Brief Overview of πτωχεύω (Strong’s G4433: ptocheuo)

Strong’s G4433: A verb meaning “to become poor, to be reduced to poverty,” derived from πτωχός (poor). Used uniquely in the New Testament to describe Christ’s voluntary impoverishment for humanity’s salvation, emphasizing the deliberate choice to embrace poverty for others’ enrichment.

U- Unveiling the Word

πτωχεύω represents more than simply becoming poor; it describes a deliberate choice to embrace poverty or destitution. In its sole New Testament appearance in 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul uses this term to describe Christ’s voluntary self-impoverishment for our salvation. The word carries profound theological significance, highlighting the intentional nature of Christ’s incarnation and humiliation. Early church fathers frequently referenced this term when discussing Christ’s kenosis (self-emptying) and its implications for Christian living. Today, it continues to illuminate both Christ’s sacrificial love and the call to sacrificial giving.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πτωχεύω, ptocheuo, /pto-khew-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: p-toh-KHEW-oh (with initial ‘p’ pronounced)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: πτωχός (ptochos) – “poor, destitute”
• Suffix: -εύω (-euo) – forms verbs indicating state or condition
• Indicates entering into or experiencing poverty
• Emphasizes active or voluntary aspect

D – Defining Meanings

• To become poor
• To choose poverty
• To be reduced to begging

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “To become poor” – Most common translation
• “To embrace poverty” – Emphasizes voluntary aspect
• “To be impoverished” – Formal equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πτωχεία (ptocheia) /pto-khei-ah/ – “poverty” – See G4432
• πτωχός (ptochos) /pto-khos/ – “poor” – See G4434
• πένομαι (penomai) /pen-om-ahee/ – “to be poor” – Not in NT

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, πτωχεύω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Examples:

• Present: πτωχεύω (I become poor)
• Aorist: ἐπτώχευσα (I became poor)
• Participle: πτωχεύων (becoming poor)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for voluntary poverty. Thayer’s notes its connection to Christ’s incarnation. LSJ documents its use for becoming destitute. Vine’s connects it to Christ’s voluntary humiliation. Strong’s emphasizes the active choice involved. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri of economic hardship. LEH discusses its rare appearance in religious contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Corinthians 8:9 “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor [ἐπτώχευσε], that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πτωχεύω powerfully captures Christ’s voluntary self-impoverishment for our salvation. This single New Testament usage reveals the heart of the gospel – that Christ deliberately chose poverty that we might become rich in Him. It proclaims the good news that our spiritual enrichment came through Christ’s willing embrace of poverty, demonstrating sacrificial love that transforms both giver and receiver.

D – Did You Know?

1. The verb specifically implies a change from wealth to poverty, not just being poor.
2. Early Christian ascetics often cited this word to justify voluntary poverty.
3. The term influenced development of Christian teachings about sacrificial giving.

Strong’s G4433: A verb meaning “to become poor, to be reduced to poverty,” derived from πτωχός (poor). Used uniquely in the New Testament to describe Christ’s voluntary impoverishment for humanity’s salvation, emphasizing the deliberate choice to embrace poverty for others’ enrichment.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: poverty, Christ’s humiliation, voluntary poverty, incarnation, kenosis, self-emptying, sacrificial giving, spiritual enrichment, Christ’s poverty, divine condescension, salvation, incarnation theology