Luke 21:2
And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Widows occupied the lowest social stratum in first-century Judaism. Without inheritance rights and lacking employment opportunities, widows depended on family charity or public gleaning. The Torah commanded provision for widows (Deuteronomy 24:19-21), but religious leaders often exploited rather than protected them (Luke 20:47). That Jesus highlighted a widow's gift immediately after condemning scribes who 'devour widows' houses' (Luke 20:47) creates devastating irony. The religious elite took from widows; this widow gave her last coins to a corrupt temple system. Jesus' coming judgment on the temple (vv. 5-6) would vindicate her sacrifice and condemn those who devoured the poor under pretense of religion.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' notice of the widow's tiny gift reveal about what captures God's attention?
- How should the widow's extreme poverty and sacrificial giving challenge comfortable Christianity that gives from abundance?
- What is the significance that Jesus highlights a widow's generosity immediately after condemning those who exploit widows?
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Analysis & Commentary
And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. The focus shifts dramatically: from wealthy donors to chēran tina penichran (χήραν τινὰ πενιχρὰν, 'a certain poor widow'). The word penichran (πενιχρὰν) denotes extreme poverty—not merely lacking wealth but barely surviving. Widows in ancient society had no social safety net; without husband or family support, they faced destitution and hunger.
She gave duo lepta (δύο λεπτά, 'two mites')—the smallest Jewish coins in circulation. One lepton was 1/128 of a denarius (a day's wage). Mark 12:42 notes these two mites equaled one Roman quadrans, the smallest Roman coin. Her gift was essentially worthless by economic standards—too small to purchase anything meaningful. Yet Jesus noticed. He who observed wealthy donors' large contributions also saw the widow's microscopic offering. Nothing given to God is too small for His attention.