Mark 12:43

And he called [unto him] his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

And {G2532} he called {G4341} unto him his {G846} disciples {G3101}, and saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} this {G3778} poor {G4434} widow {G5503} hath cast {G906} more {G4119} in {G906}, than all {G3956} they which have cast {G906} into {G1519} the treasury {G1049}:

He called his talmidim to him and said to them, "Yes! I tell you, this poor widow has put more in the offering-box than all the others making donations.

Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury.

And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than all they that are casting into the treasury:

Commentary

In Mark 12:43, Jesus delivers a profound teaching on true generosity, contrasting the giving of a poor widow with that of the wealthy. This verse highlights God's unique perspective on value, emphasizing the heart and sacrifice behind an offering rather than its monetary amount.

Context

This powerful declaration by Jesus takes place in the Temple courts in Jerusalem, during the final days leading up to His crucifixion. Immediately prior, Jesus had been engaged in various debates and parables, challenging the religious leaders of His day. He had just issued a strong rebuke against the scribes who "devour widows' houses" and make a show of their piety (Mark 12:40). Sitting opposite the "treasury" (Greek: gazophylakion), a designated area where people deposited their contributions into collection boxes, Jesus observed many rich individuals casting in large sums. His attention, however, was drawn to a poor widow who cast in two small copper coins, known as "mites."

Key Themes

  • True Generosity vs. Outward Show: Jesus's statement radically redefines wealth and giving. He proclaims that the widow, despite her meager offering, "hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury." This reveals that God values the heart and the proportion of the gift, not merely its face value.
  • Sacrificial Giving: The widow's act was one of profound sacrifice. As Jesus notes in the parallel account in Luke 21:4, "she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had." Her offering represented her entire means of support, demonstrating complete trust in God.
  • God's Perspective: While human eyes might be impressed by large donations, Jesus, with divine insight, sees beyond the superficial. This teaches us that God's assessment of our actions is based on our motives and the depth of our commitment, echoing the principle that the Lord looks at the heart, not outward appearance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Verily I say unto you" (Greek: Amen lego hymin) is a characteristic introduction by Jesus, signaling an emphatic and authoritative statement. It underscores the profound truth and importance of what follows. The term "treasury" (gazophylakion) refers specifically to the thirteen trumpet-shaped collection chests in the Temple, each designated for different types of offerings.

Practical Application

The story of the poor widow challenges believers today to examine their own giving and acts of service. It encourages us to prioritize:

  • Giving from the Heart: Our attitude and willingness to give, even if it means sacrifice, are more important than the size of our contribution.
  • Proportional Giving: It's not about giving what's easy, but giving what truly costs us, relative to our means.
  • Trust in God: The widow's act was an expression of radical faith, trusting God to provide even when she had given her all. This principle extends beyond financial giving to all areas of life, including our time, talents, and resources, reminding us that God loves a cheerful giver.
This verse serves as a timeless reminder that true value in God's kingdom is measured by devotion and sacrifice, not by earthly wealth or human acclaim.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6 (3 votes)

    ¶ But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:8 (3 votes)

    And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:

  • 2 Corinthians 8:2 (3 votes)

    How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

  • Acts 11:29 (2 votes)

    Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

  • Exodus 35:21 (1 votes)

    And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, [and] they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

  • Exodus 35:29 (1 votes)

    The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:12 (1 votes)

    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.