The Greek word penichrós, represented by G3998, describes someone who is necessitous or poor. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, highlighting a specific moment of observation in scripture. Its meaning is derived from a prolongation of the base word πένης.
In its sole biblical appearance, G3998 is used to describe a poor widow observed by Jesus. He saw G1492 this "certain poor widow" G5503 casting G906 her offering of two G1417 mites G3016 Luke 21:2. The word poignantly captures her state of extreme need in the very act of her giving.
Several related words from its only context help illuminate the scene:
- G5503 chḗra (widow): This word identifies the subject described as poor. It is defined as "a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively." Scripture commands believers to honor widows 1 Timothy 5:3 and defines pure religion in part as visiting them in their affliction James 1:27.
- G3016 leptón (mite): This specifies the nature of her offering, defined as "something scaled (light), i.e. a small coin." The smallness of the coin underscores the significance of the act, as seen in another passage that mentions paying "the very last mite" Luke 12:59.
- G1492 eídō (to see): This word describes the action of Jesus that brings attention to the poor widow. It means "to see (literally or figuratively)" and by implication "to know." This is the same word used when we are told that "we know that all things work together for good" for those who love God Romans 8:28.
The theological weight of G3998 is concentrated in its single, powerful use.
- Observation of the Humble: The use of G3998 is significant because it is part of an act of divine observation. Jesus sees G1492 the poor widow, demonstrating that those in a necessitous state are noticed by God Luke 21:2. This connects to the idea that believers' good works should be seen so that they may glorify the Father Matthew 5:16.
- Vulnerability and Care: The term is applied to a widow G5503, a class of people specifically noted in scripture as deserving of honor and care. Pure religion is defined in part by visiting widows in their affliction James 1:27, highlighting the spiritual importance of caring for those in a necessitous state.
- The Act of Giving: By describing the widow as poor at the moment she is casting G906 in her two mites (G1417, G3016), the word provides the essential context for her action. It frames her offering not as one of abundance, but of necessity.
In summary, G3998 is a highly specific term for being necessitous or poor. Its lone appearance in the Bible occurs in the account of Jesus observing a widow making her offering Luke 21:2. The word, tied directly to this singular event, highlights the condition of the individual, a widow G5503, and provides a stark context for her act of giving two mites G3016. It illustrates how a single descriptive word can frame a powerful biblical narrative about what is seen G1492 and valued by God.
TRV