For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

LUKE 21:4KJV
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Luke 21:4 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:4 mean?

Luke 21:4 describes how many wealthy people gave offerings to God out of their extra resources, but a poor widow gave all she had to live on, even though it was very little. The verse highlights the difference between giving from abundance and giving everything, showing that the widow’s small gift was actually greater in sacrifice.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His disciples as He observes people putting money into the temple treasury. He points out that while others gave large amounts from their surplus, the widow’s offering was all she had, emphasizing her deep trust and devotion. The verse draws attention to the true value of a gift, which is not measured by its size but by the heart and sacrifice behind it.

The Greek behind Luke 21:4

  • "abundance" (περισσεύοντος, perisseuontos): This word means "overflow" or "more than enough." It shows that the wealthy gave from what they had left over, not affecting their daily lives.
  • "penury" (ὑστέρημα, husterēma): This word means "poverty" or "lack." It highlights the widow’s situation of real need, making her gift especially significant.
  • "all the living" (πάντα τὸν βίον, panta ton bion): The Greek here refers to "all her livelihood" or "everything she had to live on," stressing that she held nothing back for herself.

Why Luke 21:4 matters

  • Luke 21:4 clears up the misunderstanding that the size of a gift is what matters most; instead, it is the level of sacrifice and trust involved.
  • The verse emphasizes that God sees and values the heart behind an offering, not just the outward amount.
  • This moment connects to the wider passage by showing Jesus’ concern for the overlooked and vulnerable, and by teaching His followers to see value as God does, not just as people do.

Where else these words appear

“penury” Greek G5303 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 16:17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
  • Philippians 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

“living” Greek G979 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
  • Luke 15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
  • 2 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

“offerings” 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:

“abundance” Greek G4052 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • Acts 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.