the Fourth Week of Advent
Click here to join the effort!
Bible Dictionaries
Beggar
Smith's Bible Dictionary
or Beggar. The poor, among the Hebrews, were much favored. They were allowed to glean in the fields, and to gather whatever the land produced, in the year in which it was not tilled Leviticus 19:10; Leviticus 25:5-6; Leviticus 24:19. They were also invited to feasts. Deuteronomy 14:29, and Deuteronomy 26:12.
The Israelite could not be an absolute pauper. His land was inalienable, except for a certain term, when it reverted to him, or his posterity. And, if this resource were insufficient, he could pledge the services of himself and family for a valuable sum. Those who were indigent through bodily infirmities were usually taken care of by their kindred.
A beggar was sometimes seen, however, and was regarded and abhorred as a vagabond. Psalms 109:10. In later times, beggars were accustomed, it would seem, to have a fixed place at the corners of the streets, Mark 10:46, or at the gates of the Temple, Acts 3:2, or of private houses. Luke 16:20.
These files are public domain.
Smith, William, Dr. Entry for 'Beggar'. Smith's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/sbd/b/beggar.html. 1901.
