That the poor existed among the Hebrews we have abundant evidence (Exodus 23:11; Deuteronomy 15:11 ), but there is no mention of beggars properly so called in the Old Testament. The poor were provided for by the law of Moses (Leviticus 19:10; Deuteronomy 12:12; 14:29 ). It is predicted of the seed of the wicked that they shall be beggars (Psalm 37:25; 109:10 ).

In the New Testament we find not seldom mention made of beggars (Mark 10:46; Luke 16:20,21; Acts 3:2 ), yet there is no mention of such a class as vagrant beggars, so numerous in the East. "Beggarly," in Galatians 4:9 , means worthless.

Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.

Bibliography Information
Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Beg'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/b/beg.html. 1897.

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