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:

MARK 12:43KJV
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Mark 12:43 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:43 mean?

Mark 12:43 describes Jesus calling his disciples to him and telling them that the poor widow has given more to the temple treasury than all the others who contributed. According to Jesus, her offering is greater, not because of the amount, but because of what it represents.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples after watching people put money into the temple treasury. He points out the action of a poor widow, highlighting her gift as more significant than the larger sums given by others. The verse draws attention to the value Jesus places on the heart and sacrifice behind a gift, rather than its outward size.

The Greek behind Mark 12:43

  • "Verily" (ἀμὴν, amēn): This word is often translated as "truly" or "certainly," and it signals that what Jesus is about to say is especially important and trustworthy.
  • "Poor" (πτωχός, ptōchos): This word means someone who is destitute or extremely poor, emphasizing the widow’s difficult situation and making her gift even more remarkable.
  • "Cast" (ἔβαλεν, ebalen): Used multiple times in this passage, this word means "to throw" or "to put in," highlighting the physical act of giving and drawing a contrast between the widow and the others.
  • "More" (πλεῖον, pleion): This word means "more" or "greater," and here it underlines that Jesus is measuring the value of the gift differently than by its monetary amount.

Why Mark 12:43 matters

  • Mark 12:43 challenges the common assumption that larger gifts are always more valuable, showing that Jesus looks at the heart and sacrifice behind the giving.
  • The verse sets up a contrast between outward appearances and inward reality, connecting to Jesus’ broader teachings about sincerity and humility.
  • By focusing on the poor widow, Mark 12:43 highlights that even those with little can make a significant impact in God’s eyes, encouraging a rethinking of what true generosity means.

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.
  • Luke 21:1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts 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.

“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 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
  • 1 Timothy 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.

“called” Greek G4341 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
  • Mark 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
  • Acts 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

“poor” Greek G4434 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
  • John 13:29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.