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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/mark/12-41.htm" title="Mark 12:41">◄</a> Mark 12:42 <a href="/mark/12-43.htm" title="Mark 12:43">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/mark/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/mark/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/mark/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/mark/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/mark/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And one poor widow having come, cast <i>in</i> two lepta, which is a kodrantes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/mark/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/mark/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/mark/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And a poor widow came and put in two lepta coins, which amount to a quadrans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/mark/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/mark/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/mark/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And a poor widow came and put in two lepta, which amount to a quadrans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/mark/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a mite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/mark/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/mark/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/mark/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And there came a poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/mark/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Finally, a poor widow came up and put in two coins worth only a few pennies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/mark/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And there came a poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/mark/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A poor widow dropped in two small coins, worth less than a cent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/mark/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />then a poor widow came along and dropped in two little copper coins, worth about a penny. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/mark/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then a destitute widow came and dropped in two small copper coins, worth about a cent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/mark/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/mark/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, worth less than a penny.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/mark/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A poor widow came, and she cast in two lepta, which equal a kodrantes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/mark/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But there came one poor widow and dropped in two farthings, equal in value to a halfpenny.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/mark/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A poor widow came and she cast in two small brass coins, which equal a quadrans coin. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/mark/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and having come, a poor widow put in two mites, which are a penny.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/mark/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And one poor widow having come, cast <i>in</i> two lepta, which is a kodrantes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/mark/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and having come, a poor widow did put in two mites, which are a farthing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/mark/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And one poor widow, having come, cast in two small coins, which is a farthing.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/mark/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And there came a certain poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/mark/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But when one poor widow had arrived, she put in two small coins, which is a quarter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/mark/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/mark/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/mark/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And there came a poor widow, and she cast in two coins, which are farthings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And one poor widow came and cast in two minas that were shemonas.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/mark/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And there came one poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/mark/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And one poor widow was casting in two mites, which is a farthing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/mark/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And one poor widow coming, cast in two mites, which is a farthing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/mark/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />and there came a certain poor widow, who threw in two mites, to the value of a farthing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/mark/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But there came one poor widow and dropped in two farthings, equal in value to a halfpenny.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/mark/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And one poor widow, coming, cast in two mites, which is a farthing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/mark/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />and there came a poor widow and put in two mites, that is, a farthing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/mark/12-42.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=4262" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/mark/12.htm">The Widow's Offering</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41</span>As Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury, He watched the crowd putting money into it. And many rich people put in large amounts. <span class="reftext">42</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Then</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: mia (Adj-NFS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one</a> <a href="/greek/4434.htm" title="4434: ptōchē (Adj-NFS) -- Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad. ">poor</a> <a href="/greek/5503.htm" title="5503: chēra (N-NFS) -- Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively.">widow</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elthousa (V-APA-NFS) -- To come, go. ">came</a> <a href="/greek/906.htm" title="906: ebalen (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.">and put in</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dyo (Adj-ANP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">two</a> <a href="/greek/3016.htm" title="3016: lepta (N-ANP) -- Neuter of a derivative of the same as lepis; something scaled, i.e. A small coin.">small copper coins,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-NNS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">which</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">amounted to</a> <a href="/greek/2835.htm" title="2835: kodrantēs (N-NMS) -- Of Latin origin; a quadrans, i.e. The fourth part of an as.">a small fraction of a denarius.