Luke 21:1

¶ And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

And {G1161} he looked up {G308}, and saw {G1492} the rich men {G4145} casting {G906} their {G846} gifts {G1435} into {G1519} the treasury {G1049}.

Then Yeshua looked up, and as he watched the rich placing their gifts into the Temple offering-boxes,

Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury,

And he looked up, and saw the rich men that were casting their gifts into the treasury.

Commentary

Luke 21:1 introduces a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, setting the stage for one of His most profound lessons on true generosity. This verse, simple in its description, highlights Jesus' keen observation of human behavior within the sacred precincts of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Context

This scene unfolds in the Temple courts in Jerusalem, shortly after Jesus has delivered strong rebukes against the religious leaders, particularly the scribes, for their hypocrisy and love of public recognition (Luke 20:46-47). Jesus is likely seated, perhaps resting, and observing the people around Him. The "treasury" (Greek: gazophylakion) refers to the area within the Temple where thirteen trumpet-shaped chests were placed to receive various types of offerings from worshippers. It was a bustling and visible part of the Temple complex, where many would come to present their contributions.

Key Themes

  • Observation of Giving: Jesus intently watches the act of giving. This emphasizes that God is aware of all our actions, especially those related to our stewardship and devotion. His gaze penetrates beyond the outward appearance.
  • Public Display: The rich men's contributions were likely substantial and perhaps made with a degree of public fanfare, contrasting sharply with the quiet, humble offering that follows in the subsequent verses. This highlights the human tendency to give visibly.
  • Setting the Stage for Contrast: This verse serves as a direct setup for the deeper lesson in Luke 21:2-4, where Jesus highlights the poor widow's offering. The "rich men" here represent outward displays of wealth and presumed piety, against which true devotion will be measured.

Linguistic Insights

The term "treasury" comes from the Greek word gazophylakion, which literally means "a place for keeping treasures." These were specific collection boxes in the Temple court, often shaped like trumpets, designed to receive offerings for various Temple needs. The "gifts" (Greek: doron) were monetary contributions, distinct from animal sacrifices, given for the upkeep of the Temple and its services. Jesus' position allowed him to "look up," suggesting he might have been seated, watching the flow of people and the prominent act of the rich casting their significant donations.

Practical Application

While this verse is primarily descriptive, it underscores that all our actions, including our giving, are seen by God. It prompts us to consider the motivation behind our generosity. Are we giving for public acclaim, to fulfill a duty, or from genuine devotion and love for God and others? This verse encourages us to reflect on the nature of true giving, which is not measured by the size of the gift but by the heart of the giver—a theme powerfully explored in the verses that immediately follow, which reveal the profound significance of a seemingly small offering.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 12:41 (14 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Mark 12:44 (14 votes)

    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.

  • John 8:20 (5 votes)

    These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:18 (4 votes)

    And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all [these] he brought to Babylon.

  • Matthew 27:6 (4 votes)

    And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

  • Nehemiah 13:13 (3 votes)

    And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them [was] Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office [was] to distribute unto their brethren.

  • Joshua 6:19 (2 votes)

    But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, [are] consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD.