אֶבְיוֹן (ev.yon)
ev.yon
needy
H:A-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 48 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word evyon describes a person who is in want, often translated as "needy" or "poor." It refers to someone lacking basic material resources and living in a state of destitution. The term appears frequently in the Psalms and Deuteronomy, where it highlights the vulnerability of those on the margins of society.
Evyon carries a strong sense of being oppressed or abused by others. In passages like Amos 2:6, it is paired with "righteous," emphasizing that these individuals suffer injustice despite their moral standing. The word also conveys a deep dependence on God for deliverance from trouble, as seen in Psalm 70:6 where the psalmist cries out for help.
Its root relates to the feeling of want or need, distinguishing it from general poverty by focusing on the experience of deprivation. This term underscores the biblical call to care for the most vulnerable, reflecting a theological weight that values human dignity and divine justice over social status.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word evyon points to someone who is genuinely lacking basic resources, often facing oppression or injustice because of their vulnerability. It is not just a description of financial status but a call to recognize human dignity in those on the margins. When Scripture uses this term, it highlights how God sees and cares for those whom society might overlook or exploit.
For your faith, this word invites you to see needs clearly and respond with compassion. It reminds us that justice and kindness are not optional extras but central parts of living out our trust in God. By acknowledging the struggles of others, we align ourselves with the heart of God, who lifts up the lowly and defends the weak.
May this understanding deepen your empathy and encourage you to support those in need, reflecting God’s love in practical ways.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 48 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] needy12×
- and/ [the] needy10×
- needy [people]5×
- and/ needy4×
- and/ needy [people]3×
- to the/ needy [people]2×
- for the/ needy [person]2×
- a needy [person]2×
- <the>/ needy2×
- to the/ needy [person]1×
- to <the>/ needy [people]1×
- needy [person]/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֶבְי֑וֹן5×
- אֶבְי֑וֹן4×
- וְ/אֶבְי֖וֹן3×
- אֶבְיֽוֹן\׃3×
- אֶבְי֖וֹן3×
- לָ/אֶבְיֽוֹן\׃2×
- וְ֝/אֶבְי֗וֹן2×
- וְ/אֶבְיוֹנִ֖ים2×
- וְ/אֶבְי֣וֹן2×
- אֶבְיוֹנִ֣ים2×
- אֶבְיוֹנִ֖ים2×
- אֶבְי֣וֹן2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 23:6
“You shall not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.
This verse links justice directly to the protection of the evyon, showing that legal fairness is a divine concern for the vulnerable.
-
Deuteronomy 15:7
If a poor man, one of your brothers, is with you within any of your gates in your land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother;
Here, the command not to harden one's heart against the evyon emphasizes emotional and spiritual openness in giving.
-
Psalms 72:12
For he will deliver the needy when he cries; the poor, who has no helper.
The psalmist describes God as the primary deliverer for the needy who have no other helper, highlighting divine reliance.
-
Job 5:15
But he saves from the sword of their mouth, even the needy from the hand of the mighty.
This verse shows God rescuing the evyon from the power of the mighty, affirming His role as protector against oppression.