Bible Dictionary
BEGGARLY
“Beggarly” describes a condition of extreme poverty or spiritual destitution. In the New Testament it contrasts the impoverished state of former religious systems with the riches and liberty found in Christ.
Definition
“Beggarly” describes extreme poverty, complete destitution, or a condition like that of one who crouches or cringes as a beggar. In the supplied New Testament discussion, the term chiefly denotes spiritual impoverishment rather than merely material poverty.
Biblical Usage
The word is used of the poor in spirit and of the impoverished religious condition to which the Galatians were turning. Paul contrasts this beggarly state, associated with former Jewish and heathen systems and their outward show, with the riches and liberty found in Christ.
Historical Background
The term is connected with the posture of professional beggars. Its biblical application emphasizes the wretchedness of spiritual poverty and the folly of abandoning the freedom and riches received in Christ.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>beg'-er-li (ptochos): The word has the thought of "to crouch" or "cringe," such as is common with professional beggars. It is used in Mt 5:3 and Ga 4:9, and in both cases means complete spiritual destitution. As used in Galatians it expresses the contrast between their present condition and the former estate, toward which he says they are again tending. Paul has in mind both the Jewish and heathen systems of religion with all their outward show. He therefore here emphasizes to the immeasurable superiority of the riches and liberty in Christ. He further expresses this same thought of the law in Ro 8:3 and Heb 7:18. In view of the wretchedness of the condition indicated by the word "beggarly," he states his astonishment that they should so little appreciate the liberty and riches which they now enjoy as even to think of going back the former condition.</p><p>Jacob W. Kapp</p>