Poor

The Mosaic legislation regarding the poor is specially important. (1.) They had the right of gleaning the fields (Lev. 19:9, 10; Deut. 24:19, 21). (2.) In the sabbatical year they were to have their share of the produce of the fields and the vineyards (Ex. 23:11; Lev. 25:6). (3.) In the year of jubilee they recovered their property (Lev. 25:25-30). (4.) Usury was forbidden, and the pledged raiment was to be returned before the sun went down (Ex. 22:25-27; Deut. 24:10-13). The rich were to be generous to the poor (Deut. 15:7-11). (5.) In the sabbatical and jubilee years the bond-servant was to go free (Deut. 15:12-15; Lev. 25:39-42, 47-54). (6.) Certain portions from the tithes were assigned to the poor (Deut. 14:28, 29; 26:12, 13). (7.) They shared in the feasts (Deut. 16:11, 14; Neh. 8:10). (8.) Wages were to be paid at the close of each day (Lev. 19:13). In the New Testament (Luke 3:11; 14:13; Acts 6:1; Gal. 2:10; James 2:15, 16) we have similar injunctions given with reference to the poor. Begging was not common under the Old Testament, while it was so in the New Testament times (Luke 16:20, 21, etc.). But begging in the case of those who are able to work is forbidden, and all such are enjoined to “work with their own hands” as a Christian duty (1 Thess. 4:11; 2 Thess. 3:7-13; Eph. 4:28). This word is used figuratively in Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20; 2 Cor. 8:9; Rev. 3:17.

The general kindly spirit of the law toward the poor is sufficiently shown by such passages as (15:7) for the reason that (ver. 11) “the poor shall never cease out of the land.” Among the special enactments in their favor the following must be mentioned:

POOR. By ordaining that land could be sold only for a term of years, but should return to its original owner at the jubilee, Lev 25:23-28, the Mosaic Law found an effective check to pauperism. But also in other ways it took great care of the poor. All kinds of offering and sacrifice were accommodated to their condition. Lev 5:7, Rev 1:11; Neh 12:8. The gleanings of fields and vineyards and the harvest of the seventh year and part of the third tithe belonged to them. Lev 19:10; Lev 25:25-41. Judges were charged to do them justice, but not unjustly to favor them for their poverty. Ex 23:6; Lev 19:15; Ps 82:4. God claimed to be the special protector of them. Prov 14:31. In the N.T. the word "poor" is used figuratively to denote those who are humble of heart. Matt 5:3; but also literally, as when Jesus said "The poor have the gospel preached to them," Matt 11:5, and touchingly declared, "Ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always." Matt 26:11.

POOR. By ordaining that land could be sold only for a term of years, but should return to its original owner at the jubilee, Lev 25:23-28, the Mosaic Law found an effective check to pauperism. But also in other ways it took great care of the poor. All kinds of offering and sacrifice were accommodated to their condition. Lev 5:7, Rev 1:11; Neh 12:8. The gleanings of fields and vineyards and the harvest of the seventh year and part of the third tithe belonged to them. Lev 19:10; Lev 25:25-41. Judges were charged to do them justice, but not unjustly to favor them for their poverty. Ex 23:6; Lev 19:15; Ps 82:4. God claimed to be the special protector of them. Prov 14:31. In the N.T. the word "poor" is used figuratively to denote those who are humble of heart. Matt 5:3; but also literally, as when Jesus said "The poor have the gospel preached to them," Matt 11:5, and touchingly declared, "Ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always." Matt 26:11.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

A small European codfish (Gadus minutus); -- called also power cod.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

1. Destitute of property; wanting in material riches or goods; needy; indigent.

2. So completely destitute of property as to be entitled to maintenance from the public.

3. Hence, in very various applications:

4. Destitute of such qualities as are desirable, or might naturally be expected; as:

5. Wanting in fat, plumpness, or fleshiness; lean; emaciated; meager; as, a poor horse, ox, dog, etc. "Seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill-favored and lean-fleshed." Gen. xli. 19.

6. Wanting in strength or vigor; feeble; dejected; as, poor health; poor spirits. "His genius . . . poor and cowardly." Bacon.

7. Of little value or worth; not good; inferior; shabby; mean; as, poor clothes; poor lodgings. "A poor vessel." Clarendon.

8. Destitute of fertility; exhausted; barren; sterile; -- said of land; as, poor soil.

9. Destitute of beauty, fitness, or merit; as, a poor discourse; a poor picture.

10. Without prosperous conditions or good results; unfavorable; unfortunate; unconformable; as, a poor business; the sick man had a poor night.

11. Inadequate; insufficient; insignificant; as, a poor excuse. That I have wronged no man will be a poor plea or apology at the last day. Calamy.

12. Worthy of pity or sympathy; -- used also sometimes as a term of endearment, or as an expression of modesty, and sometimes as a word of contempt. And for mine own poor part, Look you, I'll go pray. Shak. Poor, little, pretty, fluttering thing. Prior.

13. Free from self-assertion; not proud or arrogant; meek. "Blessed are the poor in spirit." Matt. v. 3. Poor law, a law providing for, or regulating, the relief or support of the poor. -- Poor man's treacle (Bot.), garlic; -- so called because it was thought to be an antidote to animal poison. [Eng] Dr. Prior. -- Poor man's weatherglass (Bot.), the red-flowered pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis), which opens its blossoms only in fair weather. -- Poor rate, an assessment or tax, as in an English parish, for the relief or support of the poor. -- Poor soldier (Zoöl.), the friar bird. -- The poor, those who are destitute of property; the indigent; the needy. In a legal sense, those who depend on charity or maintenance by the public. "I have observed the more public provisions are made for the poor, the less they provide for themselves." Franklin.