The Bible and Poverty: Part 1
In the Old Testament there are 5 different terms used to refer to those in poverty.

1. Ani or anav...generally refered to the oppressed poor, the humble. Typically those not deserving of their poverty. Often linked with meekness and being "poor in spirit". This is the word often used to denote how humble Moses was. However, that passage could also be interpreted: "Moses was more oppressed [in the sense of affliction] than any other man."References: Lev. 19:10; Dt. 15:11; Job 29:12; Ps 10:9; 74:19; Is. 3:14f

2. Ebyon - those "in want, needy, poor" This was sometimes linked with ani. Often refers to beggars, the very poor, the homeless. Interestingly, this is the term that the Jewish believers in Jerusalem took for themselves according to histories of the early church. The ebioniym or ebionites were later considered heretical, but it is interesting that the Jewish believers in Jerusalem called themselves "the poor" or "needy". References: Dt. 15:4-11; Job 31:19; Ps. 132:15; Prov. 14:21; Jer 2:34.

3. Dal - "weak, then, low, poor". Physical weakness in Genesis 41:19. More often those who are powerless due to low social status, for example, peasants. Ex. 23:3; Is. 2:8; Job 5:16; Ps. 113:7; Prov. 19:17; Am. 8:6

4. Rash - "poor, needy" Used in a purely economic sense. References: 2 Sam. 12:1; Prov. 3:18; 14:20; 18:23; 22:7.

5. Mishken - "dependent, socially inferior" From the Akkadian Mushkenu--a beggar. Related to the self designation sued by Arab beggars. Used only in Ecclesiastes 4:13; 9:15f.


posted by Jimmy at 8:07 PM | |