Poor in spirit.

Matthew 5:3 KJV

[3] Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Poor" used here means reduced to begging.

The original word translated as “poor” is

G4434 - ptōchos

Outline of Biblical Usage:

I. reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms

STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE. 2025.

This word, ptōchos, is translated as beggar in

Luke 16:20 KJV

And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

The poor in spirit are people who recognize their need, and also their inability to satisfy it on their own. So they go seeking satisfaction from other(s).

Here is a similar Beatitude where the people were seeking Jesus to meet their needs, because they were unable to themselves. In essence, they were begging from Jesus.

Luke 6:19-20 KJV

[19] And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

[20] And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

Psalm 9:18 KJV

[18] For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.

Psalm 86:1 KJV

[1] Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.

The poor in spirit are hoping for and seeking some relief for their poverty. And they know they cannot get it from themselves. So they beg.

Even though everyone is destitute in their spirits, most people either believe they are just fine, or they can fix it on their own. They do not beg.