It must be observed that the earnest, properly speaking, is a part of the whole to be granted; what remains, therefore, and is expected, is similar in kind to that already received. Thus, the earnest of the Spirit (the Spirit itself being the earnest) is that measure of grace vouchsafed here which shall be augmented and ripened into the fulness of grace hereafter. 2 Corinthians 1:22; 2 Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14.