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">43</span>Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-1.htm">Luke 21:1-4</a></span><br />Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, / and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. / “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-2.htm">2 Corinthians 8:2-3</a></span><br />In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. / For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-6.htm">2 Corinthians 9:6-7</a></span><br />Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. / Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-3.htm">Matthew 6:3-4</a></span><br />But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, / so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-34.htm">Acts 4:34-35</a></span><br />There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, / and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-17.htm">Philippians 4:17-18</a></span><br />Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. / I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17-19</a></span><br />Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5</a></span><br />Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/17-10.htm">1 Kings 17:10-16</a></span><br />So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” / But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1-7</a></span><br />Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” / “How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” / “Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a></span><br />Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-9.htm">Proverbs 22:9</a></span><br />A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-10.htm">Malachi 3:10</a></span><br />Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-7.htm">Deuteronomy 15:7-11</a></span><br />If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/35-22.htm">Exodus 35:22</a></span><br />So all who had willing hearts, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings, rings and necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry. And they all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.</p><p class="hdg">two mites.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/28-12.htm">Amount</a> <a href="/mark/8-20.htm">Bits</a> <a href="/mark/6-8.htm">Brass</a> <a href="/mark/12-41.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/matthew/10-29.htm">Cent</a> <a href="/mark/12-16.htm">Coin</a> <a href="/matthew/27-9.htm">Coins</a> <a href="/mark/7-4.htm">Copper</a> <a href="/mark/9-42.htm">Dropped</a> <a href="/matthew/20-12.htm">Equal</a> <a href="/matthew/10-29.htm">Farthing</a> <a href="/luke/21-2.htm">Farthings</a> <a href="/matthew/10-29.htm">Halfpenny</a> <a href="/mark/10-15.htm">Little</a> <a href="/luke/21-2.htm">Mites</a> <a href="/mark/12-41.htm">Money</a> <a href="/mark/12-15.htm">Penny</a> <a href="/mark/10-21.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/mark/8-7.htm">Small</a> <a href="/mark/12-41.htm">Threw</a> <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">Value</a> <a href="/mark/12-21.htm">Widow</a> <a href="/mark/6-37.htm">Worth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/3-13.htm">Amount</a> <a href="/luke/9-17.htm">Bits</a> <a href="/luke/21-2.htm">Brass</a> <a href="/mark/12-43.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/luke/12-59.htm">Cent</a> <a href="/luke/15-8.htm">Coin</a> <a href="/luke/10-35.htm">Coins</a> <a href="/luke/12-59.htm">Copper</a> <a href="/luke/8-5.htm">Dropped</a> <a href="/luke/6-35.htm">Equal</a> <a href="/luke/12-59.htm">Farthing</a> <a href="/luke/12-6.htm">Farthings</a> <a href="/matthew/10-29.htm">Halfpenny</a> <a href="/mark/14-34.htm">Little</a> <a href="/luke/21-2.htm">Mites</a> <a href="/mark/12-43.htm">Money</a> <a href="/luke/12-6.htm">Penny</a> <a href="/mark/12-43.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/luke/7-47.htm">Small</a> <a href="/mark/14-35.htm">Threw</a> <a href="/luke/12-7.htm">Value</a> <a href="/mark/12-43.htm">Widow</a> <a href="/luke/12-7.htm">Worth</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-1.htm">Jesus tells the parable of the tenants</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-13.htm">He avoids the snare of the Pharisees and Herodians about paying tribute to Caesar;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-18.htm">convicts the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-28.htm">resolves the scribe, who questioned of the first commandment;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-35.htm">refutes the opinion that the scribes held of the Christ;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-38.htm">bidding the people to beware of their ambition and hypocrisy;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/mark/12-41.htm">and commends the poor widow for her two mites, above all.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/mark/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then one poor widow came</b><br>In the context of the Temple in Jerusalem, widows were often among the most vulnerable in society, lacking a husband's support. The mention of a widow highlights her marginalized status, emphasizing her faith and devotion despite her poverty. Widows are frequently mentioned in the Bible as deserving of special care (<a href="/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22</a>, <a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a>). Her action contrasts with the religious leaders who exploit widows (<a href="/mark/12-40.htm">Mark 12:40</a>).<p><b>and put in two small copper coins</b><br>The two small copper coins, known as "lepta," were the smallest denomination of currency in circulation at the time. This act of giving all she had is a profound demonstration of faith and trust in God’s provision. The widow's offering is a stark contrast to the larger sums given by the wealthy, highlighting the value of sacrificial giving over the amount given. This act is reminiscent of the widow of Zarephath in <a href="/1_kings/17.htm">1 Kings 17</a>, who gave her last meal to Elijah.<p><b>which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius</b><br>A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer, making the widow's offering a minuscule amount in economic terms. This phrase underscores the widow's poverty and the sacrificial nature of her gift. The denarius is often used in the New Testament to illustrate the value of money and labor (<a href="/matthew/20-2.htm">Matthew 20:2</a>). Her offering, though small, is significant in the eyes of God, illustrating the principle that God values the heart and intent behind the gift more than the monetary value.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure in the Gospel of Mark, who observes and teaches about the widow's offering.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_poor_widow.htm">The Poor Widow</a></b><br>A woman of humble means who gives all she has to the temple treasury, demonstrating profound faith and sacrifice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_temple_treasury.htm">The Temple Treasury</a></b><br>The place within the temple where offerings were collected, serving as the setting for this teaching moment.