King James Version

What Does Mark 12:43 Mean?

Mark 12:43 in the King James Version says “And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in... — study this verse from Mark chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

Mark 12:43 · KJV


Context

41

And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. money: a piece of brass money

42

And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. mites: it is the seventh part of one piece of that brass money

43

And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

44

For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus called His disciples and said: 'Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury' (Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ἡ χήρα αὕτη ἡ πτωχὴ πλεῖον πάντων ἔβαλεν τῶν βαλλόντων εἰς τὸ γαζοφυλάκιον). The widow gave 'more' (pleion, πλεῖον) than all others—not absolutely but proportionately. Jesus measured giving not by amount but by sacrifice. The solemn 'Verily I say' (Amēn legō, Ἀμὴν λέγω) emphasizes this truth's importance. God's mathematics differ from human calculations—the smallest monetary gift given sacrificially surpasses large gifts from abundance. This principle transforms Christian stewardship: not 'how much can I afford to give?' but 'how much can I afford to keep?' Sacrificial giving demonstrates trust, worship, and kingdom priorities.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' counter-cultural valuation shocked disciples accustomed to honoring wealthy benefactors. Greco-Roman society operated on patron-client relationships—wealthy donors received public honor, inscriptions, prominent seats. Judaism similarly honored major contributors to temple and synagogues. Jesus inverted this value system, declaring the destitute widow's penny offering superior to rich men's gold. This became paradigmatic for Christian values: God doesn't evaluate by worldly standards (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). The early church practiced radical generosity—sharing possessions (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37), collecting for needy churches (2 Corinthians 8-9), and teaching proportionate giving according to ability (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:12). The widow's example inspired countless Christians to sacrificial stewardship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' evaluation of the widow's gift challenge worldly measures of significance based on amounts rather than sacrifice?
  2. What does proportionate giving (measured by what remains, not what's given) reveal about our true treasure and trust?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

And

G2532

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

προσκαλεσάμενος2 of 24

he called

G4341

to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite

τοὺς3 of 24
G3588

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

μαθητὰς4 of 24

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῖς5 of 24

unto them

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

λέγω6 of 24

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς7 of 24

unto them

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

Ἀμὴν8 of 24

Verily

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω9 of 24

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν10 of 24

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι11 of 24

That

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

12 of 24
G3588

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

χήρα13 of 24

widow

G5503

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

αὕτη14 of 24

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

15 of 24
G3588

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

πτωχὴ16 of 24

poor

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

πλεῖον17 of 24

more

G4119

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

πάντων18 of 24

than all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

βαλόντων19 of 24

hath cast

G906

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

τῶν20 of 24
G3588

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

βαλόντων21 of 24

hath cast

G906

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

εἰς22 of 24

into

G1519

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

τὸ23 of 24
G3588

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

γαζοφυλάκιον·24 of 24

the treasury

G1049

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 12:43 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 Mark 12:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study