Brief Overview of πενιχρός (Strong’s G3998: penichros)

Strong’s G3998: From πένης (poor); meaning very poor, needy, or destitute. Used uniquely in Luke’s account of the widow’s mites, describing her extreme poverty. Emphasizes genuine sacrifice and devotion despite material lack. Carries implications about true worship and giving.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πενιχρός describes profound material poverty, particularly notable in Luke’s account of the widow’s offering. The term emphasizes genuine sacrifice from limited means. Early church writers saw this as exemplifying true devotion and sacrificial giving. Today, it challenges our understanding of generosity and worship, showing how God values sacrificial giving regardless of amount.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πενιχρός, penichros, [pen-ee-KROS]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-nee-KHROS
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• From πένης (poor)
• Suffix: -χρος (qualitative)
• Related to πένομαι (to toil)
• Indicates state of poverty

D – Defining Meanings

• Very poor
• Destitute
• Needy
• Living in poverty

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a derived adjective

Translation Options:

• Poor – Basic meaning
• Destitute – Emphasizing severity
• Impoverished – Social condition

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πτωχός [ptōchos, pto-KHOS] – beggar poor
• πένης [penēs, PEN-ays] – working poor
• ἐνδεής [endeēs, en-deh-AYS] – needy

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• First/Second Declension Adjective
• Three Gender Forms:
• Masculine: πενιχρός
• Feminine: πενιχρά
• Neuter: πενιχρόν
• Regular adjectival endings
• Cross-references: πένης (poor), πενία (poverty)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes severe poverty. Thayer’s notes distinction from πτωχός. LSJ traces social class usage. Vine’s highlights its unique NT occurrence. Moulton and Milligan show usage in poverty contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And He saw also a certain poor [πενιχρός] widow putting in two mites.” (Luke 21:2)

Additional References:
No other biblical references

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πενιχρός reminds us that God values sacrificial giving based on devotion rather than amount. The widow’s story encourages all believers that their offerings matter to God when given from a heart of faith, regardless of economic status.

D – Did You Know?

1. Distinguished from beggars in ancient class system
2. Used in temple donation records
3. Influenced early church teaching on giving

Strong’s G3998: From πένης (poor); meaning very poor, needy, or destitute. Used uniquely in Luke’s account of the widow’s mites, describing her extreme poverty. Emphasizes genuine sacrifice and devotion despite material lack. Carries implications about true worship and giving.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: #Poverty #Giving #Sacrifice #WidowsMites #Generosity #Worship #Luke #Stewardship #Faith #Devotion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​