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

LUKE 21:1KJV
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Luke 21:1 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:1 mean?

Luke 21:1 describes Jesus looking up and noticing wealthy people putting their offerings into the temple treasury. The verse sets the scene for what Jesus is about to teach by drawing attention to the actions of the rich as they give their gifts.

Jesus is in the temple, speaking to his disciples and others gathered there. The verse highlights a moment of observation, where Jesus sees the rich contributing to the temple funds. This detail prepares the reader for the contrast Jesus will soon make between the gifts of the wealthy and the offering of a poor widow in the verses that follow.

The Greek behind Luke 21:1

  • "ἀνέβλεψεν" (aneblepsen, "looked up"): This word suggests Jesus was intentionally observing what was happening, not just glancing around. It sets a tone of careful attention.
  • "πλουσίους" (plousious, "rich men"): The Greek word points specifically to those who are wealthy, emphasizing their social and economic status.
  • "βάλλοντες" (ballontes, "casting"): This word carries the sense of throwing or putting in, which may suggest a visible or even showy way of giving.
  • "δῶρα" (dōra, "gifts"): This term refers to offerings or donations, not just money but anything given as a gift to God or the temple.
  • "γαζοφυλάκιον" (gazophylakion, "treasury"): This was a specific area or box in the temple where offerings were collected, giving a concrete setting to the scene.

Why Luke 21:1 matters

  • Luke 21:1 sets up a contrast between the giving of the rich and the poor widow, which is central to the lesson Jesus is about to teach.
  • The verse draws attention to the public and possibly ostentatious way the rich gave, which helps explain Jesus’ later comments about the heart behind giving.
  • By naming the "treasury," the verse grounds the story in a real, physical place in the temple, making the scene vivid and relatable for readers.

Where else these words appear

“treasury” Greek G1049 · used in 4 verses

  • 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 12:43 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:
  • 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.

“gifts” Greek G1435 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Matthew 23:18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
  • Hebrews 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

“up” Greek G308 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
  • Mark 10:51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
  • Luke 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

“men” Greek G4145 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
  • James 1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.