Luke 21:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:1 serves as a crucial introductory verse, depicting Jesus' keen observation of the affluent members of society making their contributions within the Temple treasury. This seemingly simple act of looking and seeing sets the stage for one of Jesus' most profound teachings on the nature of true generosity and stewardship, contrasting outward displays of wealth with the humble, sacrificial heart that God truly values. It underscores the divine scrutiny of human actions, particularly within the sacred context of worship and giving.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This scene immediately follows Jesus' forceful denunciation of the scribes and their hypocrisy, particularly their love for public recognition and their exploitation of widows ([Luke 20:46-47](/luke/20-46-47 "Luke 20:46-47 - Jesus Warns Against the Scribes")). The transition from a warning against ostentatious piety to an observation of public giving is seamless, setting up a direct counter-example of genuine devotion. This passage is part of Jesus' final teachings in Jerusalem before His passion, delivered within the Temple courts, where He has engaged in various debates and parables, all leading to His ultimate confrontation with the religious establishment. The verses that follow directly present the poignant account of the poor widow's offering ([Luke 21:2-4](/luke/21-2-4 "Luke 21:2-4 - The Widow's Mite")), making Luke 21:1 the essential narrative setup for that pivotal lesson.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "treasury" (Greek: _gazophylákion_) refers to a specific area within the Temple complex, likely in the Court of Women, where thirteen trumpet-shaped collection chests were placed. These chests were designed to receive various categories of offerings, not just general donations, but specific contributions for wood, incense, gold vessels, and other Temple needs. Public giving was a common practice, and the act of casting gifts into these large, visible receptacles would have been a noticeable event, especially for large sums. Wealthy individuals, often seeking social recognition or fulfilling religious obligations, would make their contributions openly. This cultural backdrop highlights the social dynamics and expectations surrounding religious giving in first-century Judaism, which Jesus would subtly challenge.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several significant themes that resonate throughout Jesus' ministry and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Observation**, highlighting that God sees not just the act of giving but the heart behind it. Jesus' "looking up" and "seeing" mirrors God's omnipresent gaze. Secondly, it sets up the theme of **Contrast Between Outward Appearance and Inward Reality**, which is a recurring motif in Luke's Gospel, particularly in Jesus' critiques of the Pharisees and religious leaders. The rich men's visible, presumably large, gifts stand in stark opposition to the hidden, sacrificial offering of the poor widow in [Luke 21:2-4](/luke/21-2-4 "Luke 21:2-4 - The Widow's Mite"). Finally, it underscores the theme of **True Stewardship**, prompting a re-evaluation of what constitutes valuable giving in the eyes of God, shifting the focus from quantity to quality of devotion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **looked up (Greek, _anablépō'_):** From _anablépō_, meaning "to look up" or "to recover sight." In this context, it signifies Jesus' intentional upward gaze, perhaps from a seated position, indicating a deliberate act of observation rather than a casual glance. This highlights His focused attention on the activities within the Temple, particularly the financial transactions.
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** From _eídō_, a primary verb meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively); by implication, "to know." This word suggests not merely physical perception but a deeper understanding or discernment. Jesus didn't just visually register the rich men; He perceived the nature of their act, setting the stage for His subsequent commentary on its true value.
* **treasury (Greek, _gazophylákion'_):** From _gazophylákion_, a compound word derived from _gáza_ (treasure) and _phylakḗ_ (a guard or place of keeping). It refers specifically to the "treasure-house" or "collection-boxes" within the Temple courts. This term precisely identifies the location where offerings were deposited, emphasizing the financial aspect of Temple worship and the public nature of these contributions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And he looked up,"**: This opening phrase establishes Jesus' posture and intentionality. He is not passively observing but actively engaging with the scene before Him. The "looked up" suggests He might have been seated, perhaps resting after His intense teaching, and then raised His gaze to survey the surroundings. This deliberate act underscores the significance of what He is about to witness.
* **"and saw the rich men"**: This clause introduces the primary subjects of Jesus' observation. The "rich men" (Greek: _ploúsios_) are identified by their economic status, which immediately sets up a contrast with the "poor widow" who will appear in the subsequent verses. Their wealth implies an ability to give substantial amounts, and their public act of giving would have been noticeable.
* **"casting their gifts"**: The verb "casting" (Greek: _bállō_) implies a decisive, perhaps even forceful or ostentatious, action. It suggests that the rich men were not merely placing their gifts discreetly but were making a visible and audible deposit into the collection chests. The "gifts" (Greek: _dōron_) refer to monetary contributions, distinct from animal sacrifices, intended for the Temple's upkeep and services.
* **"into the treasury."**: This final phrase specifies the destination of the offerings. The "treasury" (Greek: _gazophylákion_) was the designated area in the Temple for financial donations. Its public nature and the presence of multiple collection boxes made it a focal point for worshippers and observers alike, where acts of giving were on full display.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:1, though brief, employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as this verse directly sets the stage for the profound lesson of the poor widow's offering in the verses that follow ([Luke 21:2-4](/luke/21-2-4 "Luke 21:2-4 - The Widow's Mite")). It creates an immediate **Contrast** between the wealthy givers and the humble widow, highlighting the disparity in their social standing and, implicitly, their motivations. The act of "looking up" and "seeing" also functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's omnipresent gaze and His discerning eye that penetrates beyond outward appearances to perceive the heart. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: what appears to be a grand act of piety by the rich men will soon be revealed by Jesus as less significant than a seemingly meager contribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while descriptive, carries profound theological weight. It establishes the foundational principle that God observes all human actions, particularly those related to worship and stewardship. Jesus' gaze into the treasury mirrors the divine scrutiny that penetrates beyond outward displays of piety to the true motivations of the heart. The rich men's public giving, likely intended to impress or fulfill religious duty, stands in stark contrast to the genuine, sacrificial giving that Jesus will soon commend. This highlights a core biblical theme: God does not measure generosity by the quantity of the gift but by the devotion and sacrifice it represents. It challenges believers to examine their own motivations in giving and service, recognizing that all deeds are seen by a God who values sincerity over spectacle.

* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [Matthew 6:1-4](/matthew/6-1-4 "Matthew 6:1-4 - Giving in Secret")
* [Proverbs 21:2](/proverbs/21-2 "Proverbs 21:2 - The Lord Weighs the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:1 serves as a powerful reminder that our actions, especially those performed in the context of worship and service, are never unseen by God. Jesus' observation of the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury invites us to consider the motivation behind our own generosity and devotion. Are we giving to be seen by others, to fulfill an obligation, or from a heart overflowing with genuine love and gratitude for God? This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial acts of piety and to cultivate an inner disposition of true stewardship, recognizing that our resources, time, and talents are ultimately gifts from God to be used for His glory. It prompts us to reflect on the nature of true worship, which is not measured by the size of our contributions or the prominence of our service, but by the sincerity and sacrifice of our hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to perform acts of generosity or service for public recognition rather than genuine devotion?**
* **How does the knowledge that God sees beyond outward appearances influence my approach to giving and worship?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of intentional observation and discernment in my spiritual life?**

### FAQ
**What was the "treasury" in the Temple?**

Answer: The "treasury" (Greek: _gazophylákion_) was a specific area within the Temple complex in Jerusalem, most likely located in the Court of Women. It contained thirteen trumpet-shaped collection chests, each designated for different types of offerings or Temple needs, such as funds for wood, incense, gold vessels, or general maintenance. It was a public and bustling part of the Temple where worshippers would bring their monetary contributions.

**Why did Jesus "look up" to see the rich men?**

Answer: The Greek word _anablépō_ (looked up) suggests that Jesus might have been seated, perhaps resting or teaching, and then deliberately raised His gaze to observe the activity around the collection chests. This act signifies His intentional and focused attention on the scene, indicating that what He was about to witness and comment on was of significant spiritual importance. It wasn't a casual glance but a discerning observation.

**What is the significance of "the rich men" in this verse?**

Answer: The "rich men" are significant because they represent a common societal expectation of giving: those with much should give much, and their giving would be public and substantial. Their presence immediately sets up a dramatic contrast with the "poor widow" introduced in the very next verse ([Luke 21:2](/luke/21-2 "The Poor Widow")), whose offering, though monetarily small, is deemed by Jesus to be of far greater value. This contrast highlights Jesus' radical redefinition of true generosity, shifting the focus from the size of the gift to the heart and sacrifice of the giver.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:1, while seemingly a simple observation, profoundly foreshadows and illuminates the very nature of Christ's mission and the values of His kingdom. Jesus, the ultimate observer, sees beyond the outward show of the rich men, preparing His disciples to understand true giving not by its quantity but by its quality of sacrifice, a principle He Himself would perfectly embody. The rich men's gifts, though substantial, pale in comparison to the ultimate "gift" of Christ Himself, who "though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving")). Jesus' subsequent teaching on the widow's mite reveals that God values a heart fully surrendered, a truth supremely demonstrated by Christ's own self-offering on the cross, where He "gave himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness" ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ Gave Himself for Us")). His entire life and death were a "casting" of Himself into the treasury of God's will, not for public acclaim, but for the salvation of humanity, fulfilling the law and prophets not through external show but through perfect, internal obedience and sacrificial love ([Hebrews 10:5-10](/hebrews/10-5-10 "Hebrews 10:5-10 - Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills the Law")). Thus, this verse, by setting the stage for a lesson on true giving, ultimately points to Christ as the supreme example and enabler of such radical, heart-centered devotion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 12:41

¶ 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.