The term "mite" refers to a small coin used during the time of Jesus, known in Greek as a "lepton" (plural: "lepta"). The lepton was the smallest and least valuable coin in circulation in Judea during the first century. It was made of copper or bronze and was worth about one-fifth of a cent in modern currency, though its exact value is difficult to determine due to variations in ancient economies and the lack of a direct modern equivalent.

The mite is most famously mentioned in the New Testament in the account of the "Widow's Offering" or "The Widow's Mite," found in the Gospels of Mark and Luke. In Mark 12:41-44 , the passage reads:

"Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into it. And many rich people put in large amounts. Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. 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. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.'"

Similarly, in Luke 21:1-4 , the account is recorded:

"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. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.'"

These passages highlight the mite as a symbol of sacrificial giving and genuine devotion. The widow's offering, though monetarily small, was significant in the eyes of Jesus because it represented her total trust in God and her willingness to give all she had, despite her poverty. This act of faith and generosity serves as a powerful lesson on the nature of true giving, emphasizing that the value of a gift is not determined by its monetary worth but by the heart and sacrifice behind it.

The story of the widow's mite has been a source of inspiration and reflection for Christians throughout the centuries, encouraging believers to consider the spirit in which they give and to trust in God's provision. It challenges the faithful to evaluate their own generosity and to recognize that God values the intention and sacrifice behind the gift more than the amount given.

In summary, the mite, or lepton, though a small and seemingly insignificant coin, carries profound theological and moral implications within the Christian tradition. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, faith, and the true spirit of giving.Mark 12:42
And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
Nave's Topical Index

Questions about Mark | GotQuestions.org

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Why is giving so emphasized in the Christian faith? | GotQuestions.org

Mite: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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