Jump to: Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, coins were an essential part of the economic system, facilitating trade and commerce. The use of coins is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, reflecting their significance in daily life and religious practices.Historical Context Coins in the ancient Near East were typically made of precious metals such as gold, silver, and bronze. They were often stamped with the image of a ruler or deity, signifying authority and authenticity. The introduction of coinage in the region can be traced back to the 7th century BC, with the Lydians often credited as the first to mint coins. Biblical References Coins are mentioned in various contexts in the Bible, often highlighting their role in transactions, taxation, and offerings. One of the most notable references is the "tribute penny" in the New Testament. In Matthew 22:19-21 , Jesus is asked whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. He responds by asking for a denarius and inquires about the image on the coin, leading to His famous reply: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." Another significant mention is the parable of the lost coin in Luke 15:8-10 , where a woman searches diligently for a lost drachma, symbolizing the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. This parable underscores the value and importance of each individual in the eyes of God. In the Old Testament, coins are not explicitly mentioned, as barter and weighed silver were more common. However, the concept of money is present, as seen in Genesis 23:16 , where Abraham weighs out silver to purchase a burial site for Sarah. Coins and Offerings Coins also played a role in religious offerings and temple practices. In Mark 12:41-44 , Jesus observes people giving money at the temple treasury. He highlights the offering of a poor widow who contributes two small coins, known as lepta, emphasizing that her gift, though small, was greater than the others because she gave out of her poverty. Symbolism and Lessons Coins in the Bible often symbolize material wealth and the potential moral challenges associated with it. In 1 Timothy 6:10 , Paul warns that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil," cautioning believers against the pursuit of wealth at the expense of their faith and integrity. The use of coins in biblical narratives serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of material possessions and the eternal value of spiritual riches. Through various teachings and parables, the Bible encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God over earthly wealth, using their resources to serve others and advance God's kingdom. Easton's Bible Dictionary Before the Exile the Jews had no regularly stamped money. They made use of uncoined shekels or talents of silver, which they weighed out (Genesis 23:16; Exodus 38:24; 2 Samuel 18:12). Probably the silver ingots used in the time of Abraham may have been of a fixed weight, which was in some way indicated on them. The "pieces of silver" paid by Abimelech to Abraham (Genesis 20:16), and those also for which Joseph was sold (37:28), were proably in the form of rings. The shekel was the common standard of weight and value among the Hebrews down to the time of the Captivity. Only once is a shekel of gold mentioned (1 Chronicles 21:25). The "six thousand of gold" mentioned in the transaction between Naaman and Gehazi (2 Kings 5:5) were probably so many shekels of gold. The "piece of money" mentioned in Job 42:11; Genesis 33:19 (marg., "lambs") was the Hebrew kesitah, probably an uncoined piece of silver of a certain weight in the form of a sheep or lamb, or perhaps having on it such an impression. The same Hebrew word is used in Joshua 24:32, which is rendered by Wickliffe "an hundred yonge scheep."Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A quoin; a corner or external angle; a wedge. See Quoin.2. (n.) A piece of metal on which certain characters are stamped by government authority, making it legally current as money; -- much used in a collective sense. 3. (n.) That which serves for payment or recompense. 4. (v. t.) To make of a definite fineness, and convert into coins, as a mass of metal; to mint; to manufacture; as, to coin silver dollars; to coin a medal. 5. (v. t.) To make or fabricate; to invent; to originate; as, to coin a word. 6. (v. t.) To acquire rapidly, as money; to make. 7. (v. i.) To manufacture counterfeit money. Greek 4715. stater -- a stater (a coin) ... a stater (a coin). Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: stater Phonetic Spelling: (stat-air') Short Definition: a Jewish shekel Definition: an Attic ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4715.htm - 6k 3546. nomisma -- a custom, current coin 1406. drachme -- as much as one can hold in the hand, a drachma (a ... 2772. kerma -- a slice, hence a small coin 1220. denarion -- denarius (a Roman coin) 787. assarion -- an assarion, a farthing (one tenth of a drachma) 2835. kodrantes -- quadrans, one-fourth of an as (a Roman monetary ... 2855. kollubistes -- a moneychanger 5007. talanton -- a balance, hence that which is weighed, ie a ... 5557. chrusos -- gold Strong's Hebrew 5178. nechosheth -- copper, bronze... For nchuwshah; copper, hence, something made of that metal, ie Coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver) -- brasen, brass, chain ... /hebrew/5178.htm - 6k 95. agorah -- payment 7192. qesitah -- (unit of value), perhaps piece 150. adarkon -- a drachma 3603. kikkar -- a round, a round district, a round loaf, a round ... 1235. beqa -- half 1871. darkemon -- (a unit of value), perhaps a drachma 1626. gerah -- a gerah (one-twentieth of a shekel) Library The Lost Coin. The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son. The Coin in the Fish's Mouth The Lost Coin. Of the Harmony Characterizing the Narratives Given by These Three ... Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus. Whose Image and Superscription? In his Temple Death is the Fate of all Such. "He is More Honored than Jupiter These Days," the Philosopher was ... Thesaurus Coin (9 Occurrences)... 4. (vt) To make of a definite fineness, and convert into coins, as a mass of metal; to mint; to manufacture; as, to coin silver dollars; to coin a medal. ... /c/coin.htm - 11k Tribute-coin (1 Occurrence) Daric Penny (14 Occurrences) Shekel (37 Occurrences) Denarius (8 Occurrences) Mite (1 Occurrence) Farthing (5 Occurrences) Drachma (2 Occurrences) Piece (93 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.orgHow many times did Jesus cleanse the temple? Why did He cleanse the temple? | GotQuestions.org What are actuality and potentiality? | GotQuestions.org Coin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Coin (9 Occurrences)Matthew 10:29 Matthew 17:27 Matthew 22:19 Mark 12:15 Mark 12:42 Luke 15:8 Luke 15:9 Luke 20:24 John 2:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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