The poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3) are those who consciously depend on God, not on themselves; they are “poor” inwardly, having no ability in themselves to please God (cf. Rom. 3:9-12).
Rather fascinating aspects about the poor. Two words are used in the Greek for poor. The first word describes the man who works for a living. Here is the man who serves his own needs with his own hands. In this passage a different word is used. Ptōchos means absolute poverty. This describes the man who has been brought to his knees and has nothing at all.
The Jews in Hebrew language had another way of speaking of the poor. The Beatitudes were written in Aramaic and later translated into Greek. ‘Ani or Ebiōn went through four stages of development. First, they simply meant poor. Second, because of being poor they had no influence or power. Third, because of having no influence they were looked down upon or treated badly by men. Finally, because he has no earthly influence he puts his whole trust in God. Psalm 34:6 puts this poor man before God who is good. He shall not perish. (Psalm 9:18). God delivers him (Psalm 35:10. Justice to the poor (Psalm72:4). The poor man is humble and puts his truth in God.
Therefore, the poor man in this passage is one who has nothing and has put his total trust in God. This kind of poverty is not to be confused with a lack of financial resources, but a poverty of the spirit. This is the spirit of one who recognizes his lack of resources, but finds his strength and help in God. Jesus states that His type of poverty is such of the society of the Kingdom of God.
“O bliss of the man who has realized his own utter helplessness, and who has put his whole trust in God, for thus alone he can render to God that perfect obedience which will make him a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven!” – William Barclay
Discuss the different forms of poverty. Why is this form of poverty spoken of by Jesus a good place for the heart?