Lexical Summary leptos: Thin, small, light Original Word: λεπτός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mite. Neuter of a derivative of the same as lepis; something scaled (light), i.e. A small coin -- mite. see GREEK lepis HELPS Word-studies 3016 leptón – a copper or bronze coin worth 1/A of a denarius, i.e. of very little value. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as lepis Definition peeled, fine, thin, small, light NASB Translation cent (1), small copper coins (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3016: λεπτόςλεπτός, λεπτή, λεπτόν (λέπω to strip off the bark, to peel), thin; small; τό λεπτόν, a very small brass coin, equivalent to the eighth part of an as (A. V. a mite; cf. Alex.'s Kitto and B. D. under the word; cf. F. R. Conder in the Bible Educator, 3:179): Mark 12:42; Luke 12:59; Luke 21:2; (Alciphron, epistles I, 9 adds κέρμα; Pollux, onom. 9, 6, sect. 92, supplies νόμισμα). Topical Lexicon Lepton (Strong’s Greek 3016)Definition and Numismatic Background A lepton was the thinnest, lightest Judean bronze coin in circulation during the Second Temple era. Two leptons equaled one quadrans, making it roughly 1/128 of a denarius—the daily wage of a laborer. Most surviving specimens were struck under Alexander Jannaeus (103–76 BC) and later reused by Herodian rulers. Its diminutive size and low metal content gave rise to the idiom “widow’s mite.” Archaeologists still uncover large quantities of leptons in and around Jerusalem, confirming both their abundance and their negligible monetary worth. Occurrences in the New Testament • Mark 12:42 The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4) In the Temple treasury scene, the lepton highlights true devotion. “Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, worth about a quadrans” (Mark 12:42). Jesus contrasts her gift with the larger donations of the wealthy, declaring that she “has put in more than all the others,” because she surrendered “all she had to live on.” The lepton therefore becomes a symbol of sacrificial faith, demonstrating that divine evaluation hinges on the heart, not on the face value of the gift (cf. 1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Corinthians 8:12). A Warning about Settling Accounts (Luke 12:54-59) When Jesus admonishes His hearers to reconcile quickly lest judgment fall, He concludes, “I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny” (Luke 12:59). The use of lepton in this legal metaphor underscores the thoroughness of divine justice: not even the smallest debt remains overlooked. The picture anticipates ultimate accountability before God, urging repentance and reconciliation while there is still opportunity (cf. Romans 14:12; Hebrews 9:27). Historical and Ministry Significance 1. Tangible Evidence of Poverty and Oppression The lepton’s meager worth illustrates the economic hardship endured by many in first-century Judea, sharpening Jesus’ concern for “the poor” (Luke 4:18). By calling attention to such an insignificant coin, Jesus teaches proportional generosity, wholehearted trust, and Kingdom priorities (Matthew 6:19-21). The description “two leptons equal one quadrans” (Mark 12:42) precisely matches Roman provincial currency structure, supporting the historical reliability of the narrative. Theological Themes • Stewardship: Genuine giving flows from dependence on God, not surplus wealth (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Applications for Contemporary Ministry • Encourage believers to measure generosity by sacrifice rather than size. Summary Though outwardly trivial, the lepton serves as a profound theological marker. It exposes human pretensions, elevates humble devotion, and affirms the meticulous righteousness of God who weighs both our gifts and our accounts to the smallest measure. Forms and Transliterations ελεπτυνά ελέπτυναν ελέπτυνε ελέπτυνεν ελεπτύνθησαν λεπτα λεπτά λεπτὰ λεπταί λεπτή λεπτήν λεπτής λεπτοί λεπτον λεπτόν λεπτὸν λεπτού λεπτυνεί λεπτύνει λεπτυνείς λεπτύνον λεπτύνουσι λεπτυνώ λέπυρον λέσχαι lepta leptà lepton leptònLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 12:42 N-ANPGRK: πτωχὴ ἔβαλεν λεπτὰ δύο ὅ NAS: in two small copper coins, which KJV: two mites, which make INT: poor cast [in] lepta two which Luke 12:59 N-ANS Luke 21:2 N-ANP Strong's Greek 3016 |
    |