Greek · G4434 · unreviewed

πτωχός

Poor

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πτωχός G4434
Pronunciation ptōchós

What does πτωχός (ptōchós) mean in the Bible?

πτωχός (ptōchós) is a Greek word meaning "poor". πτωχός, -ή, -όν (πτώσσω, to crouch, cower), [in LXX for עָנִי, דַּל, רָשׁ, etc. Represents those unable to reciprocate, highlighting grace-based generosity.

Full entry for πτωχός (G4434) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

poor
Extended definition

Etymologically rooted in "crouch/cower," emphasizing degradation and powerlessness, not mere lack.

(πτώσσω, to crouch, cower), [in LXX for עָנִי, דַּל, רָשׁ, etc. ;] of one who crouches and cowers, hence,

1as subst., a beggar: Luk.14:13, 21 16:20, 22.
2As adj.,
aprop., beggarly: metaphorically, στοιχεῖα, Gal.4:9 (see Lft., in l);
bin broader sense (opposite to πλούσιος), poor: Mat.11:5 19:21 26:9, 11, Mrk.10:21 12:42-43 14:5, 7, Luk.4:18 7:22 18:22 19:8 21:3, Jhn.12:5-6, 8 13:29, Rom.15:26, 2Co.6:10, Gal.2:10, Jas.2:2-3, 6, Rev.13:16; π. τ. κόσμῳ, Jas.2:5; metaphorically, Luk.6:20, Rev.3:17; π. τ. πνεύματι, Mat.5:3.
Synonymsπένης, q.v
Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Why This Word Matters
Represents those unable to reciprocate, highlighting grace-based generosity.
Highlights misuse of moral language by Judas.
Grammatical Forms

How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.

Nominative · Plural · Masculine Matt 5:3 · Matt 11:5 · Luke 6:20 · Luke 7:22 · 2 Cor 6:10
Nominative · Singular · Feminine Mark 12:42 · Mark 12:43 · Luke 21:3
Nominative · Singular · Masculine Luke 16:20 · Jas 2:2 · Rev 3:17
Genitive · Plural · Masculine John 12:6 · Gal 2:10
Dative · Plural · Masculine Matt 19:21 · Matt 26:9 · Mark 10:21 · Mark 14:5 · Luke 4:18 · Luke 18:22 · Luke 19:8 · John 12:5 · John 13:29
Dative · Singular · Masculine Jas 2:3
Accusative · Plural · Masculine Matt 26:11 · Mark 14:7 · Luke 14:13 · Luke 14:21 · John 12:8 · Rom 15:26 · Jas 2:5 · Rev 13:16
Accusative · Singular · Masculine Luke 16:22 · Jas 2:6
Accusative · Plural · Neuter Gal 4:9
Biblical Occurrences

Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.

Appears In
Word Pictures (Robertson)
Sources