### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **δηνάριον (dēnárion)**, represented by `{{G1220}}`, is a term of Latin origin for a Roman coin. It is defined as **a denarius (or ten asses):--pence, penny(-worth)**. Appearing **16 times** across **15 unique verses**, it serves as a common unit of currency and value in the New Testament, most notably representing a day's wage for a common laborer.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{G1220}}` is used in several key financial and parabolic contexts. It is established as the standard payment for a full day's work in the parable of the vineyard laborers, who **agreed** for a **penny** a **day** [[Matthew 20:2]]. This single **penny** was the wage **received** by those who worked the whole **day** and those who worked only the **eleventh** hour [[Matthew 20:9-10]]. The word is also used to quantify large sums, such as the **two hundred pennyworth** of bread proposed to feed the multitude ([[Mark 6:37]], [[John 6:7]]), the value of the ointment at **three hundred pence** [[John 12:5]], and debts of **five hundred** and **fifty pence** [[Luke 7:41]]. It is also the physical coin Jesus requests when asked about paying **tribute** to Caesar ([[Mark 12:15]], [[Luke 20:24]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help contextualize the use of the denarius:
* `{{G2040}}` **ergátēs** (a toiler; figuratively, a teacher): This term for **labourer** is directly linked to the denarius as the agreed-upon daily wage in the parable of the vineyard [[Matthew 20:2]].
* `{{G3784}}` **opheílō** (to owe; figuratively, to be under obligation): This word describes the state of the two debtors in a parable where their debts are measured in **pence**, one who **owed** five hundred and another fifty [[Luke 7:41]].
* `{{G2250}}` **hēméra** (day): This word for **day** establishes the time frame for which a denarius was considered a standard wage [[Matthew 20:2]].
* `{{G2778}}` **kēnsos** (an enrollment ("census"), i.e. (by implication) a tax): This word for **tribute** provides the context for Jesus requesting to see the specific coin, a **penny**, used to pay the tax [[Matthew 22:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1220}}` is demonstrated through its use in Jesus' parables and teachings.
* **Divine Grace and Sovereignty:** In the parable of the laborers, the denarius is used to challenge human ideas of fairness. All workers **received** a **penny**, regardless of their hours, illustrating that God's rewards are based on His gracious agreement, not human merit ([[Matthew 20:9]], [[Matthew 20:13]]).
* **The Scale of Forgiveness:** The denarius is used to measure debts to illustrate the nature of forgiveness. A servant is forgiven a massive debt but refuses to forgive his **fellowservant** a debt of an **hundred pence** [[Matthew 18:28]], highlighting the disparity between God's mercy and human unforgiveness.
* **Earthly vs. Spiritual Allegiance:** When asked about paying taxes, Jesus uses the **penny** with Caesar's image to teach about distinct realms of authority, instructing his followers to render to Caesar what is his, and to God what is God's [[Luke 20:24]].
* **Economic Scarcity and Judgment:** In Revelation, the value of a denarius is placed in an eschatological context where a **measure** of wheat costs a **penny**, signifying a time of extreme economic hardship and famine [[Revelation 6:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1220}}` is more than a simple monetary unit. It functions as a foundational element in some of the most profound teachings in the New Testament. From establishing a baseline for a day's wage to illustrating concepts of divine grace, the scale of debt, the nature of forgiveness, and the distinction between earthly and heavenly obligations, the **dēnárion** is a powerful symbol used to convey deep spiritual truths.
TRV