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Book of Mark - Chapter 12 - Verse 42

12:42
And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

Meaning

When examining the meaning of the verse "And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing," we see a powerful lesson in generosity and giving. The poor widow’s action of giving her two mites, which is the smallest of coins, demonstrates her heart of sacrificial giving. Despite having very little to give, she still willingly offers what she has to the temple treasury. This act highlights the importance of giving from the heart, regardless of the amount. It shows that true generosity is not determined by the size of the gift, but by the attitude of the giver. The widow’s example challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards giving and reminds us that God values the sincerity and sacrificial nature of our gifts more than their monetary value. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize the spirit of giving over the amount given, as true generosity comes from a heart willing to give all.

Theological Overview

One important theological interpretation of the verse "And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing," is the theme of sacrificial giving and the heart behind it. In this verse from the book of Mark in the New Testament, Jesus observes the widow giving her offering in the temple. Though her contribution seems small in comparison to the wealthy donors, Jesus highlights her action as significant because of her sacrificial spirit. The word "mites" used in this verse refers to a small and low-denomination coin, which holds a symbolic meaning of humility and selflessness in giving. Through this passage, Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of giving not just out of abundance but out of a sincere heart, emphasizing that God values the motive behind our giving more than the amount. This interpretation invites readers to reflect on their own attitudes towards generosity and encourages them to embody the widow's example of wholehearted devotion and trust in God's provision.

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