Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

BEGGAR

Several Hebrew terms are translated “beggar,” most frequently ʿānāw. Greek distinguishes “beggar” (ptōchós), one who lives at subsistence level (the vast majority of the populace), from “poor person” (pénēs), a dependent, destitute person; in the NT ptōchós is usually translated “poor [person].” Greco-Roman culture had no ethical or religious ideal of assistance to beggars. Biblical tradition, however, frequently portrays the destitute as under the special protection of God, due to their helplessness and dependency. Conversely, the rich and powerful are often depicted as wicked oppressors of the poor. The Gospels give two vivid depictions of beggars: the assertive and demanding Bartimaeus, a blind man sitting at the outskirts of Jericho (Mark 10:46-52), and Lazarus, a starving beggar “covered with sores,” lying at a rich man’s gate (Luke 16:19-31). Jesus’ teaching singles out beggars as “blessed” (Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20).

Mary Ann Beavis

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

BEGGAR

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)