### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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