A Poor Widow’s Offering

41 And he sat down opposite the contribution box and[a] was observing how the crowd was putting coins into the contribution box. And many rich people were putting in many coins.[b] 42 And one poor widow came and[c] put in two small copper coins[d] (that is, a penny).[e] 43 And summoning his disciples, he said to them, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow put in more than all those who put offerings[f] into the contribution box.

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Footnotes

  1. Mark 12:41 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“sat down”) has been translated as a finite verb
  2. Mark 12:41 Although often translated “large sums,” the plural here suggests large numbers of individual coins, which would make an impressive noise
  3. Mark 12:42 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“came”) has been translated as a finite verb
  4. Mark 12:42 This coin was the lepton, worth 1/128 of a denarius
  5. Mark 12:42 This coin was the quadrans, the smallest Roman coin, worth 2 lepta
  6. Mark 12:43 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation

The Widow’s Offering(A)

41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put(B) and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.

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