ptochos describes persons in material need and, in a few contexts, lack or poverty applied figuratively.

The term most often identifies people in material need: they may receive gifts, be invited, be dishonored, or stand in contrast with the rich. A smaller group of contexts applies it beyond such persons, to “poor in spirit,” to elemental principles, and to a condition of lack despite a claim of riches.

1. Persons in material need · dominant

   The masculine forms identify people who receive assistance or are included among those invited: in Luke 18:22 the APB renders the instruction to sell possessions and distribute to “the poor,” while Luke 14:13 names them among the guests to invite. In James 2:2 and James 2:6, the APB places a poorly dressed man and the person dishonored in contrast with the rich; Romans 15:26 likewise describes a contribution directed toward such people.

   Luke 18:22Luke 14:13James 2:2James 2:6Romans 15:26John 13:29
2. Figurative or qualified lack · occasional

   The term is qualified or applied outside a straightforward reference to recipients of aid. In Matthew 5:3 the APB renders “poor in spirit”; Galatians 4:9 uses the neuter plural of elemental principles described as “weak and poor”; and Revelation 3:17 applies the singular masculine form to one who claims to be rich but is said to be “poor.”

   Matthew 5:3Galatians 4:9Revelation 3:172 Corinthians 6:10

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across the occurrences, the APB regularly presents the term as “poor,” whether the clause concerns giving, invitation, social dishonor, proclamation of good news, or contrast with the rich. In Matthew 5:3 it expands the clause as “poor in spirit”; Its wording does not by itself establish finer distinctions.