Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. New Living Translation Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. English Standard Version and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. Berean Standard Bible and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. Berean Literal Bible and He saw a certain poor widow casting in two lepta. King James Bible And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. New King James Version and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. New American Standard Bible And He saw a poor widow putting in two lepta coins. NASB 1995 And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. NASB 1977 And He saw a certain poor widow putting in two small copper coins. Legacy Standard Bible And He saw a poor widow putting in two lepta. Amplified Bible And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. Christian Standard Bible He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins. Holman Christian Standard Bible He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins. American Standard Version And he saw a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. Contemporary English Version He also saw a poor widow putting in a few cents. English Revised Version And he saw a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. GOD'S WORD® Translation He noticed a poor widow drop in two small coins. Good News Translation and he also saw a very poor widow dropping in two little copper coins. International Standard Version Then he saw a destitute widow drop in two small copper coins. NET Bible He also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. New Heart English Bible He saw a certain poor widow casting in two lepta. Webster's Bible Translation And he saw also a certain poor widow, casting in thither two mites. Weymouth New Testament He also saw a poor widow dropping in two farthings, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. World English Bible He saw a certain poor widow casting in two small brass coins. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand He also saw a certain poor widow casting two mites there, Berean Literal Bible and He saw a certain poor widow casting in two lepta. Young's Literal Translation and he saw also a certain poor widow casting there two mites, Smith's Literal Translation And he also saw a certain poor widow casting there two small coins. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he saw also a certain poor widow casting in two brass mites. Catholic Public Domain Version Then he also saw a certain widow, a pauper, putting in two small brass coins. New American Bible and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. New Revised Standard Version he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he also saw a poor widow, who cast in two pennies. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And he saw also a certain poor widow who cast in two shemonas. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd he saw also a certain poor widow throw in thither two mites. Godbey New Testament And He also saw a certain poor widow, casting in thither two mites. Haweis New Testament And he observed also a certain widow, miserably poor, put in there two mites. Mace New Testament he saw a poor widow throwing in the value of a farthing. Weymouth New Testament He also saw a poor widow dropping in two farthings, Worrell New Testament And He saw a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. Worsley New Testament and He saw also a poor widow throwing in two mites. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Poor Widow's Offering1Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3“Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.… Cross References Mark 12:42 Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. Matthew 12:41-44 The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here. / The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. / When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. ... 2 Corinthians 8:2-3 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, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 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. Acts 4:34-35 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. James 2:5 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? 1 Timothy 6:17-19 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. Philippians 4:17-18 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. Romans 12:8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia: / On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed. Proverbs 19:17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. Deuteronomy 15:11 For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land. 1 Kings 17:10-16 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.” ... 2 Kings 4:1-7 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. ... Malachi 3:10 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. Treasury of Scripture And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. mites. Mark 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. Jump to Previous Brass Casting Coins Copper Dropping Farthing Farthings Mites Poor Putting Small Therein Thither WidowJump to Next Brass Casting Coins Copper Dropping Farthing Farthings Mites Poor Putting Small Therein Thither WidowLuke 21 1. Jesus commends the poor widow.5. He foretells the destruction of the temple, and of the city Jerusalem; 25. the signs also which shall be before the last day. 34. He exhorts them to be watchful. and He saw Jesus, in His divine omniscience, observes the actions and hearts of individuals. This moment occurs in the temple courts, a place bustling with activity, yet Jesus notices the seemingly insignificant act of the widow. His ability to see beyond the surface reflects His role as the ultimate judge and discerner of hearts, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances. a poor widow put in two small copper coins Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, observing and teaching in the temple. 2. Poor Widow A woman of humble means who contributes two small copper coins to the temple treasury, demonstrating profound faith and sacrifice. 3. Temple The setting of this event, a place of worship and teaching in Jerusalem where Jesus often taught. 4. Disciples Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are present as Jesus uses this moment to teach them about true giving. 