Original Word: προσαιτέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: prosaiteo
Pronunciation: pros-ahee-TEH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-ahee-teh'-o)
KJV: beg
Word Origin: [from G4314 (πρός - against) and G154 (αἰτέω - ask)]

1. to ask repeatedly (importune), i.e. solicit

beg.

From pros and aiteo; to ask repeatedly (importune), i.e. Solicit -- beg.

see GREEK pros

see GREEK aiteo

STRONGS NT 4319: προσαιτέω

προσαιτέω, προσαίτω;

1. to ask for in addition ((see πρός, IV. 2); Pindar, Aeschylus, others).

2. to approach one with supplications (German anbetteln (to importune; cf. πρός, IV. 4)), to ask alms ((Herodotus), Xenophon, Aristophanes, Euripides, Plutarch, others): Mark 10:46 R G L; Luke 18:35 (where L T Tr WH have ἐπαιτῶν); John 9:8.

STRONGS NT 4319a: προσαίτηςπροσαίτης, προσαιτου, ὁ, a beggar: Mark 10:46 T Tr WH; John 9:8 (where for the Rec. τυφλός). (Plutarch, Lucian, (Diogenes Laërtius 6, 56.)

Word Overview

Strong’s Greek 4319 designates a person who lives by asking alms. The term carries the sense of being utterly dependent on the mercy of others, highlighting both physical need and social marginalization.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Mark 10:46 – Bartimaeus, a blind beggar outside Jericho, receives sight after crying out to Jesus.
2. John 9:8 – Neighbors identify the man born blind as “the one who used to sit and beg,” underscoring the dramatic nature of his healing.

(The participial form in the same verse accentuates his habitual state of begging.)

Socio-Economic Context in First-Century Judea

Roman-era Palestine had no formal welfare structures. The disabled or chronically ill often relied on public generosity at city gates or along major roads. Beggars commonly positioned themselves near religious centers or high-traffic routes where pious travelers might be moved to give alms, a practice encouraged by Jewish teaching on charity (Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Psalm 41:1).

Begging and the Old Testament Law

While Mosaic legislation did not institutionalize begging, it mandated gleaning rights (Leviticus 19:9-10) and periodic debt release (Deuteronomy 15:1-2) to prevent extreme poverty. Persistent beggary therefore signaled either physical incapacity or societal neglect, setting the stage for Jesus’ ministry of restoration.

Christ’s Compassion Toward Beggars

In both Mark 10 and John 9, Jesus does more than supply material relief; He eradicates the root affliction, restoring full participation in community life. His actions fulfill messianic prophecies: “The eyes of the blind will be opened” (Isaiah 35:5). The narrative contrast between physical blindness and spiritual sight (John 9:39-41) urges readers to recognize their own dependence on divine mercy.

Spiritual Motifs Evoked

1. Helplessness before God – The beggar symbolizes humanity’s inability to save itself (Romans 5:6).
2. Persistence in petition – Bartimaeus refuses to be silenced, embodying the call to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
3. Transformation and witness – Former beggars become immediate heralds of Christ’s work (Mark 10:52; John 9:25).

Implications for Church Ministry

• Mercy ministries: Early Christians organized daily food distribution (Acts 6:1-4). The example instructs modern congregations to integrate practical aid with gospel proclamation.
• Inclusion: James warns against favoritism toward the affluent (James 2:1-6); embracing society’s “beggars” aligns the church with Christ’s priorities.
• Evangelism: Visible acts of compassion provide platforms for testifying to the Savior who meets the deeper need of sin.

Historical Exemplars of Christian Care

• Second-century apologists (e.g., Aristides) noted believers’ reputation for feeding the poor.
• Basil of Caesarea’s “Basiliad” (fourth century) offered medical care and lodging for beggars, modeled on gospel compassion.
• Modern rescue missions continue this legacy, coupling relief with discipleship.

Related Biblical Themes and Cross-References

Poor and needy – Proverbs 19:17; Luke 14:13-14

Blind receiving sight – Matthew 11:5; Acts 9:17-18

Divine generosity – 2 Corinthians 9:8-11; Philippians 4:19

Summary

Strong’s 4319 spotlights individuals consigned to beggary yet singled out by Jesus for healing and honor. Their encounters with Christ reveal the redemptive pattern of Scripture: God lifts the destitute, grants true sight, and commissions them as witnesses to His grace.

προσαιτης προσαίτης προσαιτήσουσιν προσαιτων προσαιτών προσαιτῶν prosaites prosaitēs prosaítes prosaítēs prosaiton prosaitôn prosaitōn prosaitō̂nInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts