What does Luke 21:3 mean?

And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: Luke 21:3

Explanation

The verse Luke 21:3 is a statement made by Jesus Christ, highlighting the value of sacrificial giving as compared to the size of the gift. In the surrounding passages, He is observing people putting their offerings into the temple treasury. Many rich people are observed to be giving large amounts of money. However, a poor widow comes and puts in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Jesus points out to His disciples that, in truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others. The emphasis here is not on the monetary value of the contributions but rather on the heart and sacrifice behind the giving. The poor widow, out of her poverty, has given all she had to live on, which signifies a complete trust in God and a willingness to give sacrificially, as opposed to the wealthy who gave out of their abundance.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written in a Greco-Roman context, where social status and wealth were highly valued. At the time, the temple treasury played a significant role in Jewish religious life. People would come to the temple to give offerings required by the Law as well as freewill offerings. The scene described in Luke 21 takes place during Jesus’s final week in Jerusalem, just days before His crucifixion. The treasury’s court, where this incident took place, was a public area where such offerings were made and seen by others, and the contributions were often made in a manner that could be noticed, which might have encouraged giving out of a desire for social recognition rather than true devotion.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Luke 21:3 brings forward the concept of the “widow’s mite,” which serves as a lesson in stewardship and the spirit of giving. It challenges the notion that the quantity of our giving is what matters most to God. Instead, it underscores the importance of the attitude with which we give. The widow’s offering is seen as an act of total dependence on God, as giving literally “all her living” indicated a reliance on God for her sustenance. The verse has been interpreted to signify that God measures our gifts not by their size but by the generosity and self-sacrifice they represent.

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Practical Applications

The message from Luke 21:3 can be translated into a practical application in various ways:

1. Generosity: We are encouraged to be generous regardless of the quantity we have. Even the smallest offerings are of great value when given with a pure heart.
2. Trust in God: The widow’s example teaches us to trust God with our provision. When we give up what we have, we are relying on Him to meet our needs.
3. Motivation for Giving: This passage reminds us to examine our motivations behind giving. Are we seeking attention or recognition, or are we giving out of love and devotion?

Cross-References

• Mark 12:41-44: “And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.”
• 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
• 1 Samuel 16:7: “…for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term used for “poor widow” is “χήρα πτωχή” (chēra ptōchē), where “χήρα” (chēra) refers to a woman whose husband has died, and “πτωχή” (ptōchē) describes her as being destitute or indigent. The word used for “cast in” is “έβαλεν” (ebalen) implying she ‘threw in’ or ‘put in’ her offering. The Greek term for “more than” is “πλεῖον” (pleion), which can mean ‘greater,’ ‘larger,’ or ‘more.’ These terms illustrate the extent of the widow’s poverty and the significance of her action, despite the small monetary value.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures and religious traditions, acts of giving, especially by those with limited means, are often highly esteemed. For instance, in Hinduism, the concept of “dana” emphasizes the importance of giving irrespective of one’s wealth, often to support social and religious causes. In Buddhism, “dana” is the practice of cultivating generosity. Both these concepts similarly value the intention behind the giving more than the gift itself.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not lend itself directly to scientific analysis, the principles of altruism and generosity have been studied extensively in psychological and sociological sciences. Research has shown that altruistic behavior, such as giving to others, can lead to increased well-being and happiness for the giver. This confirms the practical wisdom of the biblical teaching that it is “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

commentaries

Commentaries on Luke 21:3 often focus on the contrast between the actions of the widow and those of the rich. Noted biblical scholars such as John Calvin and Matthew Henry emphasize the widow’s faith and the proportionality of her giving. They point out how Jesus commends the widow not for the amount but for her willingness to give everything, reflecting her heart and devotion. Contemporary theologians might also draw attention to issues of wealth inequality and social justice reflected in this passage, discussing how Jesus provides a counter-cultural message that subverts the value systems of the time.

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