What does Luke 21:2 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 21:2 refers to an event where Jesus observes a poor widow contributing two small copper coins, known as mites, into the temple treasury.

These mites were the smallest denomination of currency at the time and would have held very little monetary value.

Yet, this act of giving all she had held great significance for Jesus, who highlighted it to His disciples.

The literal interpretation of this verse is straightforward, describing a charitable act by a vulnerable individual within the context of Jewish temple worship.

However, the deeper meaning underscores the widow's great faith and sacrificial giving; despite her poverty, she gives out of her lack and in doing so, gives more than the wealthy, who only give out of their surplus.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, the Second Temple in Jerusalem served as the religious center for Jewish worship.

The Temple had a treasury where people could contribute money for the Temple and its services.

The society was patriarchal, and a widow, especially a poor one, would have been vulnerable and dependent on the charity of others.

The currency used included the mite, which was a Greek lepton, the smallest and least valuable coin that circulated in Judea, and the equivalent of a fraction of a day's wages for a laborer.

The widow's contribution of two mites would have been a significant sacrifice given her lack of financial resources.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, the widow's offering is often interpreted as an example of selfless generosity and faith.

In contrast to those who gave from their wealth, the widow gave all she had to live on, making her gift, in Jesus' eyes, worth far more.

This has been interpreted to mean that the value of a gift is not determined by its size or material worth but by the heart and sacrifice behind it.

From this perspective, true generosity is measured by what one gives up rather than the absolute value of the gift.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, the widow's example can inspire individuals to consider what true giving means.

It encourages believers to look beyond the amount of their donation and to reflect on the spirit in which they give.

The lesson here is that even the smallest act of kindness, when done with a pure heart and for the right motives, can be greatly significant.

It reminds people that they can make a difference even with limited resources and that personal sacrifices for the good of others are highly valued.

Cross-References

• Mark 12:41-44: "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.

And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing."

• 2 Corinthians 8:12: "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not."
• 1 Samuel 16:7: "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

Language Study

The original Greek word for "mites" in this verse is "λεπτόν" (lepton), plural "λεπτά" (lepta), which literally means "small" or "thin." These were small copper coins of low value.

The widow is described as "πτωχή" (ptochē), which means poor, needy, and destitute.

The emphasis on her poverty in combination with the smallness of the coins draws attention to the depth of her contribution relative to her means.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient religions and cultures, the act of giving to temples or deities was common, often with the expectation that the gods would look favorably upon the giver.

The widow's act stands out in that it is not done for the purpose of reciprocity from a deity but rather as an act of pure devotion.

It inverts the common belief that more significant offerings would yield greater spiritual benefits, and this inversion is consistent with many of Jesus' teachings that challenge the established cultural and religious norms of the day.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself does not directly relate to scientific concepts, behavioral science studies altruism and the motivations behind human charity.

Research in psychology could look at the widow's actions as an example of altruistic behavior to a fault, a behavior that goes beyond rational self-interest to an act of self-sacrifice.

Economics might examine the value of the widow's mites in terms of opportunity cost since she gave up her means of survival.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians widely regard the widow's mite as an example of sacrificial giving and pure-hearted devotion.

Many commentaries emphasize that Jesus' commendation of the widow highlights her sacrificial spirit and contrasts it with the conduct of religious leaders of the time, whom Jesus criticizes for their hypocrisy and self-indulgence.

Scholars often use this story to illustrate the teachings of Jesus about true piety and the nature of the Kingdom of God, where the last shall be first, and acts of humble generosity hold great value.