The term "pennyworth" is an archaic English word that refers to the value or worth of a penny. In biblical contexts, it is often used to translate the Greek word "δηναρίου" (denarius), which was a common Roman coin during the time of Jesus. The denarius was typically a day's wage for a laborer, and its mention in the Bible provides insight into the economic conditions and daily life of the period.

Biblical References:

1. Mark 6:37 : "But He answered, 'You give them something to eat.' 'With what?' they asked. 'Are we to go and spend two hundred denarii on bread and give it to them to eat?'" In this passage, the disciples express their concern about the cost of feeding a large crowd, highlighting the significant amount of money two hundred denarii represented. The use of "pennyworth" in some translations underscores the disciples' incredulity at the expense.

2. John 6:7 : "Philip answered, 'Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece.'" Here, Philip's response to Jesus' question about feeding the multitude again emphasizes the substantial value of a denarius. The term "pennyworth" in older translations conveys the same idea of limited resources in the face of a great need.

3. Matthew 20:2 : "He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard." This parable of the workers in the vineyard illustrates the standard wage for a day's labor, which was a single denarius. The use of "pennyworth" in some translations reflects the economic realities of the time and the fairness of the landowner's agreement.

Cultural and Economic Context:

The denarius, often translated as "penny" or "pennyworth" in older English versions of the Bible, was a silver coin that held significant purchasing power in the Roman economy. Its frequent mention in the New Testament provides a window into the financial transactions and social dynamics of the era. The value of a denarius as a day's wage for a laborer is a recurring theme, illustrating the economic challenges faced by ordinary people.

In the context of Jesus' teachings and parables, the denarius often serves as a symbol of fairness, justice, and the kingdom of God. For instance, in the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), the equal payment of a denarius to all workers, regardless of the hours worked, challenges contemporary notions of fairness and highlights the generosity and sovereignty of God.

Theological Implications:

The use of "pennyworth" in biblical narratives underscores the themes of provision, trust, and divine abundance. In the feeding of the five thousand, the disciples' concern about the cost of bread contrasts with Jesus' miraculous provision, teaching a lesson about reliance on God's ability to meet needs beyond human calculation.

Moreover, the parable of the workers in the vineyard invites reflection on the nature of God's grace, which is not earned by human effort but given freely according to His will. The denarius, or "pennyworth," thus becomes a metaphor for the unmerited favor and generosity of God toward His people.

In summary, the concept of "pennyworth" in the Bible, while rooted in the economic realities of the ancient world, carries profound spiritual lessons about God's provision, justice, and grace.1. (n.) A penny's worth; as much as may be bought for a penny.

2. (n.) Hence: The full value of one's penny expended; due return for money laid out; a good bargain; a bargain.

3. (n.) A small quantity; a trifle.

Of the Question as to How the Four Evangelists Harmonize with Each ...
... do. Philip answered Him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient
for them, that every one of them may take a little. One ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xlvi of the question as.htm

The Fourth Miracle in John's Gospel
... He, to one of the disciples alone, suggests the question, 'Whence shall we buy bread
that these may eat?' and that the answer, 'Two hundred pennyworth of bread ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the fourth miracle in johns.htm

The World's Bread
... He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto Him, Shall
we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? 38. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the worlds bread.htm

Characteristics of the Twelve
... And in just the same way, when Philip argues that two hundred pennyworth of bread
are not enough for the multitude, Andrew intervenes with practical ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 3 14-19 characteristics of the.htm

Jesus the Bread of Life.
... his opportunity, and, wholly oblivious of the resources of Jesus, casts His eye
rapidly over the crowd and estimates that "two hundred pennyworth"[22] of bread ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xiv jesus the bread of.htm

Bread in the Desert
... But He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto Him,
Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 6 30-46 bread in the.htm

"Give Ye them to Eat"
... He answered that two hundred pennyworth of bread would not be nearly enough
to divide among them, so that each might have a little. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 39 give ye them.htm

On the Danger of Increasing Riches
... I know a man that goes to the market at the beginning of every week: There he buys
a pennyworth of parsnips, which he boils in a large quantity of water. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 126 on the danger.htm

At that Time Herod the Tetrarch Heard of the Fame of Jesus...
... [1311] Philip said [Arabic, p.72] unto him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread would
not suffice them after [1312] [33] every one of them hath taken a small amount ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xviii at that time.htm

The Five Thousand Fed.
... He often asked questions for the sake of their moral effect upon others. (John
6:7). 7. Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the five thousand fed.htm

Pennyworth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pennyworth (2 Occurrences). ... And they say unto him, Shall
we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? ...
/p/pennyworth.htm - 7k

Penny (14 Occurrences)

/p/penny.htm - 12k

Penny-worth (1 Occurrence)
Penny-worth. Pennyworth, Penny-worth. Pens . Multi-Version Concordance
Penny-worth (1 Occurrence). ... Pennyworth, Penny-worth. Pens . Reference Bible.
/p/penny-worth.htm - 6k

Pennyworth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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