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Luke 21

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Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Adam Clarke Bible Commentaryv. 1

The rich men casting their gifts into the treasury - See all this, from Luk 21:1-4, explained on Mar 12:41-44 (note).

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 1

THE WIDOW'S TWO MITES. (Luk 21:1-4) looked up--He had "sat down over against the treasury" (Mar 12:41), probably to rest, for He had continued long standing as he taught in the temple court (Mar 11:27), and "looking up He saw"--as in Zaccheus' case, not quite casually. the rich, &c.--"the people," says Mar 12:41 "cast money into the treasury, and many rich east in much"; that is, into chests deposited in one of the courts of the temple to receive the offerings of the people towards its maintenance (Kg2 12:9; Joh 8:20).

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John Gill Bible Commentaryv. 1

And he looked up,.... As Christ sat over against the treasury, looking upon the ground, he lift up his eyes; for the treasury was not in an high place, or above Christ, who was right against it. The Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions leave out this clause. And saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury; See Gill on Mar 12:41.

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Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 1

This short passage of story we had before in Mark. It is thus recorded twice, to teach us, 1. That charity to the poor is a main matter in religion. Our Lord Jesus took all occasions to commend it and recommend it. He had just mentioned the barbarity of the scribes, who devoured poor widows (ch. 20); and perhaps this is designed as an aggravation of it, that the poor widows were the best benefactors to the public funds, of which the scribes had the disposal. 2. That Jesus Christ has his eye upon us, to observe what we give to the poor, and what we contribute to works of piety and charity. Christ, though intent upon his preaching, looked up, to see what gifts were cast into the treasury, Luk 21:1. He observes whether we give largely and liberally, in proportion to what we have, or whether we be sneaking and paltry in it; nay, his eye goes further, he observes whether we give charitably and with a willing mind, or grudgingly and with reluctance. This should make us afraid of coming short of our duty in this matter; men may be deceived with excuses which Christ knows to be frivolous. And this should encourage us to be abundant in it, without desiring that men should know it; it is enough that Christ does; he sees in secret, and will reward openly. 3. That Christ observes and accepts the charity of the poor in a particular manner. Those that have nothing to give may yet do a great deal in charity by ministering to the poor, and helping them, and begging for them, that cannot help themselves, or beg for themselves. But here was one that was herself poor and yet gave what little she had to the treasury. It was but two mites, which make a farthing; but Christ magnified it as a piece of charity exceeding all the rest: She has cast in more than they all. Christ does not blame he…

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Tyndale Open Study Notesv. 1

21:1-4 Jesus set the sacrificial offering of the poor widow in contrast to the greed and hypocrisy of the rich people, including the teachers of religious law (20:45-47). 21:1 The Greek term translated collection box probably refers to the chests with trumpet-shaped openings used to collect offerings.

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Original language

The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).

Strong's Concordancev. 1

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀναβλέπω (anablépō, G308) — to look up; by implication, to recover sight εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… πλούσιος (ploúsios, G4145) — wealthy; figuratively, abounding with βάλλω (bállō, G906) — to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… δῶρον (dōron, G1435) — a present; specially, a sacrifice εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… γαζοφυλάκιον (gazophylákion, G1049) — a treasure-house, i.e. a court in the temple for the collection-boxes

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Strong's Concordancev. 2

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object πενιχρός (penichrós, G3998) — necessitous χήρα (chḗra, G5503) — a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively βάλλω (bállō, G906) — to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense) ἐκεῖ (ekeî, G1563) — there; by extension, thither δύο (dýo, G1417) — "two" λεπτόν (leptón, G3016) — something scaled (light), i.e. a small coin

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Strong's Concordancev. 3

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) ἀληθῶς (alēthōs, G230) — truly λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) πτωχός (ptōchós, G4434) — akin to G4422 (πτοέω) and the alternate of G4098 (πίπτω)); a beggar (as cringing), i.e.… χήρα (chḗra, G5503) — a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively βάλλω (bállō, G906) — to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense) πλείων (pleíōn, G4119) — more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole

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Strong's Concordancev. 4

γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἅπας (hápas, G537) — absolutely all or (singular) every one οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… περισσεύω (perisseúō, G4052) — to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also… βάλλω (bállō, G906) — to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… δῶρον (dōron, G1435) — a present; specially, a sacrifice θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὑστέρημα (hystérēma, G5303) — a deficit; specially, poverty βίος (bíos, G979) — life, i.e. (literally) the present state of existence; by implication, the means of… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

