Luke 21:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 21:2
2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
Chapter Context
Luke 21 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, truth, prayer. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 21:2
2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Mark 12:42