The term "plebeian" originates from the social structure of ancient Rome, referring to the common people who were distinct from the patricians, the elite ruling class. In the context of the Bible, while the specific term "plebeian" is not used, the concept of common people or the masses is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. The Bible often addresses the dynamics between different social classes, emphasizing themes of justice, equality, and the inherent value of every individual in the eyes of God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the social structure of Israelite society included various classes, such as priests, Levites, and common Israelites. The Law of Moses provided specific instructions to ensure justice and fairness for all, including the poor and marginalized. For instance, Leviticus 19:15 states, "You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly." This command underscores the biblical principle that all individuals, regardless of social status, are to be treated with equity.

The prophets frequently spoke against the oppression of the common people by the wealthy and powerful. Amos, for example, condemned those who "trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth and turn aside the way of the afflicted" (Amos 2:7). Such prophetic messages highlight God's concern for justice and His desire to protect the rights of the plebeian class.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ's ministry often focused on the common people, whom He regarded with compassion and dignity. The Gospels record numerous instances where Jesus interacted with individuals from all walks of life, including those considered lowly or insignificant by societal standards. In Matthew 11:28 , Jesus extends an invitation to all, saying, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This invitation reflects His inclusive approach and His mission to reach the plebeian masses.

The early church, as described in the Book of Acts, also demonstrated a commitment to equality and community among believers. Acts 2:44-45 notes, "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This communal lifestyle exemplified the breaking down of social barriers and the elevation of the plebeian class within the Christian community.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the Bible's treatment of the plebeian class underscores the doctrine of the imago Dei, the belief that all humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This foundational truth affirms the inherent worth and dignity of every person, regardless of social status. The Scriptures consistently call for justice, mercy, and humility, as seen in Micah 6:8 : "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Furthermore, the New Testament teachings of the Apostle Paul emphasize the unity and equality of all believers in Christ. Galatians 3:28 declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This radical message of equality challenges societal norms and elevates the status of the plebeian class within the body of Christ.

In summary, while the specific term "plebeian" is not found in the Bible, the Scriptures consistently advocate for the dignity, justice, and equality of all people, reflecting God's heart for the common man and His desire for a just and equitable society.1. (a.) Common; pertaining to the Roman plebs, or common people.

2. (a.) of or pertaining to the common people; vulgar; common; as, plebeian sports; a plebeian throng.

3. (n.) One of the plebs, or common people of ancient Rome, in distinction from patrician.

4. (n.) One of the common people, or lower rank of men.

Chapter iv.
... For if any plebeian should be permitted by the party himself to call a senator of
more advanced age father; without doubt he would tremble, and would not ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter iv 2.htm

Rome had Passed the Summits and Stood Looking into the Dark Valley ...
... In rural Latium, rich and poor clung to the old faith, and everywhere a plebeian
feared alike the assessor and the gods, and sacrificed to both. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 1 rome had passed.htm

St. Catherine of Siena as Seen in Her Letters
... With all their transparent simplicity and mediaeval quaintness, with all the occasional
plebeian crudity of their phrasing, they reveal a nature at once so many ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/st catherine of siena as.htm

section i.
... in the name of Multitude do I onely include the base and minor sort of people; there
is a rabble even amongst the Gentry, a sort of Plebeian heads, whose fancy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section i 2.htm

The Mildness of the Yellow Press
... Never by any chance in it is there any of that real plebeian pungency which
can be heard from the ordinary cabman in the ordinary street. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/viii the mildness of the.htm

The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field of Mars. ...
... wailing. "It is like a sticking of pigs to leave a lot of plebeian women,"
said Manius, when the sound was far out of hearing. "An ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 11 the dark was.htm

This Question I Should Briefly Solve, if I Should Say...
... men, or persons on this account freed by their masters or about to be freed, likewise
from the life of peasants, and from the exercise and plebeian labor of ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 24 this question i.htm

Argument: Octavius Arranges his Reply, and Trusts that He Shall be ...
... have gone forth unto celebrity as discoverers of arts, before they attained an
illustrious name by their mental skill, were esteemed plebeian, untaught, half ...
/.../the octavius of minucius felix/chapter xvi argument octavius arranges his.htm

The People's Christ
... lambs in his bosom, or gently leading the ewes great with young"a simple youth of
a right royal soul, and undaunted courage, but yet a plebeian"one of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the peoples christ.htm

To Gregory xi
... iniquitous things which the Florentines have endured from the Legates"men "whom
you know yourself"" so she writes with vigorous plebeian candour""whom ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to gregory xi 2.htm

Plebeian (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (a.) of or pertaining to the common people; vulgar; common; as, plebeian sports;
a plebeian throng. ... Multi-Version Concordance Plebeian (1 Occurrence). ...
/p/plebeian.htm - 7k

Rome (12 Occurrences)
... But it was partly the result of plebeian agitation. The events of 367 BC may serve
as a suitable example to illustrate the action of these influences. ...
/r/rome.htm - 43k

Empire (8 Occurrences)
... possible solution of a 700 years' struggle, and Roman history is the story of the
conflict of class with class, patrician against plebeian, populus against ...
/e/empire.htm - 80k

Pleasures (18 Occurrences)

/p/pleasures.htm - 11k

Openness (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 4:13 And beholding the openness of Peter and John, and having perceived that
they are men unlettered and plebeian, they were wondering -- they were taking ...
/o/openness.htm - 7k

Wondering (22 Occurrences)
... Acts 4:13 And beholding the openness of Peter and John, and having perceived that
they are men unlettered and plebeian, they were wondering -- they were taking ...
/w/wondering.htm - 12k

Ignoble (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Of low birth, character or purpose; plebeian;
common; humble. 2. (a.) Not honorable, elevated, or generous; base. ...
/i/ignoble.htm - 7k

Pled (1 Occurrence)

/p/pled.htm - 6k

Common (118 Occurrences)
... 4. (v.) Not distinguished or exceptional; inconspicuous; ordinary; plebeian; --
often in a depreciatory sense. 5. (v.) Profane; polluted. ...
/c/common.htm - 40k

Senator
... subsequently the ex-magistrates, supplemented, to complete the tale of members,
by representatives of patrician (in time also of plebeian) families selected by ...
/s/senator.htm - 8k

Plebeian: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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