The Widow with the Two Coins

Technical Profile

  • Name Meaning: Not given; described in Greek as chēra (“widow”), indicating social and economic vulnerability.
  • Period/Era: Second Temple Period
  • Main References: Mark 12:41–44; Luke 21:1–4
  • Key Connections: Jesus; temple treasury in Jerusalem; other worshipers and wealthy donors present

Who was The Widow with the Two Coins?

An unnamed widow observed by Jesus while she contributed to the temple treasury in Jerusalem.
She placed two small copper coins (Mark: lepta; Luke: lepta), a minimal amount in monetary value.
Jesus used her act as a public example while teaching his disciples near the temple courts.

Key Events & Achievements

  • Event 1: She put two small coins into the temple offering box among other donors (Mark 12:41–42; Luke 21:1–2).
  • Event 2: Jesus called his disciples to observe her gift in contrast to the larger gifts of the wealthy (Mark 12:43; Luke 21:3).
  • Event 3: Jesus stated that she gave “all she had to live on,” identifying the gift as total rather than surplus (Mark 12:44; Luke 21:4).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Her offering is presented by Jesus as a model of discipleship marked by wholehearted trust expressed through sacrificial giving.

Key Verse

“Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box.” — Mark 12:43, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. What did the unnamed widow place into the temple treasury offering box?

2. According to Jesus, how much did the widow give in relation to her means?