Brief Overview of πένης (Strong’s G3993: penēs)

Strong’s G3993: From πένομαι (to work for daily bread); denotes one who works for living, poor but not destitute. Distinct from πτωχός (completely poor), describes working poor who must labor daily. In NT, appears in context of God’s care for poor and Christian generosity.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πένης describes those who must work for their daily needs, representing the working poor rather than the destitute. In NT context, it appears in discussion of God’s provision and Christian charity. Early church writers saw it as highlighting the dignity of labor while emphasizing the community’s responsibility to help. Today, it informs our understanding of poverty and Christian social responsibility.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πένης, penēs, [PEN-ays]
• Detailed pronunciation: PEH-nays
• Part of Speech: Adjective/Noun

Etymology:

• From πένομαι (to toil)
• Root *pen- (to strain, toil)
• Related to Latin penuria (need)
• Forms noun of condition

D – Defining Meanings

• Working poor
• Day laborer
• One who works for living
• Poor but not destitute

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a primary word

Translation Options:

• Poor – General usage
• Working poor – Specific context
• Needy worker – Emphasizing labor aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πτωχός [ptōchos, pto-KHOS] – destitute poor
• ἐνδεής [endeēs, en-deh-AYS] – needy
• ἄπορος [aporos, A-po-ros] – resourceless

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Third Declension
• Common Gender
• Nominative: πένης
• Genitive: πένητος
• Dative: πένητι
• Accusative: πένητα
• Cross-references: πενία (poverty), πένομαι (to toil)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes working aspect. Thayer’s contrasts with πτωχός. LSJ traces social class usage. Vine’s highlights dignity aspect. Moulton and Milligan show usage in labor contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“As it is written: ‘He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor [πένης]; His righteousness endures forever.'” (2 Corinthians 9:9)

Additional References:
No other biblical references

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πένης reminds us that God cares for all levels of need, including working people struggling to make ends meet. Christ’s gospel includes practical care for such ones, showing how Christian community should support those who labor but still lack.

D – Did You Know?

1. Distinguished class in ancient Athens
2. Often used in discussions of social justice
3. Key term in early church welfare systems

Strong’s G3993: From πένομαι (to work for daily bread); denotes one who works for living, poor but not destitute. Distinct from πτωχός (completely poor), describes working poor who must labor daily. In NT, appears in context of God’s care for poor and Christian generosity.

Part of speech: Adjective/Noun

Tags: #Poverty #Labor #SocialJustice #ChristianCharity #WorkingPoor #Economics #Generosity #Stewardship #Provision #Community​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​