Many people and organizations view poverty in economic terms. The World Bank has described poverty as “pronounced deprivation in well-being.” This conventional view primarily links well-being to the ability to have command over commodities. By this definition of poverty, the poor are those who do not have enough income.

But how does this conventional view align with how the Scripture describes the poor? How does the Bible define poverty?

There are 178 uses of the word “poor” in Scripture. Although there are a few exceptions, the term “poor” in Scripture means economic or material poverty.

Review the following verses and notice the characteristics: insufficient food, cannot afford, cannot support himself, debt and shabby clothes.

• “Then the poor among you may get food” (Exodus 23:11).
• “If . . . he is poor and cannot afford these” (Leviticus 14:21).
• “If one . . . becomes poor and is unable to support himself” (Leviticus 25:35).
• “Pay him his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and is counting on it” (Deuteronomy 24:15).
• “The poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb” (2 Samuel 12:3).
• “The infant of the poor is seized for a debt” (Job 24:9).
• “Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare” (Proverbs 20:13).
• “Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor” (Matthew 19:21).
• “For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem” (Romans 15:26).
• “Suppose . . . a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in” (James 2:2).

The term “poor” in Scripture refers to an economic condition, but the circumstances and causes associated with that condition are complex.

In the Bible, it is clear that those in poverty are close to God’s heart. Jesus himself was born into poverty and gave up his heavenly riches when he came down to earth. Constantly, the poor are said to be “blessed” and we are instructed to value integrity over riches. God has not forgotten the poor and instead calls all believers to join in his restorative work to bring hope and opportunity to them.

“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” — James 2:5

In the Old Testament, God gives a set of special laws through Leviticus that show how he set up systems to care for the poor and the foreigner. Those who owned land were told to leave the edges of their fields for those on the fringes of society to benefit from. In addition, every seventh year in the “year of Jubilee,” the Israelites followed God’s laws by forgiving any outstanding debts to prevent overwhelming poverty. What a great way to not only bless others who are less fortunate, but also protect our hearts from greed! Take a look at what the Bible says about poverty and how God set up laws and systems to support the poor.

“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.” –Leviticus 19:9-10

What the Bible says about poverty is convicting! Partner with Food for the Hungry’s work to end all forms of human poverty worldwide, through the love of Christ. By sponsoring a child or giving the gift of a Bible or children’s Bible, you can be part of creating an eternal impact on the lives of children worldwide. Will you join us?