Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "begs" and its related forms such as "begging" or "beggar" often refer to the act of asking earnestly or humbly for something, typically out of necessity or poverty. The concept of begging is addressed in various passages throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both the physical and spiritual dimensions of human need.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, begging is often associated with poverty and the social responsibility to care for the needy. The Law of Moses includes provisions for the poor, emphasizing the importance of generosity and compassion. For instance,
Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs landowners to leave the gleanings of their harvest for the poor and the foreigner. This reflects a societal structure where begging was mitigated by community support and divine command.
The Psalms frequently mention the plight of the poor and the righteous response to their needs.
Psalm 37:25 states, "I was young and now I am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread." This verse underscores the belief in God's provision for the righteous and their descendants, suggesting that a life of faithfulness is accompanied by divine care.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the theme of begging is often linked to the broader message of compassion and mercy. Jesus' ministry is marked by His interactions with the marginalized, including beggars. One notable account is the healing of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, in
Mark 10:46-52. Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus for mercy, and despite being rebuked by the crowd, he persists. Jesus responds to his faith and heals him, illustrating the transformative power of divine compassion.
The early church also reflects a commitment to caring for the needy.
Acts 3:1-10 recounts the healing of a lame beggar by Peter and John at the temple gate called Beautiful. The beggar asks for alms, but instead receives healing in the name of Jesus Christ. This miracle not only addresses the man's physical need but also serves as a testament to the power of the risen Christ and the mission of the apostles.
Spiritual ImplicationsBeyond the physical act of begging, the Bible often uses the concept metaphorically to describe spiritual dependence on God. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (
Matthew 5:3). This poverty of spirit signifies a recognition of one's spiritual need and total reliance on God's grace.
The parable of the persistent widow in
Luke 18:1-8 further illustrates the importance of earnest and persistent prayer, akin to begging, as a demonstration of faith and trust in God's justice and provision.
Moral and Ethical ConsiderationsThe biblical perspective on begging encompasses a call to action for believers. The Scriptures encourage generosity, hospitality, and a heart of compassion towards those in need.
Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse highlights the moral obligation to support the less fortunate, viewing acts of kindness as service to God Himself.
In summary, the biblical treatment of begging encompasses both the physical realities of poverty and the spiritual posture of dependence on God. It challenges believers to respond with compassion and generosity, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions with the needy.
Strong's Hebrew
7592. shaal -- to ask, inquire... root Definition to ask, inquire NASB Word Usage ask (45), asked (41), asking (5),
asks (5), beg (1), begged (1),
begs (1), borrow (1), borrowed (1), borrows (1
...Library
Letter Xl. St. AmbroseBegs Theodosius to Listen to Him, as He...
... Selections from the Letters of St. Ambrose. Letter XL. St. Ambrosebegs Theodosius
to listen to him, as he cannot be silent without great? St....
Wesley at Eighty-OneBegs 200
... Collects Money for the Poor; Visits the House of Lords; His Reasons for his Long
Life; "How is the Tide Turned;" Last Entries Wesley at Eighty-oneBegs 200....
HeBegs of God that He May Live in the True Light, and May be...
... Book XII. Chapter X."HeBegs of God that He May Live in the True Light, and
May Be Instructed as to the Mysteries of the Sacred Books. 10....
HeBegs of God that through the Holy Scriptures He May be Led to...
... Book XI. Chapter II."HeBegs of God that Through the Holy Scriptures
He May Be Led to Truth. 2. But when shall I suffice with...
The MotherBegs Baptism for Herself and Her Hostess.
... Homily XIII. Chapter IX."The MotherBegs Baptism for Herself and Her Hostess.
When Faustinus had said this, our mother fell down...
Argument: C??cilius, Somewhat Grieved at this Kind of Rebuke which...
... Chapter IV."Argument: C??cilius, Somewhat Grieved at This Kind of Rebuke Which for
His Sake Minucius Had Had to Bear from Octavius,Begs to Argue with...
He Directs his Discourse Upon his Antagonist with whom He is...
... Book VI. Chapter XVIII. He directs his discourse upon his antagonist with
whom he is disputing, andbegs him to return to his senses....
Library Edition of the British Poets.
... ISSUE FOR THE SECOND YEAR. The Publisherbegs to announce that the Issue
for the Second Year will consist of the Poetical Works of....
Letter xiv (Circa AD 1129) to Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln
... monk. He solicits the consent of Alexander, his bishop, to this, andbegs
him to sanction arrangements with the creditors of Philip....
Index.
... Euphemius, in 490 succeeds Fravita at Constantinople, 96; opposes the emperor
Anastasius, but signs his Henotikon, 97;begs for reconciliation with Pope Felix...
Thesaurus
Begs (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Begs (3 Occurrences). Matthew 5:42 Give to him who asks
you, and don't turn away him who desires to borrow from you. (See RSV).
...Beguile (10 Occurrences)
Onesimus (2 Occurrences)
... (1) Onesimus Profitable. The apostle accordinglybegs Philemon to give Onesimus
the same reception as he would rejoice to give to himself....
Begrudge (2 Occurrences)
Beggar (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One whobegs; one who asks or entreats
earnestly, or with humility; a petitioner. 2. (n.) One...
Philemon (2 Occurrences)
... At the same time the apostle quietly refers to what Philemon really owes him as
his father in Christ, andbegs that he will not disappoint him in his...
Esther (48 Occurrences)
... There, at the king's renewed request to be told her desire, shebegs life for herself
and for her people (Esther 7). The king asks in astonishment, who he is...
Pontius (4 Occurrences)
... 19:31). Joseph of Arimatheabegs the body of Jesus from Pilate (Matthew
27:57, 58 Mark 15:42 Luke 23:50-52 John 19:38). Pilate is...
Pilate (60 Occurrences)
... 19:31). Joseph of Arimatheabegs the body of Jesus from Pilate (Matthew
27:57, 58 Mark 15:42 Luke 23:50-52 John 19:38). Pilate is...
Hospitality (9 Occurrences)
... Joshua 2), her reason is not the breach of hospitality involved but her fear of
Yahweh (Joshua 2:9). When Abraham's old slave is in Nahor, andbegs a night's...
Resources
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