poor in spirit
Recognizing inner emptiness
Poor in spirit describes a state of spiritual humility—recognizing one's dependence on God rather than one's own righteousness or accomplishments.
The phrase comes from the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
It suggests openness and receptivity rather than material poverty, though interpretations vary.
Some read it as genuine neediness before God; others as voluntary detachment from pride and self-sufficiency.
- humbleUnassuming about oneself
- meekHumbly unassertive
- lowlyModest in status
- contriteFeeling guilt over misdeeds
- brokenDamaged beyond function
broken heart · needy · dependent · surrender · empty · penitent · mourning · sackcloth and ashes · blessed · kingdom · beatitude · repentant · prostrate · bended knee · beggar · cry out · vessel · childlike
- Jesus' teachingsSermon on the Mount, beatitudes, Beatitudes, love your enemies, Lord's Prayer
- Bible moneymammon, tithe, alms, mite, shekel
poor in spiritarrogant
Excessively high self-regard
haughty · puffed up · self-righteous · high-minded · vainglorious
poor in spiritself-satisfied
Smugly pleased with oneself
worldly · materialistic · covetous · grasping · acquisitive
poor in spiritself-righteous
Smugly certain of correctness
pharisaical · holier-than-thou · sanctimonious · self-assured · self-sufficient
poor, poorer, poorest, poorly, poorness, impoverish, impoverished, impoverishment, spirit