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>Followers of Jesus who are present and receive His teaching about the widow's offering.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_rich_people.htm">The Rich People</a></b><br>Those who also contribute to the treasury, but from their abundance, contrasting with the widow's sacrificial giving.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/sacrificial_giving.htm">Sacrificial Giving</a></b><br>The widow's offering teaches us that true generosity is measured not by the amount given, but by the heart and sacrifice behind it.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_trust_in_god.htm">Faith and Trust in God</a></b><br>Her willingness to give all she had demonstrates a profound trust in God's provision, challenging us to rely on Him fully.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_perspective_on_wealth.htm">God's Perspective on Wealth</a></b><br>This passage reminds us that God values the heart's intention over material wealth, encouraging us to prioritize spiritual richness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_humility.htm">The Value of Humility</a></b><br>The widow's humble act is exalted by Jesus, teaching us that humility and sincerity in our actions are precious in God's sight.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_for_the_disadvantaged.htm">Encouragement for the Disadvantaged</a></b><br>The widow's account serves as a powerful reminder that everyone, regardless of their financial status, can contribute meaningfully to God's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_widow's_mite_teach.htm">What lesson does the widow's mite teach about giving?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_being_content.htm">What defines being content?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_spend_money_on_non-essential_items.htm">Why spend money on non-essential items?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_faithful_people_sometimes_poor.htm">Proverbs 10:22 promises that the Lord’s blessing brings wealth—how do we explain faithful yet impoverished individuals? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(42) <span class= "bld">And there came a</span> <span class= "bld">certain poor widow.</span>--The position of the narrative gives to the description all the vividness of contrast. Among the "many" who cast in much must have been some at least of the Pharisees who devoured widows' houses. Here was a widow whose house had been devoured, and who yet showed by her act that she kept the two great commandments, which the scribes themselves declared to be above all burnt offerings and sacrifices.<p><span class= "bld">Two mites,</span> <span class= "bld">which make a farthing.</span>--The "farthing" is one of the Latin words which characterise this Gospel, and represents the <span class= "ital">quadrans,</span> or fourth-part of a Roman <span class= "ital">as.</span> The primary meaning of the word rendered "mite" is "thin" or "tiny."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/mark/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 42.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A poor widow</span> (<span class="greek">μία χήρα πτωχὴ</span>); literally, <span class="accented">one poor widow</span>; one specially singled out for notice. St. Luke says, <span class="greek">εῖδε δὲ καί τινα χήραν πενιχρὰν</span>: literally, a <span class="accented">widow</span> <span class="accented">who supported herself by her own little labor. <span class="cmt_word"></span>And she cast in two mites</span> (<span class="greek">λεπτὰ</span>), <span class="cmt_word">which make a farthing</span>. The farthing was the fourth part of an <span class="accented">as</span>, and ten of these made a denarius. The Greek word (<span class="greek">λεπτὰ</span>) means literally "thin pieces." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/mark/12-42.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Then</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">one</span><br /><span class="grk">μία</span> <span class="translit">(mia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> </span><span class="str2">One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">poor</span><br /><span class="grk">πτωχὴ</span> <span class="translit">(ptōchē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4434.htm">Strong's 4434: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">widow</span><br /><span class="grk">χήρα</span> <span class="translit">(chēra)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5503.htm">Strong's 5503: </a> </span><span class="str2">Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐλθοῦσα</span> <span class="translit">(elthousa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come, go. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] put [in]</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔβαλεν</span> <span class="translit">(ebalen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_906.htm">Strong's 906: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">two</span><br /><span class="grk">δύο</span> <span class="translit">(dyo)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">small copper coins,</span><br /><span class="grk">λεπτὰ</span> <span class="translit">(lepta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3016.htm">Strong's 3016: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of a derivative of the same as lepis; something scaled, i.e. A small coin.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">which</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">amounted to</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a small fraction of a denarius.</span><br /><span class="grk">κοδράντης</span> <span class="translit">(kodrantēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2835.htm">Strong's 2835: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Latin origin; a quadrans, i.e. The fourth part of an as.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/12-42.htm">Mark 12:42 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/mark/12-42.htm">Mark 12:42 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/mark/12-42.htm">Mark 12:42 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/mark/12-42.htm">Mark 12:42 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/mark/12-42.htm">Mark 12:42 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/12-42.htm">Mark 12:42 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/12-42.htm">Mark 12:42 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/12-42.htm">Mark 12:42 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/mark/12-42.htm">Mark 12:42 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/mark/12-42.htm">Mark 12:42 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/mark/12-42.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 12:42 A poor widow came and she cast (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/12-41.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 12:41"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 12:41" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/12-43.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 12:43"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 12:43" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>