Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, the concept of a benefactor is closely associated with the act of giving, support, and benevolence. The term "benefactor" itself is not frequently used in the Bible, but the principles surrounding it are deeply embedded in the scriptural narrative, emphasizing the virtues of generosity, kindness, and selflessness.
Old Testament ContextThe Old Testament lays a foundational understanding of beneficence through the laws and teachings given to the Israelites. The Mosaic Law encouraged acts of kindness and support for the needy, widows, orphans, and strangers. For instance,
Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreign resident. I am the LORD your God." This directive highlights the importance of providing for those in need, a key aspect of being a benefactor.
The account of Boaz in the Book of Ruth exemplifies the role of a benefactor. Boaz, a wealthy landowner, shows kindness and generosity to Ruth, a Moabite widow, by allowing her to glean in his fields and ensuring her protection and provision (
Ruth 2:8-16). His actions reflect the heart of a benefactor, demonstrating compassion and support for those less fortunate.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of benefactors is further developed through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself addressed the idea of benefactors in
Luke 22:25-26 , saying, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who exercise authority over them call themselves benefactors. But you are not to be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves." Here, Jesus contrasts the worldly view of benefactors, who often seek recognition and power, with the Christian ideal of humble service and selfless giving.
The early church exemplified this principle of beneficence through communal living and sharing of resources.
Acts 4:34-35 describes how "there were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This practice underscores the spirit of generosity and mutual care that characterized the early Christian community.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the role of a benefactor is deeply connected to the character of God, who is the ultimate benefactor. God's provision and grace are evident throughout Scripture, as He provides for His creation and offers salvation through Jesus Christ. Believers are called to emulate God's generosity and love in their interactions with others.
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often commends the churches for their generosity and encourages them to continue in this grace. In
2 Corinthians 9:7 , Paul writes, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." This verse highlights the importance of giving willingly and joyfully, reflecting the heart of a true benefactor.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, Christians are encouraged to be benefactors in their communities, supporting those in need and contributing to the welfare of others. This can take many forms, including financial support, volunteering time and skills, and offering emotional and spiritual encouragement. The call to be a benefactor is a call to live out the love of Christ in tangible ways, impacting the world for His glory.
Greek
2110. euergetes -- a doer of good, ie a benefactor... Word Origin from eu and the same as ergon Definition a doer of good, ie
a benefactor NASB Word Usage
benefactors (1). benefactor.
...Library
June the Eighteenth the Benefitted asBenefactors
... JUNE The Eighteenth THE BENEFITTED ASBENEFACTORS. "Who comforteth us ...... They
who have received benefits of grace are to bebenefactors....
June the Twenty-Third the GreatestBenefactors
... JUNE The Twenty-third THE GREATESTBENEFACTORS. MATTHEW x.29-42. It is
a very wonderful thing that the finest services are within...
Philosophers notBenefactors of Men.
... Book X. Chapter L."Philosophers NotBenefactors of Men. "For what have
the philosophers contributed to the life of man, by saying...
Poor Children Praying for Themselves and theirBenefactors.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CCCXLVII. Poor Children praying for themselves and their
benefactors. 8.8.8.8... Poor Children praying for themselves and theirbenefactors....
Whether a Man Ought to Love More his Benefactor than one He Has...
... Therefore we ought to love ourbenefactors above all.... Therefore we ought to
love ourbenefactors more than those to whom we are kind....
And Having Summoned Nicodemus and the Twelve Men that Said He was...
... And Pilate, in a rage, says to the Jews: Always has your nation been rebellious,
and you always speak against yourbenefactors. The Jews say: Whatbenefactors?...
Then He Summoned Nicodemus and the Twelve God-Fearing Jews...
... Pilate therefore was enraged, and said: Always has your nation been devilish [1895]
and unbelieving; and ever have you been adversaries to yourbenefactors....
Christ's Ideal of a Monarch
... 'And He said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and
they that exercise authority upon them are calledbenefactors.26....
Matt. x. 23
... For why do ye grieve? At their calling you sorcerers and deceivers? But wait a little,
and all men will address you as saviors, andbenefactors of the world....
That the Love which is in Hope is Very Good, Though Imperfect.
... love. We love ourbenefactors because they are such to us, but we love them
more or less as they are more or less ourbenefactors....
Thesaurus
Benefactors (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Benefactors (1 Occurrence). Luke 22:25 He said
to them, "The kings of the nations lord it over them, and
...Jehoiada (51 Occurrences)
... He was among the foremost of thebenefactors of the kingdom, and at his death was
buried in the city of David among the kings of Judah (2 Chronicles 24:15, 16...
Lordship (12 Occurrences)
... Luke 22:25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over
them; and they that exercise authority upon them are calledbenefactors....
Lords (63 Occurrences)
... Luke 22:25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over
them; and they that exercise authority upon them are calledbenefactors....
Exercising (5 Occurrences)
... Luke 22:25 And he said to them, 'The kings of the nations do exercise lordship over
them, and those exercising authority upon them are calledbenefactors; (YLT...
Masters (59 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Luke 22:25 But He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles are their masters,
and those who exercise authority over them are calledBenefactors. (WEY)....
Persians (6 Occurrences)
... Of these men's pace it was said, "No mortal thing is quicker." The custom of showing
special honor to the "Benefactors of the King" (Herodotos viii.85...
Piety (21 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Duty; dutifulness; filial reverence and devotion; affectionate reverence
and service shown toward parents, relatives,benefactors, country, etc. Int....
Beneficence (2 Occurrences)
Benefactor
Resources
Who is greatest in the kingdom? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is heavy shepherding? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
