Early Access: Sign up to unlock all Pro features free through the end of 2026.
Biblexika
Verse MeaningMarkComplex verse

Mark 12:42: Meaning Explained

And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

Mark 12:42
Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small copper coins, worth barely a penny.
What it means

A poor woman gives only two tiny coins to the temple offering. It's the smallest amount someone could give.

What’s Happening Here

Jesus watches people give money at the temple. A widow, who has almost nothing, comes and gives just two tiny coins.

Key Words

widowa woman whose husband has died
coinsmoney

Why It Matters

The widow's tiny gift is important. She's about to teach an amazing lesson.

Did You Know?

These coins were the smallest and least valuable money in circulation at that time.

Tradition Spectrum

Word Study

G2532
Andκαὶ
G2064
there cameἐλθοῦσα
G5503
widowχήρα
G4434
poorπτωχὴ
G906
and she threw inἔβαλεν
G3016
mitesλεπτὰ
G1417
twoδύο
G2076
makeἐστιν
G2835
a farthingκοδράντης

Frequently asked questions

What does Mark 12:42 mean?

A poor woman gives only two tiny coins to the temple offering. It's the smallest amount someone could give.

What is the context of Mark 12:42?

Jesus watches people give money at the temple. A widow, who has almost nothing, comes and gives just two tiny coins.

Why does Mark 12:42 matter?

The widow's tiny gift is important. She's about to teach an amazing lesson.

What's a surprising detail about Mark 12:42?

These coins were the smallest and least valuable money in circulation at that time.

Continue Exploring
Read Mark 12:42 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.

References

  1. Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
  2. Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
  3. Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
  4. Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →