Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)Ptochos (poor) is from a verb meaning âto shrink, cower, or cringe,â as beggars often did in that day. Classical Greek used the word to refer to a person reduced to total destitution, who crouched in a corner begging. As he held out one hand for alms he often hid his face with the other hand, because he was ashamed of being recognized. The term did not mean simply poor, but begging poor. It is used in Luke 16:20 to describe the beggar Lazarus. . . .
