from πτωχός; to be a beggar, i.e. (by implication) to become indigent (figuratively):--become poor.
Transliteration:ptōcheúō
Pronunciation:pto-khyoo'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G4433}}` (πτωχεύω, *ptōcheúō*) is derived from the adjective `{{G4434}}` (πτωχός, *ptōchós*), which describes one who is extremely poor, often to the point of begging or destitution. Unlike `{{G3993}}` (πένης, *pénēs*), which refers to a working poor person, `{{G4434}}` denotes abject poverty, a state of complete lack and dependence. Therefore, `{{G4433}}` fundamentally means "to be a beggar," "to live in a state of destitution," or "to be utterly impoverished." By implication, it conveys the idea of "to become indigent" or "to become poor." The base definition specifically notes its capacity for figurative use, which is critical for its primary biblical occurrence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G4433}}` appears only once in the New Testament, but its singular occurrence is profoundly significant:
* **[[2 Corinthians 8:9]]**: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."
* In this pivotal verse, Paul appeals to the Corinthians to contribute generously to the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. To motivate them, he holds up the supreme example of Christ's self-giving.
* The term "rich" (πλούσιος, *plousios*, related to `{{G4149}}`) refers to Christ's pre-incarnate divine glory, majesty, and uncreated wealth as the Son of God.
* The phrase "he became poor" (ἐπτώχευσεν, *eptōcheusen*, a form of `{{G4433}}`) describes His voluntary condescension in the Incarnation. This "poverty" is not merely economic but encompasses His humbling Himself to take on human flesh, endure human limitations, suffer rejection, and ultimately die on the cross. It signifies a profound divestment of divine prerogatives and an identification with humanity's fallen, needy state. It is a radical act of self-emptying, echoing the concept of *kenosis* found in [[Philippians 2:7]].
* The purpose of this divine "becoming poor" is explicitly stated: "so that you through his poverty might become rich." This "richness" refers to spiritual abundance—salvation, righteousness, forgiveness, eternal life, adoption as children of God, and heirship in Christ. Christ's destitution became the means of humanity's true and eternal wealth.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G4434}}` (πτωχός, *ptōchós*)**: The root adjective, meaning "poor," "beggar," "destitute." This word appears frequently in the Gospels, often referring to the materially poor, the spiritually humble, or those in need of God's grace (e.g., the Beatitudes in [[Matthew 5:3]], the parable of Lazarus and the rich man in [[Luke 16:20-22]]). Its meaning of utter destitution undergirds the profound sense of Christ's "becoming poor."
* **`{{G3993}}` (πένης, *pénēs*)**: Another Greek word for "poor," but it denotes a person who is poor yet works for a living. It contrasts sharply with `{{G4434}}` (*ptōchós*), which implies such extreme poverty that one is reduced to begging. The choice of `{{G4433}}` (from *ptōchós*) for Christ's act emphasizes the depth of His self-abasement.
* **`{{G4149}}` (πλούσιος, *plousios*)**: "Rich," the direct antonym, which sets up the powerful contrast in [[2 Corinthians 8:9]] between Christ's original state and His incarnational act.
* **`{{G2758}}` (κενόω, *kenóō*)**: "To empty," "to make void." This verb is used in [[Philippians 2:7]] to describe Christ's self-emptying ("he emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant"). This concept of *kenosis* is a theological parallel to Christ's "becoming poor" in [[2 Corinthians 8:9]], both describing His voluntary relinquishment of divine prerogatives for redemptive purposes.
### Theological Significance
The single use of `{{G4433}}` in [[2 Corinthians 8:9]] encapsulates a profound theological truth about the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is a concise yet powerful statement on:
* **The Incarnation and Divine Condescension**: It highlights the unfathomable humility of the Son of God. He, who possessed infinite glory and all divine attributes, voluntarily entered into the ultimate state of human vulnerability and dependence. This "poverty" was not a diminishment of His divine nature but a veiling of His glory and a willing submission to the limitations and sufferings of humanity.
* **The Nature of Divine Grace and Love**: Christ's act of "becoming poor" is the supreme demonstration of God's sacrificial love. It underscores that salvation is entirely a gift, rooted in God's initiative and self-giving. His "poverty" was an act of pure, unmerited grace, designed to bestow spiritual riches upon those who were spiritually bankrupt.
* **Redemptive Substitution**: The verse explicitly links Christ's poverty to humanity's gain ("so that you through his poverty might become rich"). This speaks to the substitutionary nature of His work: He took on our impoverished state (sin, death, alienation from God) so that we might receive His richness (righteousness, life, reconciliation).
* **A Model for Christian Generosity**: While we cannot replicate Christ's divine act, His example serves as the ultimate motivation for believers to live lives of generosity, self-sacrifice, and identification with the needy. The grace received through Christ's poverty should compel believers to share their material and spiritual resources with others, particularly those in need, reflecting the divine love that first enriched them.
### Summary
`{{G4433}}` (πτωχεύω, *ptōcheúō*) means "to be a beggar" or "to become utterly poor." Though appearing only once in the New Testament, its use in [[2 Corinthians 8:9]] is exceptionally significant. It describes the unparalleled act of Jesus Christ, who, being infinitely rich in divine glory, willingly "became poor" through His Incarnation and earthly life. This profound condescension was not a literal economic state but a radical act of self-emptying and identification with humanity's spiritual destitution. The purpose of His voluntary poverty was redemptive: to bestow upon humanity the immeasurable spiritual riches of salvation, righteousness, and eternal life. Thus, `{{G4433}}` stands as a powerful testament to the depth of divine love, grace, and sacrificial giving embodied in Christ's work.
TRV