King James Version

What Does Luke 21:2 Mean?

Luke 21:2 in the King James Version says “And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 21:2 · 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:

4

For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. What does Jesus' notice of the widow's tiny gift reveal about what captures God's attention?
  2. How should the widow's extreme poverty and sacrificial giving challenge comfortable Christianity that gives from abundance?
  3. What is the significance that Jesus highlights a widow's generosity immediately after condemning those who exploit widows?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
εἶδεν1 of 10

“he 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

δέ2 of 10

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 10

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τινα4 of 10

“a certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

χήραν5 of 10

“widow”

G5503

a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively

πενιχρὰν6 of 10

“poor”

G3998

necessitous

βάλλουσαν7 of 10

“casting”

G906

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

ἐκεῖ8 of 10

“in thither”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

δύο9 of 10

“two”

G1417

"two"

λεπτὰ10 of 10

“mites”

G3016

something scaled (light), i.e., a small coin

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 21:2 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 21:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 12:42

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