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40 [these scribes] who devour (confiscate) widows’ houses, and offer long prayers for appearance’s sake [to impress others]. These men will receive greater condemnation.”

The Widow’s Mite

41 And He sat down opposite the [temple] treasury, and began watching how the people were putting money into the [a]treasury. And many rich people were putting in [b]large sums.(A) 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a [c]mite.

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Footnotes

  1. Mark 12:41 Thirteen trumpet-shaped chests were placed around the wall in the Court of Women in the temple.
  2. Mark 12:41 The thirteen receptacles for the money were metal and the heavy silver coins contributed by the wealthy would have made quite a noise when they were deposited, calling audible attention to the size of each contribution. By contrast, the widow’s coins (v 42) would have barely made a sound.
  3. Mark 12:42 The least valuable Roman coin, which amounted to only one sixty-fourth of a day’s wages for a laborer; traditionally called the “widow’s mite.”

40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

The Widow’s Offering(A)

41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put(B) and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

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