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.
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.