The Greek word hystérēma, represented by G5303, refers to a deficit; specially, poverty. It appears 9 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. The term is derived from G5302 and signifies a state of want, lack, or that which is behind or lacking. Its meaning ranges from literal financial poverty to a more abstract or spiritual deficiency that requires fulfillment.
In scripture, G5303 is used to describe both material and non-material needs. It describes the profound poverty of the widow who gave "of her penury" all she had Luke 21:4. It is also used to denote a lack that is supplied by fellow believers, such as the want of the saints being met through generous giving 2 Corinthians 9:12, or Paul's personal lack being supplied by the Macedonian brethren 2 Corinthians 11:9. In a spiritual context, Paul expresses his desire to perfect "that which is lacking in your faith" 1 Thessalonians 3:10, indicating an area for growth and completion.
Several related words help clarify the concept of lack and its remedy:
- G5302 hysteréō (to be later... to fall short (be deficient)): This is the verb form from which G5303 is derived. It describes the action of being in want or coming short, such as when all have sinned and "come short" of God's glory Romans 3:23.
- G4051 perísseuma (a surplus, or superabundance): This word serves as the direct opposite of G5303. It is used in contrast to highlight the principle of mutual support, where one's abundance should supply another's want 2 Corinthians 8:14.
- G378 anaplēróō (to complete; by implication, to occupy, supply): This verb describes the action of filling a lack. It is used when others supply the Philippians' lack of service toward Paul Philippians 2:30 and when Stephanas and others supplied what was lacking on the part of the Corinthians 1 Corinthians 16:17.
- G4322 prosanaplēróō (to fill up further, i.e. furnish fully): This word emphasizes the full provision for a need, as when the giving of the Corinthians supplieth the want of the saints 2 Corinthians 9:12.
The theological weight of G5303 is significant, highlighting key principles of Christian life and community.
- Reciprocal Generosity: The term is central to the principle of equality G2471 within the church, where the abundance G4051 of one part of the body is meant to supply the want G5303 of another, ensuring mutual care and provision 2 Corinthians 8:14.
- Participatory Suffering: In a profound statement, Paul speaks of his desire to "fill up that which is behind of the afflictions G2347 of Christ" in his own flesh for the church's sake Colossians 1:24. This use of G5303 points to the believer's role in participating in the suffering that the church, as Christ's body, endures in the world.
- Spiritual Maturation: The concept of a lack in one's faith 1 Thessalonians 3:10 implies that spiritual life is a process of growth. This lack is not a permanent failure but an area to be perfected, or completed, through apostolic teaching and fellowship.
In summary, G5303 is more than a simple word for poverty or need. It functions as a critical term that illustrates the dynamic interplay of need and supply within the Christian community. It defines not only material want but also spiritual incompleteness and the shared sufferings G3804 of believers. Through this word, scripture teaches that what is lacking in one area can be supplied by the abundance of another, reflecting a core tenet of fellowship in the body of Christ.
TRV