πτωχός (ptōchos)
ptōchos
poor
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 34 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word ptōchos describes a person reduced to absolute poverty, one who must beg for daily survival. Its root sense evokes someone who crouches or cowers in desperation, distinguishing it from other terms for financial lack by emphasizing total helplessness and public mendicancy. In the New Testament, it appears thirty-four times, often referring literally to those without resources, such as the beggar Lazarus in Luke 16:20-22.
Jesus frequently uses this term to highlight spiritual humility, most notably in the Beatitudes where he blesses the "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3). This metaphorical usage suggests that recognizing one’s spiritual neediness is a prerequisite for receiving God’s kingdom. The word carries significant theological weight, as seen when Jesus declares good news to the poor in Luke 4:18, linking material deprivation with divine favor.
Translators typically render ptōchos as "poor," though this English term can sometimes feel mild compared to the Greek’s intensity. The sources note that while other words might describe relative poverty, ptōchos implies a state of utter dependency. This stark imagery challenges readers to consider both the physical reality of the marginalized and the spiritual posture required to enter God’s kingdom.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word ptōchos paints a vivid picture of someone who is utterly dependent, often crouching in desperation or begging for daily survival. It goes beyond simple financial lack to describe a state of total helplessness. When Jesus speaks of the poor in spirit, He uses this powerful term to highlight that recognizing our own spiritual neediness is the first step toward receiving God’s kingdom. This humility opens the door to grace, reminding us that our strength is found in our reliance on Him.
In practical terms, this word calls us to see the marginalized with compassion and generosity. Jesus frequently linked His mission to bringing good news to those who are poor, showing that God’s favor rests upon the humble and brokenhearted. We are invited to reflect this same care in our daily lives, offering support to those who lack resources while trusting that our true treasure is stored in heaven.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 34 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- poor21×
- to [the] poor,2×
- poor;2×
- to [the] poor?1×
- to [the] poor.1×
- poor.1×
- poor,1×
- poor man1×
- destitute1×
- a poor [man]1×
- [the] poor,1×
- A poor man1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πτωχοὺς7×
- πτωχοὶ4×
- πτωχὸς3×
- πτωχὴ3×
- πτωχοῖς3×
- πτωχῶν2×
- πτωχοῖς·2×
- πτωχοῖς,2×
- πτωχῷ1×
- πτωχόν.1×
- πτωχὸν1×
- πτωχὰ1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus uses this term to define the spiritual posture required to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
-
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed,
Jesus identifies preaching good news to the poor as a primary purpose of His anointing by the Spirit.
-
Mark 12:43
He called his disciples to himself and said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury,
Jesus contrasts the large gifts of the wealthy with the sacrificial giving of this poor widow.
-
Luke 16:20
A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was taken to his gate, full of sores,
This word describes Lazarus, a beggar suffering at the rich man's gate, highlighting his absolute physical dependency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ptōchos and other Greek words for poor?
Why does Jesus bless the poor in spirit?
How does this word appear in the context of giving?
Every Occurrence (34 verses across 9 books)
Matthew 5 verses
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 11:5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the…
Matthew 19:21Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure…
Matthew 26:9For this ointment might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”
Matthew 26:11For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me.