Bible Dictionary
Beggar, Begging
Begging was addressed in Israel through gleaning laws, charitable provision, and family responsibility, though beggars were still present. The Gospels and Acts mention them seeking help at public places.
Definition
Begging is the practice of seeking material support from others. In Israel, the poor were aided through gleaning, access to produce during designated years, invitations to feasts, family responsibility, and the preservation of land rights. Nevertheless, beggars could still be found in public places.
Biblical Usage
Beggars appear in biblical accounts at street corners, temple gates, and private entrances. The practice is also associated with the disgrace or misery of the wicked.
Historical Background
An Israelite could not ordinarily become a permanent landless pauper because land reverted to its owner or descendants after a stated period. Those suffering bodily infirmity were generally supported by kindred.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
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; 25:5,6; 24:19) They were also invited to feasts. (14:29) and Deuteronomy 26:12 The Israelite could not be an absolute pauper. His land was in alienable, 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 or 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)