### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term λεπτόν (leptón, `{{G3016}}`) is a neuter adjective used substantively, deriving from the root λεπίς (lepis), meaning "a scale," implying something peeled off, thin, or light. Its primary definition in the New Testament is "a small coin," specifically the smallest Jewish copper or bronze coin. It was of extremely low value, often equated to half of a Roman *quadrans* (κοδράντης, `{{G2835}}`), which itself was only a quarter of an *assarion* (ἀσσάριον, `{{G78}}`). Thus, the λεπτόν represented an almost negligible amount of money in terms of purchasing power, emphasizing its extreme lightness and insignificance in worldly economic terms.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term λεπτόν appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically within the account of the poor widow's offering. This pivotal narrative is recorded in [[Mark 12:41-44]] and [[Luke 21:1-4]]. In both instances, Jesus is observing people putting money into the temple treasury. He notes that many rich people are casting in large sums, while a poor widow comes and puts in "two mites" (δύο λεπτά). Jesus then calls His disciples and uses this act to teach a profound lesson. He declares that the poor widow, despite giving only two λεπτά (the plural form), has put in "more than all those who are contributing to the treasury." The context highlights a stark contrast between the outward appearance of generosity (large sums from the wealthy) and the true measure of sacrificial giving (the widow's all). The insignificance of the λεπτόν financially serves to underscore the immense significance of the widow's heart and her complete self-giving.
### Related Words & Concepts
The λεπτόν is intrinsically linked to other monetary units of the Greco-Roman world, particularly the κοδράντης (kodrantēs, `{{G2835}}`), as two λεπτά constituted one κοδράντης. Other related terms include δηνάριον (dēnarion, `{{G1220}}`), a denarius, representing a day's wage, and δραχμή (drachmē, `{{G1346}}`), a drachma, a Greek silver coin. Beyond currency, the concept of πτωχός (ptōchos, `{{G4434}}`), meaning "poor" or "beggar," is directly related through the figure of the poor widow. The narrative also invokes concepts of πλούσιος (plousios, `{{G4145}}`), "rich," and the broader themes of δίδωμι (didōmi, `{{G1325}}`), "to give," and προσφορά (prosphora, `{{G4376}}`), "offering" or "sacrifice." The essence of the λεπτόν story is about the qualitative nature of giving versus the quantitative.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λεπτόν is profound, primarily conveyed through the narrative of the widow's offering. It serves as a powerful illustration of God's perspective on true generosity and devotion.
1. **Divine Valuation:** Jesus reveals that God does not measure giving by the absolute amount but by the proportion and the heart's disposition. The two λεπτά given out of the widow's "whole livelihood" (ὅλον τὸν βίον αὐτῆς) were deemed more valuable than the large sums given by the rich out of their abundance. This teaches that sacrificial giving, born of faith and love, is of immense worth in God's eyes.
2. **Radical Trust:** The widow's act demonstrates radical trust in God's provision. She gave everything she had, signifying complete dependence on God rather than self-reliance or worldly security.
3. **Critique of Ostentatious Piety:** The passage implicitly critiques outward displays of religiosity or philanthropy that lack genuine sacrifice. The rich gave much, but it cost them little; the poor widow gave little, but it cost her everything.
4. **God's Awareness of the Marginalized:** The story highlights Jesus' keen observation and affirmation of the marginalized and poor. He noticed the seemingly insignificant act of an anonymous poor woman, uplifting her as an example for all time.
5. **The Heart of Giving:** Ultimately, the λεπτόν underscores the biblical principle that the heart of the giver is paramount. It is not about the size of the gift, but the size of the sacrifice and the love that motivates it.
### Summary
The Greek word λεπτόν (leptón, `{{G3016}}`) refers to the smallest Jewish coin, an almost valueless sum in economic terms. Its significance in the New Testament is entirely theological, derived from its appearance in the account of the poor widow's offering in [[Mark 12]] and [[Luke 21]]. In this narrative, the two λεπτά given by the widow become a powerful symbol of true, sacrificial generosity. Jesus uses this humble offering to teach that God values the heart's disposition and the degree of sacrifice over the absolute amount given. The λεπτόν thus stands as an eternal reminder that in God's economy, the smallest act of faith-filled and complete devotion outweighs the largest contributions made without genuine sacrifice.
TRV