Lexical Summary epaiteó: To beg, to ask for alms Original Word: ἐπαιτέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance beg. From epi and aiteo; to ask for -- beg. see GREEK epi see GREEK aiteo HELPS Word-studies 1871 epaitéō (from epi, "upon" intensifying aiteō, "ask") – properly, focused asking, i.e. beg. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and aiteó Definition to beg NASB Translation beg (1), begging (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1871: ἐπαιτέωἐπαιτέω, ἐπαίτω; 1. to ask besides, ask for more: Homer, Iliad 23, 593. 2. to ask again and again, importunately: Sophocles Oed. Tyr. 1416; to beg, to ask alms: Luke 16:3; (Luke 18:35 L T Tr WH); (Psalm 108:10 Strong’s Greek 1871 conveys the idea of asking with urgent dependence, most often rendered “to beg.” It depicts one whose need is so great that he or she openly appeals to another for relief. The word therefore not only describes material poverty but also reveals the social and spiritual dynamics of helplessness and mercy. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Luke 16:3 – In the parable of the dishonest manager, the steward confesses, “I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.” His fear of begging highlights the social stigma attached to being reduced to public dependence. Cultural and Historical Background In first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman society, formal systems of charity were limited. The poor, the disabled, and displaced persons often survived by sitting at city gates or busy roads, appealing verbally or by extended hand. Such a posture signaled total reliance on passers-by. Begging was viewed with mixed emotions: compassion on one side, shame and social marginalization on the other. To be forced into this practice meant the loss of family support, trade skills, or physical ability to work. Theological Themes Dependence and Mercy: Scripture repeatedly portrays God as the defender of the helpless (Psalm 68:5; Proverbs 19:17). The verb in Luke 18 links human need directly to divine compassion: “Receive your sight,” Jesus says, answering the beggar’s unspoken deeper plea for dignity and restoration. Pride and Humility: The steward’s reluctance to beg (Luke 16:3) exposes pride that still seeks self-preservation even when judged unfaithful. True humility, by contrast, acknowledges bankruptcy before God (Matthew 5:3) and looks to His provision. Faith in Action: The blind man’s persistent cry, expanded in the parallel account (Mark 10:47-48), illustrates faith that refuses silence. Begging becomes an avenue through which faith is expressed and rewarded. Christ as Provider: Both texts ultimately point to Jesus as the source of every need—material, social, and spiritual. He answers visible poverty with tangible aid and invisible poverty with salvation. Applications in Christian Ministry 1. Compassionate Outreach: The early church remembered the poor (Galatians 2:10). Local congregations mirror Christ’s heart when they proactively identify and relieve need rather than wait until desperation forces public begging. Related Concepts and Passages • Psalm 37:25 – “I have not seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.” Conclusion Strong’s Greek 1871 exposes both the material desperation and the spiritual posture of humanity apart from God. Whether highlighting prideful avoidance of dependence or illustrating humble cries answered by the Savior, the word invites believers to embrace merciful action and heartfelt reliance on the Lord who never turns away the beggar’s plea. Englishman's Concordance Luke 16:3 V-PNAGRK: οὐκ ἰσχύω ἐπαιτεῖν αἰσχύνομαι NAS: to dig; I am ashamed to beg. KJV: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. INT: not I am able to beg I am ashamed Luke 18:35 V-PPA-NMS Strong's Greek 1871 |
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