λεπτόν

a small piece of money

Definition

A λεπτόν was the smallest denomination of Jewish bronze or copper coin in circulation during the New Testament period. It was a tiny coin of minimal value, often translated as 'mite' or 'small copper coin.' In its three New Testament occurrences, it consistently refers to this specific coin, emphasizing extreme poverty or insignificance in monetary terms. For example, in Mark 12:42 and Luke 21:2, it describes the two coins offered by the poor widow, highlighting the contrast between monetary amount and sacrificial value. In Luke 12:59, it is used metaphorically to represent the smallest possible debt one could owe, underscoring the impossibility of escaping judgment without full reconciliation.

Biblical Usage

The word λεπτόν is used three times in the New Testament, all in the Synoptic Gospels (Mark and Luke). In Mark 12:42 and its parallel in Luke 21:2, it describes the two small coins given by the impoverished widow in the Temple treasury, illustrating a narrative of sacrificial giving. In Luke 12:59, Jesus uses it in a parable about settling accounts, where it symbolizes the very last fraction of a debt that must be paid. The usage consistently emphasizes something of minimal material value, whether in acts of devotion or legal obligation.

Etymology

The word λεπτόν is a neuter adjective used as a noun, derived from the Greek root λεπτός (leptos), meaning 'peeled,' 'husked,' 'fine,' or 'thin.' It literally means 'a small, thin thing.' This root gives the sense of something minute or finely divided. The term was adopted into Koine Greek to specifically denote the smallest bronze coin, reflecting its minimal size and worth. Cognates in English include 'lepton' (a subatomic particle) and medical terms like 'leprosy' (from λέπρα, relating to scaliness), though these are distant in meaning.

Semantic Range

Theologically, λεπτόν is significant in teachings on generosity, sacrifice, and divine judgment. In the Widow's Mite narrative (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4), it illustrates that God values proportional, heartfelt giving over mere monetary amount, emphasizing the quality of devotion. In Luke 12:58-59, its use in a parable about debt underscores the seriousness of reconciliation and the impossibility of escaping God's judgment without complete resolution. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting cultural contrasts—what was considered worthless by society could be of immense value in God's economy.

Culturally, a λεπτόν was the smallest Jewish coin, worth about 1/128 of a denarius (a day's wage for a laborer). It was a bronze or copper coin, often issued by the Hasmonean or Herodian rulers, and was so minimal that it was almost negligible in everyday commerce. In the Widow's Mite story, offering two λεπτά represented her entire livelihood (Mark 12:44), showcasing extreme poverty. Modern readers might miss this, as today's smallest coins still have some purchasing power, whereas the λεπτόn was akin to a fraction of a cent, making the widow's sacrifice even more dramatic.

ἀσσάριον (assarion, G787) — a slightly larger Roman copper coin, worth about 1/16 of a denarius; mentioned in Matthew 10:29 and Luke 12:6. κοδράντης (kodrantēs, G2835) — a Roman quadrans, another small bronze coin worth about 1/64 of a denarius; referenced in Matthew 5:26 and Mark 12:42 (as a translation equivalent in some versions).

Word Details

Scripture References