King James Version

What Does Luke 21:1 Mean?

Luke 21:1 in the King James Version says “And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.”

Luke 21:1 · KJV

Context

1

And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

2

And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

3

And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. Jesus was positioned where He could observe the temple treasury, the Court of Women, where thirteen trumpet-shaped receptacles collected offerings. The verb anablepsas (ἀναβλέψας, 'looked up') suggests deliberate attention—Jesus observed not casually but purposefully. The phrase tous plousious (τοὺς πλουσίους, 'the rich men') introduces the contrast at this passage's heart.

The treasury scene sets up Jesus' radical critique of religious giving. The gazophylakion (γαζοφυλάκιον, 'treasury') was a public space where worshipers displayed their piety through visible donations. Large gifts from wealthy donors would attract attention and admiration—the religious equivalent of modern major donor recognition. Jesus' observation initiates a teaching moment that will overturn conventional assumptions about divine valuation of human offerings.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The temple treasury was located in the Court of Women, the easternmost court where both men and women could enter. Thirteen trumpet-shaped collection boxes received specific types of offerings—temple tax, wood offerings, incense, etc. This was one of the most public areas of the temple complex, making donations visible to many observers. Wealthy donors often made ostentatious gifts, and religious leaders would publicly acknowledge large contributions. This was Jesus' final week before crucifixion, and He was teaching daily in the temple (Luke 21:37-38). His observations here occurred during intense confrontation with religious authorities who would soon plot His death.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus deliberately observe the treasury, and what does this suggest about God's attention to our giving?
  2. How does the public nature of temple giving in Jesus' day parallel modern church culture around donations and recognition?
  3. What might Jesus observe if He watched how you give—not just the amount, but your heart attitude?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Ἀναβλέψας1 of 12

“he looked up”

G308

to look up; by implication, to recover sight

δὲ2 of 12

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶδεν3 of 12

“and saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τοὺς4 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βάλλοντας5 of 12

“casting”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

τὰ6 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δῶρα7 of 12

“gifts”

G1435

a present; specially, a sacrifice

αὐτῶν8 of 12
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς9 of 12

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ10 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γαζοφυλάκιον11 of 12

“the treasury”

G1049

a treasure-house, i.e., a court in the temple for the collection-boxes

πλουσίους12 of 12

“the rich men”

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 21:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 21:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 12:41-44John 8:20Matthew 27:62 Chronicles 36:18Nehemiah 13:132 Kings 24:13

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