Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(pity). Almsgiving enjoined by Mosaic law (Lev. 19:9; Ruth 2:2). Every third year the tithes of increase were shared with the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless and widow (Deut. 14:28). Receptacles for taking of alms placed in the Temple (Mark 12:41). Almsgiving exhorted (Acts 11:30; Rom. 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-4).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
Offerings given to the poor. It was righteous to do so: hence, giving to the poor is called righteousness (Psa. 112:9; 2 Cor. 9:9). In the law provision was made for the poor (Ex. 23:11; Lev. 19:10). It is declared that the poor would never cease out of the land; and if not relieved and they cried to the Lord, it would be accounted a sin against those who should have aided them (Deut. 15:7-11). On the other hand, we read that “he that hath pity upon the poor lendeth to the Lord, and that which he hath given will he pay him again” (Prov. 19:17). In the New Testament the same thing is enforced. We are exhorted to do good unto all men, especially unto them of the household of faith (Gal. 6:10). “He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly....the Lord loveth a cheerful giver”; and whole chapters were written to stir up the saints to give liberally to the poor in Judaea. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Transliteration:
eleemosune
Phonic:
el-eh-ay-mos-oo’-nay
Meaning:
from 1656; compassionateness, i.e. (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a benefaction