In most cases, "needy" in the Bible refers to people who lack true knowledge of the Lord and his teachings, but have a desire to learn. Often, especially in the New Testament, it relates to the Gentiles. In some cases, the Bible speaks of "the poor and needy" together; in these cases "poor" means those lacking the desire to be good and "needy" those lacking knowledge. Due to translation issues, though, "poor" and "needy" are often used interchangeably, and the term "beggar" is sometimes used as well.

2812. And he laid the wood in order. That this signifies the righteousness which was adjoined to it, is evident from the signification of the “wood of a burnt-offering,” as being the merit of righteousness (see above, n. 2784, 2798); and from the signification of “laying the wood in order upon the altar,” as being to adjoin that righteousness to the Human Divine. The merit of righteousness is adjoined when it is there, and when there is confidence from truth that it belongs to Him.