In the B attitudes, what does "poor in spirit" mean?

Question

In the B attitudes, what does "poor in spirit" mean?

Answer 1

Materially we can be poor or rich, but if we don't feel attached to the things we "own" and don't feel entitled to wealth, we're poor, in spirit.

Answer 2

Please note different translations, giving the meaning a more positive demeanor:

(Matthew 5:3) “3 “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them. . .”

Amplified Bible

3Blessed (happy, [a]to be envied, and [b]spiritually prosperous--[c]with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!

    

New Living Translation

"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,[a]

      for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs."

So we are talking about people recognizing in all humility, their need to fill there concern  for being more like Christ and doing anything that would help us in being more Christ like!

(1 Peter 2:21) “. . .In fact, to this [course] YOU were called, because even Christ suffered for YOU, leaving YOU a model for YOU to follow his steps closely.”

Answer 3

It means to be aware of your need.  Unless you are aware of a lack, you will not seek to improve your lot.

Answer 4

it means those that are very humble

Answer 5

You could translate it somewhat literally as spiritually needy or maybe spiritually famished. A modern equivalent might be depressed.

Poor in spirit means you're all washed up, out of options, at the end of your rope.

A Biblical example would be the prodigal son who was poor in spirit. He'd been wiped out financially, his clothes were in rags, he was starving, he was alone, he was wracked by guilt, he had no place to get out of the rain. Only when everything was bleakest did he decide to go home.

Answer 6

'poor' means 'lacking in'

Answer 7

Impoverished rather than enriched in their spiritual experience.

Answer 8

it means that the person is only 1/2 full of the holy spirit