5. Treasury The location within the temple where offerings were collected, serving as the backdrop for this lesson on sacrificial giving. Teaching Points Sacrificial GivingThe widow's offering teaches us that true giving is measured by the heart and sacrifice, not the amount. Faith Over Wealth Her act demonstrates that faith and trust in God are more valuable than material wealth. God Sees the Heart Jesus' observation of the widow's offering reminds us that God sees and values the intentions of our hearts. Trust in God's Provision Like the widow, we are called to trust in God's provision, even when we have little. Inspiring Generosity Her example encourages us to give generously and selflessly, regardless of our financial situation. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Luke 21:2?2. How does Luke 21:2 challenge our understanding of true generosity and giving? 3. What can we learn from the widow's offering about sacrificial giving today? 4. How does Luke 21:2 connect with 2 Corinthians 9:7 on cheerful giving? 5. In what ways can we emulate the widow's faith in our daily lives? 6. How does the widow's offering inspire trust in God's provision over material wealth? 7. What does Luke 21:2 reveal about Jesus' view on wealth and generosity? 8. How does the widow's offering in Luke 21:2 challenge modern views on giving? 9. Why is the widow's contribution significant in the context of Luke 21:2? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 21? 11. What lesson does the widow's mite teach about giving? 12. What is worth doing even if done poorly? 13. What does the Bible say about giving to the poor? 14. What are the Bible's teachings on generosity? What Does Luke 21:2 Mean He saw“Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw…” (Luke 21:1–2). • The Lord’s gaze is intentional; He notices individual actions in the midst of crowds, just as He did when He called Zacchaeus by name (Luke 19:5). • Scripture affirms that “the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth” (2 Chronicles 16:9), reminding us that nothing escapes His attention, whether public or private (Matthew 6:4). • In this moment Jesus is not merely watching external movements; He is discerning hearts, as in 1 Samuel 16:7 where God looks on the heart rather than appearance. a poor widow “…a poor widow…” (Luke 21:2). • Widows were among the most vulnerable in Israel (Deuteronomy 24:19–21; James 1:27). • Her poverty is emphasized: she lacks earthly security yet still approaches God with confidence. Comparably, the widow of Zarephath gave her last meal to Elijah (1 Kings 17:8–16), demonstrating trust in God’s provision. • Jesus had just warned about leaders who “devour widows’ houses” (Luke 20:47); now He highlights a widow who, despite mistreatment by the system, remains faithful. put in “…put in…” (Luke 21:2). • Her act is deliberate. She “put in” rather than merely dropping coins; the verb underscores conscious dedication, echoing Romans 12:1’s call to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” • Giving is worship, not perfunctory duty (2 Corinthians 9:7). The widow’s movement toward the treasury mirrors the Macedonians who “gave themselves first to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:5). • By contributing at the temple, she recognizes God’s rightful claim over her resources, much like believers in Acts 4:34–35 who laid money at the apostles’ feet. two small copper coins “…two small copper coins.” (Luke 21:2). • The amount is tiny—yet Jesus values it above the rich gifts (Luke 21:3–4; Mark 12:41–44). Heaven’s economy measures sacrifice, not size. • She gave “all she had to live on” (Luke 21:4), paralleling the boy’s five loaves and two fish offered to Jesus (John 6:9); when placed in God’s hands, little becomes much. • Her two coins teach: – Stewardship is proportional to trust, not wealth. – Generosity flows from gratitude, not surplus. – Faith expresses itself in tangible action (James 2:17). summary Jesus noticed a vulnerable woman who, in faith, placed her meager two coins into the temple treasury. While the sum was insignificant by human standards, it represented wholehearted devotion. The episode teaches that God sees and esteems sacrificial trust over outward show; He values the heart that gives all, confident that He Himself is the giver of every good gift. (2) A certain poor widow.--St. Luke's word for "poor" differs from St. Mark's, and seems to have been carefully chosen to express the fact that the widow, though "needy," and compelled to work for her scanty maintenance, was yet not a "beggar," as the more common word for "poor" suggested. It is not found elsewhere in the New Testament.Verse 2. - And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. The mite (λεπτόν) was the smallest current coin. Two of these little pieces were the smallest legal offering which could be dropped into the "trumpet." But this sum, as the Heart-reader, who knew all things, tells us (ver. 4), was every particle of money she had in the world; and it was this splendid generosity on the part of the poor solitary widow which won the Lord's praise, which has touched the hearts of so many generations since, which has stirred up in so many hearts an admiration of an act so strangely beautiful, but well-nigh inimitable.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek andδέ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. He saw εἶδεν (eiden) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. a τινα (tina) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. poor πενιχρὰν (penichran) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3998: Poor, needy. Prolongation from the base of penes; necessitous. widow χήραν (chēran) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5503: Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively. put βάλλουσαν (ballousan) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 906: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw. in ἐκεῖ (ekei) Adverb Strong's 1563: (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither. two δύο (dyo) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 1417: Two. A primary numeral; 'two'. small copper coins. λεπτὰ (lepta) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3016: Neuter of a derivative of the same as lepis; something scaled, i.e. A small coin. Links Luke 21:2 NIVLuke 21:2 NLT Luke 21:2 ESV Luke 21:2 NASB Luke 21:2 KJV Luke 21:2 BibleApps.com Luke 21:2 Biblia Paralela Luke 21:2 Chinese Bible Luke 21:2 French Bible Luke 21:2 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Luke 21:2 He saw a certain poor widow casting (Luke Lu Lk) |