Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Search The Bible Find it! 3 Rich Examples of What It Means to Be “Poor in Spirit” Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies Lucas Hagen | Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer Monday, December 7, 2020 Share Tweet Save The Beatitudes are one of Jesus’ most well-known teachings in the Gospels. As the opening section of the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes are frequently read and frequently preached. As with many popular teachings in the Bible, there is debate regarding the meaning and application of certain portions of the Beatitudes. One such phrase is the very first one. What does it mean to be “poor in spirit,” and is it something Christians should be striving for? Jesus opens the Beatitudes with “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). There has been much written exploring the meaning of this text. Part of the debate centers around whether being “poor in spirit” is a desirable state for which Christians should be striving, or if it is an unfortunate state which Jesus redeems. Before exploring that debate, it is important to understand what Jesus really means by “blessed.”  What Does It Mean to Be Blessed?  Many understand Jesus’ word “blessed” as simply meaning “happy.” While this is not incorrect, it is an incomplete conception of what Jesus is teaching. The state of being blessed is not the same as what many consider to be happiness. Jesus is not talking about surface-level happiness. Jesus is not talking about being in a good mood. Jesus says that those who are poor in spirit are those who receive God’s divine favor.  Those who receive God’s divine favor often may not seem to be happy on the surface. Jesus’ understanding of blessedness does not align with the modern Western idea of happiness. Those who seem the happiest today are those who are most independent, most wealthy, most healthy, and most self-sufficient. However, these characteristics are not what Jesus’ means by “poor in spirit.”  What Does It Mean to Be “Poor in Spirit?” The Greek word Matthew uses that is translated into English as “poor” is ptōchos. The word literally means poor, and while it may be used to describe someone who does not have much money, this word as Jesus uses it is describing a spiritual condition, not so much a financial condition. When Jesus says “the poor in spirit,” he is describing those who are aware of their desperate need for God. They are completely dependent on God for help and they understand that they cannot live without him.  “Poor in spirit” typically manifests itself in humility, servant-mindedness, and steadfast dependence on God’s grace and provision. Those who are poor in spirit are not seeking self-sufficiency; they are seeking the exact opposite.  Many of those who are poor in spirit in the Bible likely are those who are poor financially as well. Those who must rely on God for their physical needs tend to rely on God for their spiritual needs as well. However, in this case in Matthew, Jesus is saying specifically that those who will receive the kingdom of heaven are those who are completely dependent on God and recognize that they cannot be saved or enter heaven except through Christ. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Wenping-Zheng What Does “Theirs Is the Kingdom of Heaven” Mean?  The reason why those who are spiritually destitute and dependent are blessed is that they will receive the kingdom of heaven. Why is this notable? To receive the kingdom of heaven is to receive the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Those who are poor in spirit are those who express the fruit of salvation in Christ, and they receive favor from God.  Note that the kingdom of heaven does not go to the high-achievers, the most publicly spiritual, the wealthiest, or the most popular. The kingdom of heaven goes to those who are meek, humble, and reliant on God. This is one of the first demonstrations of the gospel of grace. God’s favor goes to those who trust in Him, not those who seem to deserve it the most.  3 Biblical Examples of the “Poor in Spirit” There are examples throughout Scripture of those who do not seem to be desirable or respectable, yet ultimately receive favor from God. Here are three examples of those who express humility and dependence on God as Christ requires.  1. The Masses Whom Jesus Healed Jesus encounters countless people who have been rejected by society – utter outcasts. These are people who are injured, blind, dead, ill, or unclean. They are cast away by society, yet not ignored by Jesus. He not only sees them, but heals them of their ailments.  Matthew describes one such instance, “And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them” (Matthew 15:30). By worldly standards, one would expect that God Himself would be spending His time associating with the wealthy and elite, such as the Pharisees and scribes. Yet, Jesus does not do this. He spends His time healing and uplifting those who come to Him in desperate need. Those who approach Him in humility and dependence receive His favor and are healed.  2. Job There is no one other than Jesus who has experienced as much undeserved suffering as Job. God allows the enemy to have his way with Job, knowing that Job will not turn from faith in God. Job does exactly what God expects. Despite his unjust suffering, he remains faithful to God in spite of the advice he receives from those around him. Job is blessed by God after enduring such pain and despair, because of his steadfast faithfulness to God. He trusts in God’s sovereignty and God’s goodness, and for this he is blessed.  3. Mary (Sister of Martha) The account of Jesus’ time with Mary and Martha is commonly preached and well-known for good reason. Luke offers a clear picture of what kind of attitude and temperament Jesus desires from His followers.  When God Himself is sitting in their home, Martha keeps herself busy, trying to make everything perfect for Jesus. On the other hand, Mary sits patiently before the Lord, enjoying His fellowship and listening to His every word. Jesus does not desire specific activities from us, but rather personal, intimate fellowship and relationship.  Those who are poor in spirit are not preoccupied with doing certain behaviors and developing a reputation, but rather are preoccupied with knowing and being known by Jesus. Jesus desired dependence and humility from his followers, and those who exemplify these characteristics are blessed.  Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang Lucas Hagen is a freelance writer, recently graduated from Taylor University with majors in Biblical Literature and Youth Ministries. When he is not writing for Crosswalk, you can find him reading great books, playing guitar, competing in professional disc golf tournaments, and spending quality time with his lovely wife, Natalie, and their fluffy cat, Woodward. You can read more of his writing at habitsofholiness.com. This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. We want to provide easy to read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin, and history of specific verses within Scripture’s context. It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God’s Word in relation to your life today. Do Unto Others The Truth Will Set You Free Guard Your Heart Love One Another Blessed Are the Meek Listen to our Daily Bible Verse Podcast Now! Popular Articles 3 Rich Examples of What It Means to Be “Poor in Spirit” Lucas Hagen Watch Out for the Dangers of Self-Righteousness Michael Jakes What Is the Refiner’s Fire in Malachi? Pamela Palmer Is It a Sin to Question God? Dave Jenkins 21 Comforting Prayers for Strength Compiled & Edited by BST & Crosswalk Staff 4 Signs It Is Time to Leave a Church Michael Jakes Featured Verse Topics Healing Bible Verses Worry and Anxiety Bible Verses Prayer Bible Verses Bible Verses for Overcoming Grief Comforting Bible Verses Bible Verses About Protection God’s Promises – Verses in the Bible Bible Verses For Faith in Hard Times Encouraging Bible Verses Hope Bible Verses Friendship Bible Verses Forgiveness Bible Verses Strength Bible Verses Love Bible Verses Inspirational Bible Verses About Online Bible Sitemap Link to Us Advertise with Us Feedback Proud member of Salem Media Group. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. All rights reserved. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. California – Do Not Sell My Personal Information  California – CCPA Notice