Lexical Summary ptócheia: Poverty Original Word: πτωχεία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance poverty. From ptocheuo; beggary, i.e. Indigence (literally or figuratively) -- poverty. see GREEK ptocheuo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4432 ptōxeía – poverty. See 4434 (ptō NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ptócheuó Definition beggary, i.e. destitution NASB Translation poverty (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4432: πτωχείαπτωχεία, πτωχείας, ἡ (πτωχεύω); 1. beggary (Herodotus 3, 14; Aristophanes, Plutarch, 549; Plato, legg. 11, p. 936{b}; Lysias p. 898, 9; Aristotle, poet. c. 23 p. 1459^b, 6). 2. in the N. T. poverty, the condition of one destitute of riches and abundance: opposed to πλουτεῖν, 2 Corinthians 8:9; opposed to πλούσιος, Revelation 2:9; ἡ κατά βάθους πτωχεία (opposed to πλοῦτος), deep, i. e. extreme poverty (see κατά, I. 1 b.), 2 Corinthians 8:2. (The Sept. chiefly for ענִי, affliction, misery.) The term designates material destitution so profound that the person is left with no means of self-support and must depend entirely on outside help. In Scripture the idea is never limited to economics; it becomes a window into the gracious economy of God, who turns human lack into an arena for displaying His sufficiency. Occurrences in the New Testament • 2 Corinthians 8:2 shows the Macedonian churches experiencing “deep poverty,” yet their joy produces “rich generosity.” Theological Significance Poverty exposes the bankruptcy of self-reliance. It drives the believer to trust the Giver rather than the gift and magnifies divine grace. Where human resources end, God’s gifts begin (Psalm 40:17; Philippians 4:19). Christological Dimensions The incarnational “poverty” of Jesus (2 Corinthians 8:9) is not merely social deprivation but the voluntary renunciation of heavenly privilege (Philippians 2:6–7). By sharing the lot of the lowly, He secures the riches of salvation for His people. The paradox anchors Christian giving: believers mirror the self-emptying Savior when they meet the needs of others. Spiritual Paradox of Poverty and Riches Revelation 2:9 unites opposite realities: a church economically disadvantaged yet spiritually affluent. Material lack cannot nullify the believer’s inheritance (Ephesians 1:18) and often clarifies where true treasure lies (Matthew 6:19–21). Thus Scripture warns against trusting riches (1 Timothy 6:17) while commending those who are “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). Historical Background In first-century Greco-Roman society, roughly two-thirds of the population subsisted at or below subsistence level. Urban day-laborers, widows, and slaves frequently fell into absolute poverty. Early Christian assemblies included many from these strata (1 Corinthians 1:26). Their vulnerability sharpened the church’s call to mutual aid. Ecclesial and Ministry Implications The Jerusalem collection (Acts 11:29–30; 2 Corinthians 8–9) became the model for inter-church cooperation. Sharing relieved physical need, displayed gospel unity, and proclaimed Christ’s triumph over ethnic and economic barriers. Diaconal ministry, rooted in Acts 6:1–6, institutionalized care for the destitute so that no believer would suffer unchecked want (James 2:15–17). Practical Application for Believers 1. Cultivate generosity. The Macedonians gave “beyond their ability” because grace, not surplus, determines capacity (2 Corinthians 8:3). Related Old Testament Foundations The Law protected the poor through gleaning (Leviticus 19:9–10) and debt remission (Deuteronomy 15:7–11). Prophets rebuked exploitation (Amos 2:6) and promised messianic good news to the poor (Isaiah 61:1), a promise Christ applied to Himself (Luke 4:18). Early Church Witness and Legacy Second-century observers, such as Lucian and Tertullian, noted Christians’ extraordinary care for the needy. By the fourth century, bishops organized hospitals and hostels, extending the biblical ethic of solidarity with the impoverished. This legacy endures in missionary relief work and benevolent societies. Conclusion The word translated “poverty” uncovers a kingdom paradox: those emptied of worldly security become richest in grace, and the One who owned all things chose poverty to enrich the destitute with eternal wealth. Englishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 8:2 N-NFSGRK: κατὰ βάθους πτωχεία αὐτῶν ἐπερίσσευσεν NAS: and their deep poverty overflowed INT: of deep poverty of them abounded 2 Corinthians 8:9 N-DFS Revelation 2:9 N-AFS Strong's Greek 4432 |
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