Strong's Lexicon ptóchos: Poor, destitute, beggar Original Word: πτωχός Word Origin: Derived from πτώσσω (ptóssō), meaning "to crouch" or "to cower," which reflects a posture of begging. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H6041 (עָנִי, 'ani): Often translated as "poor" or "afflicted," referring to those who are humble or in need. - H7326 (רָשׁ, rash): Meaning "poor" or "needy," emphasizing material lack. Usage: The term "ptóchos" is used in the New Testament to describe those who are economically impoverished and lacking in material resources. It often conveys a sense of utter dependence on others for sustenance. In a broader spiritual context, it can also refer to those who recognize their spiritual neediness and dependence on God. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, poverty was a common and visible part of society. The poor often relied on almsgiving and the generosity of others for survival. In Jewish culture, caring for the poor was a significant aspect of religious life, rooted in the teachings of the Torah. The concept of being "poor in spirit" was also present, emphasizing humility and reliance on God. HELPS Word-studies 4434 ptō NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadjective from ptóssó (to crouch, cower) Definition (of one who crouches and cowers, hence) beggarly, poor NASB Translation poor (29), poor man (5), worthless (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4434: πτωχόςπτωχός, πτωχή, πτωχόν (πτώσσω, to be thoroughly frightened, to cower down or hide oneself for fear; hence, πτωχός properly, one who slinks and crouches), often involving the idea of roving about in wretchedness (see πένης, at the end; "but it always had a bad sense till it was ennobled in the Gospels; see Matthew 5:3; Luke 6:20, cf. 2 Corinthians 8:9" (Liddell and Scott, under I.)); hence, 1. in classical Greek from Homer down, reduced to beggary, begging, mendicant, asking alms: Luke 14:13, 21; Luke 16:20, 22. 2. poor, needy (opposed to πλούσιος): Matthew 19:21; Matthew 26:9, 11; Mark 10:21; Mark 12:42, 43; Mark 14:5, 7; Luke 18:22; Luke 19:8; Luke 21:3; John 12:5, 6, 8; John 13:29; Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 6:10; Galatians 2:10; James 2:2, 3, 6; Revelation 13:16; in a broader sense, destitute of wealth, influence, position, honors; lowly, afflicted: Matthew 11:5; Luke 4:18 (from Isaiah 61:1); 3. universally, lacking in anything, with a dative of the respect: τῷ πνεύματι, as respects their spirit, i. e. destitute of the wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford (men of this class most readily gave themselves up to Christ's teaching and proved themselves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure, Matthew 11:25; John 9:39; 1 Corinthians 1:26, 27; (others make the idea more inward and ethical: 'conscious of their spiritual need')), Matthew 5:3; compare with this the Epistle of Barnabas 19 [ET], see ἔσῃ ἁπλοῦς τῇ καρδία καί πλούσιος τῷ πνεύματι, abounding in Christian graces and the riches of the divine kingdom. (The Sept. for עָנִי, דַּל, רָשׁ, אֶבְיון, etc.) From ptosso (to crouch); akin to ptoeo and the alternate of pipto); a beggar (as cringing), i.e. Pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used in a qualified or relative sense; whereas penes properly means only straitened circumstances in private), literally (often as noun) or figuratively (distressed) -- beggar(-ly), poor. see GREEK ptoeo see GREEK pipto see GREEK penes Englishman's Concordance Matthew 5:3 Adj-NMPGRK: ΜΑΚΑΡΙΟΙ οἱ πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι NAS: Blessed are the poor in spirit, KJV: Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for INT: Blessed [are] the poor in the spirit Matthew 11:5 Adj-NMP Matthew 19:21 Adj-DMP Matthew 26:9 Adj-DMP Matthew 26:11 Adj-AMP Mark 10:21 Adj-DMP Mark 12:42 Adj-NFS Mark 12:43 Adj-NFS Mark 14:5 Adj-DMP Mark 14:7 Adj-AMP Luke 4:18 Adj-DMP Luke 6:20 Adj-NMP Luke 7:22 Adj-NMP Luke 14:13 Adj-AMP Luke 14:21 Adj-AMP Luke 16:20 Adj-NMS Luke 16:22 Adj-AMS Luke 18:22 Adj-DMP Luke 19:8 Adj-DMP Luke 21:3 Adj-NFS John 12:5 Adj-DMP John 12:6 Adj-GMP John 12:8 Adj-AMP John 13:29 Adj-DMP Romans 15:26 Adj-AMP Strong's Greek 4434 |
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