### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐπαιτέω (epaitéō), Strong's number `{{G1871}}`, is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐπί (epí), meaning "upon," "in addition to," or sometimes intensifying, and the verb αἰτέω (aitéō), meaning "to ask" or "to request." The combination yields a core meaning of "to ask for" or, more specifically, "to beg." The ἐπί prefix suggests an intensified or directed asking, often implying a persistent or urgent plea born out of necessity. Unlike a general request, ἐπαιτέω carries the nuance of seeking alms or sustenance due to a state of poverty, destitution, or inability to provide for oneself. It denotes an appeal for charity, often from a position of dependency.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐπαιτέω appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in contexts that vividly illustrate its core meaning:
* **[[Luke 16:3]]**: In the parable of the dishonest manager, after being dismissed, the manager considers his options: "I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg." Here, ἐπαιτέω clearly signifies the act of begging for a living, an activity associated with social degradation and perceived dishonor. It represents a last resort for survival when other means (like physical labor) are unavailable or undesirable. The manager's shame highlights the societal stigma attached to begging.
* **[[John 9:8]]**: Following the miraculous healing of the man born blind, the neighbors and those who had previously known him remarked, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" In this instance, ἐπαιτέω describes the habitual practice of the blind man, his established means of survival due to his disability. It portrays begging as a recognized, albeit marginalized, occupation for those unable to work. The context underscores the man's prior state of dependency and the dramatic transformation wrought by Jesus' healing.
In both occurrences, ἐπαιτέω is used to describe individuals in situations of extreme need, relying on the charity of others for their basic sustenance. It consistently points to a state of vulnerability and social marginalization.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words and theological concepts are closely related to ἐπαιτέω:
* **αἰτέω (aitéō) `{{G154}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to ask," "request," or "demand." ἐπαιτέω is a more specific and intensified form, particularly for asking for alms.
* **προσαιτέω (prosaitéō) `{{G4319}}`**: Another compound verb meaning "to beg." This word is also frequently used for begging for alms (e.g., [[Mark 10:46]]). It shares a very similar semantic range with ἐπαιτέω, often used interchangeably in contexts of seeking charity.
* **πτωχός (ptōchos) `{{G4434}}`**: An adjective meaning "poor" or "beggar." This word describes the state of those who ἐπαιτέω. The man in [[John 9:8]] was a πτωχός who ἐπαιτέω.
* **δεῖσθαι (deisthai) `{{G1189}}`**: To "beg," "implore," or "pray." While it can overlap in meaning with ἐπαιτέω in terms of urgent request, δεῖσθαι has a broader application, including fervent prayer to God, whereas ἐπαιτέω is specifically directed at humans for material aid.
* **Concepts**: Poverty, destitution, dependency, charity, alms, compassion, social justice, and the plight of the marginalized are all concepts intrinsically linked to the act of ἐπαιτέω.
### Theological Significance
The infrequent but poignant use of ἐπαιτέω in the New Testament carries significant theological weight:
* **Human Vulnerability and Need**: The word highlights the pervasive reality of human need and vulnerability in a fallen world. It underscores the plight of those who lack basic necessities and are dependent on the generosity of others, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of poverty and disability.
* **Jesus' Ministry to the Marginalized**: Jesus' encounters with those who ἐπαιτέω (as seen in the healing of the blind man in John 9) exemplify His radical compassion and ministry to the poor and marginalized. His actions demonstrate God's profound concern for the needy, challenging societal norms that often overlooked or stigmatized beggars. The healing is not just physical but also restores the man's dignity and social standing, freeing him from the necessity of begging.
* **Stewardship and Humility**: The parable in Luke 16, while complex, touches upon themes of earthly resources and ultimate dependence. The manager's shame at begging ([[Luke 16:3]]) can be seen as a reflection of human pride and self-sufficiency. In contrast, the Christian theological framework often emphasizes a spiritual "begging" before God—a humble acknowledgment of utter dependence on divine grace and mercy, which is not shameful but essential for salvation.
* **Call to Charity**: The presence of those who ἐπαιτέω in society implicitly calls believers to acts of charity and mercy, reflecting God's own character. The New Testament consistently enjoins believers to care for the poor and needy (e.g., [[James 2:15-16]], [[1 John 3:17]]), seeing such acts as a demonstration of true faith.
### Summary
ἐπαιτέω (G1871) precisely defines the act of "begging," an intensified form of asking specifically for alms or sustenance due to a state of profound need. Its limited but impactful occurrences in the New Testament ([[Luke 16:3]], [[John 9:8]]) consistently portray individuals in dire circumstances, highlighting human vulnerability, destitution, and social marginalization. The word underscores the reality of poverty in the biblical world and the societal stigma often associated with begging. Theologically, ἐπαιτέω serves as a powerful reminder of God's compassionate concern for the poor and marginalized, as exemplified in Jesus' ministry. It also implicitly calls believers to acts of mercy and charity, reflecting the divine character and acknowledging humanity's ultimate spiritual dependence on God's grace.
TRV