behofian

Meaning

1. to have need of, need

   Sē rīċa and sē þearfa sind weġfērende on þisse weorolde. Sē rīċa birþ māre þonne hē behōfiġe tō his formetum, sē ōðer birþ ǣmtiġne pusan. For þȳ sċeal sē rīċa dǣlan his byrðenne wiþ þone þearfan: þonne wanaþ hē þā byrðenne his synna, and þām þearfan ġehilpþ.

   The rich and the poor are both wayfarers in this world. The rich carry more than they need for the journey, while the poor hold an empty sack. That's why the rich should share their burden with the poor. That way they can lighten the burden of their sins, and help the poor.

   late 10th century, Ælfric, "On the Greater Litany"

2. to be needful to, necessary

Conjugation