And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

LUKE 21:2KJV
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Luke 21:2 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:2 mean?

Luke 21:2 describes Jesus noticing a particular poor widow putting two small coins, called mites, into the temple offering. The verse highlights her poverty and the smallness of her gift in material terms.

In this scene, Jesus is at the temple in Jerusalem, watching people give their offerings. He observes not just the wealthy but also a widow, someone especially vulnerable in that society, contributing what little she has. The verse sets up a contrast between her humble gift and the larger amounts given by others, drawing attention to her situation and the significance of her act.

The Greek behind Luke 21:2

  • The word πτωχὴν (ptōchēn, "poor") describes someone in real need, not just modest means. This emphasizes the widow's desperate situation.
  • The word λεπτά (lepta, "mites") refers to the smallest coins in circulation, worth very little. This detail underlines how little she had to give, making her act stand out even more.

Why Luke 21:2 matters

  • Luke 21:2 helps correct the idea that only large or impressive gifts matter; it draws attention to the value of even the smallest offering when given by someone in need.
  • The verse sets up the teaching that follows, where Jesus explains the deeper meaning behind the widow’s act, showing that God values the heart and sacrifice behind a gift.
  • By focusing on a widow, the verse highlights the social realities of the time and Jesus’ concern for those on the margins.

Where else these words appear

“mites” Greek G3016 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
  • Luke 12:59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

“widow” Greek G5503 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
  • Luke 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
  • 1 Timothy 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.

“thither” Greek G1563 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
  • John 6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;

“casting” Greek G906 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Mark 9:22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
  • John 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?