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Strong's Concordancev. 5

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ἱερόν (hierón, G2411) — a sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts (whereas G3485 (ναός) denotes the central… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because κοσμέω (kosméō, G2885) — to put in proper order, i.e. decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a… καλός (kalós, G2570) λίθος (líthos, G3037) — a stone (literally or figuratively) ἀνάθημα (anáthēma, G334) — a votive offering ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing)

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Strong's Concordancev. 6

ταῦτα (taûta, G5023) — these things ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that θεωρέω (theōréō, G2334) — to be a spectator of, i.e. discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively… ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἀφίημι (aphíēmi, G863) — an intensive form of , to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not λίθος (líthos, G3037) — a stone (literally or figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… καταλύω (katalýō, G2647) — to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e. (by implication) to demolish (literally or…

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Strong's Concordancev. 7

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἐπερωτάω (eperōtáō, G1905) — to ask for, i.e. inquire, seek αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… διδάσκαλος (didáskalos, G1320) — an instructor (genitive case or specially) οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly πότε (póte, G4219) — interrogative adverb, at what time ἔσομαι (ésomai, G2071) — will be ταῦτα (taûta, G5023) — these things καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) σημεῖον (sēmeîon, G4592) — an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… μέλλω (méllō, G3195) — to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially…

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Strong's Concordancev. 8

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) βλέπω (blépō, G991) — to look at (literally or figuratively) πλανάω (planáō, G4105) — to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473)

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Strong's Concordancev. 9

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) πόλεμος (pólemos, G4171) — warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀκαταστασία (akatastasía, G181) — instability, i.e. disorder πτοέω (ptoéō, G4422) — to scare μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ταῦτα (taûta, G5023) — these things δεῖ (deî, G1163) — also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is… πρῶτον (prōton, G4412) — firstly (in time, place, order, or importance) γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

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Strong's Concordancev. 10

τότε (tóte, G5119) — the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution) λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἔθνος (éthnos, G1484) — a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one… ἐγείρω (egeírō, G1453) — to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or…

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Strong's Concordancev. 11

τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) σεισμός (seismós, G4578) — a commotion, i.e. (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake ἔσομαι (ésomai, G2071) — will be κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… τόπος (tópos, G5117) — a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas G5561 (χώρα) is a large but… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… λιμός (limós, G3042) — a scarcity of food λοιμός (loimós, G3061) — a plague (literally, the disease, or figuratively, a pest) φόβητρον (phóbētron, G5400) — a frightening thing, i.e. terrific portent σημεῖον (sēmeîon, G4592) — an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,…

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Strong's Concordancev. 12

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. πρό (pró, G4253) — "fore", i.e. in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to ἅπας (hápas, G537) — absolutely all or (singular) every one τούτων (toútōn, G5130) — of (from or concerning) these (persons or things) ἐπιβάλλω (epibállō, G1911) — to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… χείρ (cheír, G5495) — the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… διώκω (diṓkō, G1377) — compare the base of G1169 (δειλός) and G1249 (διάκονος)); to pursue (literally or… παραδίδωμι (paradídōmi, G3860) — to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… συναγωγή (synagōgḗ, G4864) — an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by…

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Strong's Concordancev. 13

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀποβαίνω (apobaínō, G576) — literally, to disembark; figuratively, to eventuate ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… μαρτύριον (martýrion, G3142) — something evidential, i.e. (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the Decalogue…

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Strong's Concordancev. 14

τίθημι (títhēmi, G5087) — to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive… οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you καρδία (kardía, G2588) — the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the… μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… προμελετάω (promeletáō, G4304) — to premeditate ἀπολογέομαι (apologéomai, G626) — to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, i.e. exculpate (self)

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

John 8:20rank 5

He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts, near the treasury. Yet no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come.

II Chronicles 36:18rank 4

who carried off everything to Babylon—all the articles of the house of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king and his officials.

Matthew 27:6rank 4

The chief priests picked up the pieces of silver and said, “It is unlawful to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.”

Nehemiah 13:13rank 3

I appointed as treasurers over the storerooms Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, with Hanan son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah, to assist them, because they were considered trustworthy. They were responsible for distributing the supplies to their fellow Levites.

II Kings 24:13rank 2

As the LORD had declared, Nebuchadnezzar also carried off all the treasures from the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he cut into pieces all the gold articles that Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD.

Joshua 6:19rank 2

For all the silver and gold and all the articles of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD; they must go into His treasury.”

I Kings 14:26rank 0

He seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. He took everything, including all the gold shields that Solomon had made.

Joshua 6:24rank 0

Then the Israelites burned up the city and everything in it. However, they put the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the LORD’s house.

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