Assarion
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The term "Assarion" refers to a small Roman coin mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the context of Jesus' teachings. The Assarion, also known as an "as," was a copper or bronze coin used during the Roman Empire. It held relatively low value, often considered the equivalent of a penny in modern terms. The coin's mention in the Bible provides insight into the economic conditions and daily life during the time of Jesus.

Biblical References:

The Assarion is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus uses it to illustrate the providence and care of God for His creation. In Matthew 10:29, Jesus says, "Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father." Similarly, in Luke 12:6, He states, "Are not five sparrows sold for two assaria? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God."

These passages highlight the low monetary value of the Assarion, as sparrows, which were inexpensive and common, were sold for such a small amount. Jesus uses this imagery to emphasize God's attention to even the smallest and seemingly insignificant aspects of His creation, reassuring His followers of their worth and the care they receive from their Heavenly Father.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Assarion was part of the Roman currency system, which was widespread throughout the Roman Empire, including Judea, where Jesus lived and ministered. The coin's value was minimal, reflecting the economic realities of the lower classes in Roman society. The use of the Assarion in Jesus' teachings would have been easily understood by His audience, who were familiar with the coin's value and the common practice of buying and selling small birds like sparrows.

The mention of the Assarion in the Gospels also underscores the socio-economic backdrop of the New Testament period. It provides a glimpse into the daily transactions and the financial struggles faced by ordinary people in first-century Judea. The coin's low value serves as a powerful metaphor in Jesus' teachings, illustrating the contrast between human valuation and divine care.

Theological Significance:

The use of the Assarion in Jesus' teachings carries profound theological implications. It underscores the theme of God's providence and the inherent value of every individual in the eyes of God. Despite the Assarion's insignificance in economic terms, Jesus uses it to convey the message that God's care extends to all of His creation, regardless of worldly value.

This teaching challenges believers to trust in God's provision and to recognize their worth as children of God. It also serves as a reminder of the divine perspective, which often contrasts with human assessments of value and importance. Through the example of the Assarion, Jesus calls His followers to a deeper understanding of God's love and care, encouraging them to live with confidence in His faithful provision.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ASSARION

as-a'-ri-on. See FARTHING.

Greek
787. assarion -- an assarion, a farthing (one tenth of a drachma)
... 786, 787. assarion. 788 . ... Word Origin of Latin origin Definition an assarion,
a farthing (one tenth of a drachma) NASB Word Usage cent (1), cents (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/787.htm - 6k
Library

The Gospel of Luke
... Several of these are hapax legomena. There are also five Latin words, viz.
denarion,legeon, soudarion,assarion and modios. Cf. lists in Plummer's Comm. ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of luke.htm

Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
... Besides, why fear? God's Providence extended even over the meanest of His creatures.
Two sparrows cost only an assarion ({hebrew}), about the third of a penny. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvii second visit to.htm

Thesaurus
Assarion (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASSARION. as-a'-ri-on. See FARTHING. ...Assarion (1
Occurrence). Matthew 10:29 "Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? ...
/a/assarion.htm - 6k

Farthing (5 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary. (1.) Matthew 10:29; Luke 12:6. Greek assarion, ie, a
small as, which was a Roman coin equal to a tenth of a denarius or drachma ...
/f/farthing.htm - 9k

Latin (2 Occurrences)
... Besides we find in the New Testament current Latin commercial, financial, and official
terms like assarion (as), denarion (denarius), kenturion (centurio ...
/l/latin.htm - 28k

Father's (251 Occurrences)
... HOUSE, FATHER'S. See FATHER'S HOUSE. Multi-Version Concordance Father's (251
Occurrences). Matthew 10:29 "Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? ...
/f/father's.htm - 40k

Falls (79 Occurrences)
... Matthew 10:29 "Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them
falls on the ground apart from your Father's will, (WEB). ...
/f/falls.htm - 28k

Cent (4 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Matthew 10:29 "Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one
of them falls on the ground apart from your Father's will, (See NAS). ...
/c/cent.htm - 7k

Coin (9 Occurrences)
... Coin (9 Occurrences). Matthew 10:29 "Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion coin?
Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father's will, (WEB). ...
/c/coin.htm - 11k

Aren't (102 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Matthew 10:29 "Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of
them falls on the ground apart from your Father's will, (WEB). ...
/a/aren't.htm - 35k

Assars (1 Occurrence)

/a/assars.htm - 6k

Assaria (1 Occurrence)

/a/assaria.htm - 6k

Resources
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Concordance
Assarion (1 Occurrence)

Matthew 10:29
"Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father's will,
(WEB)

Subtopics

Assarion

Related Terms

Assarion (1 Occurrence)

Assassinate (3 Occurrences)

Assaria
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