Needy
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Needy in the Bible?
The Hebrew term 'ebhyon' refers to individuals in a state of extreme poverty or destitution, often appearing in biblical texts alongside 'ani' to describe those suffering from severe financial hardship.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific meaning of 'ebhyon' deepens the understanding of biblical social ethics, highlighting the covenantal duty to protect and provide for the most economically vulnerable members of the community.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Needy. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Needy in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Needy clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Needy." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/needy/