### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ptōcheúō**, represented by `{{G4433}}`, means **to be a beggar** or, by implication, **to become indigent**. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its singular use highlights a profound act of becoming poor, used in a deeply figurative context to explain a key theological truth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4433}}` is in [[2 Corinthians 8:9]]. The verse explains the **grace** of the **Lord Jesus Christ**, stating that "though he was **rich**, yet for your sakes he **became poor**." This act of becoming poor is presented as a purposeful exchange, done so that believers "through his **poverty** might be **rich**." The word encapsulates the voluntary impoverishment of Christ for the spiritual enrichment of humanity.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of becoming poor:
* `{{G4145}}` **ploúsios** (wealthy; figuratively, abounding with): This is the state Christ left behind when He "became poor" [[2 Corinthians 8:9]]. It establishes the immense contrast central to His sacrifice.
* `{{G4432}}` **ptōcheía** (beggary, i.e. indigence (literally or figuratively):--poverty): This word describes the result of Christ's action. Believers are made rich through "his **poverty**" [[2 Corinthians 8:9]].
* `{{G4147}}` **ploutéō** (to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively)): This is the intended result for believers, who "might be **rich**" as a consequence of Christ's impoverishment [[2 Corinthians 8:9]].
* `{{G5485}}` **cháris** (graciousness... especially the divine influence upon the heart): The act of becoming poor is presented as the ultimate expression of the **grace** of Jesus Christ [[2 Corinthians 8:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4433}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful usage.
* **The Great Exchange:** The term is central to the concept of substitution. Christ, who was **rich**, willingly **became poor** so that believers, through His **poverty**, might be made **rich** [[2 Corinthians 8:9]].
* **Voluntary Humiliation:** It defines the nature of Christ's incarnation as a voluntary act of becoming indigent for the sake of others. This action is the ultimate demonstration of divine love and sacrifice.
* **A Demonstration of Grace:** This act of becoming poor is explicitly identified as an expression of the **grace** `{{G5485}}` of our **Lord** `{{G2962}}` **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` **Christ** `{{G5547}}`, revealing that God's favor is demonstrated through sacrificial action [[2 Corinthians 8:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4433}}` is a term whose significance far outweighs its frequency. Its solitary use in scripture defines one of the most profound events in theological history: the willing impoverishment of Jesus Christ. It moves beyond a simple concept of poverty to describe a purposeful, sacrificial exchange that forms the basis of divine **grace** and provides the means by which believers become spiritually **rich**.
TRV