Mark 12 43

Mark 12:43 kjv

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 12:43 nkjv

So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury;

Mark 12:43 niv

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.

Mark 12:43 esv

And he called his disciples to him and said to them, "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 nlt

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions.

Mark 12 verses

Mark 12 43 Meaning

This verse signifies that God values the intention and proportion of a gift more than its absolute amount. It highlights that genuine sacrifice, given from a position of poverty or scarcity, holds greater weight in God's eyes than large contributions offered from abundance, serving as a profound teaching on true worship and selfless discipleship.

Mark 12 43 Context

This teaching occurs during Jesus' final week in Jerusalem, specifically in the Temple courts. It is set within a broader series of teachings and confrontations where Jesus critiques the hypocrisy and self-serving religiosity of the religious leaders. Immediately preceding this event (Mark 12:38-40), Jesus denounces the scribes who outwardly sought prestige, coveted positions of honor, and "devoured widows' houses" through various means, indicating a system that exploited the vulnerable for their own gain. The observation of the widow's sacrificial giving directly follows, providing a stark contrast to the scribes' self-aggrandizing behavior and the superficial offerings of the wealthy. The Temple treasury, with its thirteen trumpet-shaped chests for public contributions, provided an opportunity for observers to witness financial transactions. This public setting allowed the rich to make a display of their large donations, a scenario Jesus subverts to reveal a deeper truth about true devotion.

Mark 12 43 Word analysis

• And calling His disciples to Him: Jesus deliberately summons His inner circle, emphasizing that this is a pivotal teaching moment meant for them to understand a profound truth about God's kingdom values and the nature of discipleship. It highlights that Jesus used everyday observations as opportunities for spiritual instruction.
• He said to them, "Truly I say to you, (Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν - Amēn legō hymin): This is a powerful, authoritative declaration by Jesus, characteristic of His teaching style. The "Amen" serves to solemnize and underline the absolute truthfulness and importance of the statement that follows, urging His disciples to pay close attention to this profound lesson.
• this poor widow (ἡ πτωχὴ αὕτη χήρα - hē ptōchē hautē chēra):
  • poor (πτωχὴ - ptōchē): This term describes absolute, abject destitution, referring to someone who has no resources and is utterly dependent on charity, often begging for survival. It contrasts sharply with those merely "lacking" or "needy." Her state underscores the extreme depth of her sacrifice.
  • widow (χήρα - chēra): In ancient society, widows were among the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, often lacking the male familial support system critical for economic survival. They were frequently dependent on others, sometimes becoming targets of exploitation. Her social status heightens the poignancy and significance of her gift.
• put in: Denotes a direct, active involvement in placing her contribution into the treasury, an act of intentional giving.
• more than all those who are contributing:
  • more (πλεῖον - pleion): This refers not to a larger quantity in absolute monetary value, but a proportionally greater amount, indicating a deeper sacrifice and a higher spiritual quality. Her gift's value was greater in God's eyes due to the self-denial it represented.
  • all those who are contributing (πάντων τῶν βαλλόντων - pantōn tōn ballontōn): This phrase encompasses all the other individuals, particularly the wealthy ones Jesus observed. It emphasizes the collective contrast, as none of them, despite their large sums, matched the proportion of her giving. Their contributions were from surplus, hers from ultimate need.
• to the treasury (εἰς τὸ γαζοφυλάκιον - eis to gazophylakion): This refers to the specific area in the Temple where offerings were publicly received into receptacles, often called "trumpets." This public setting highlighted differences in social status and contribution size, yet Jesus used it to redefine true generosity, shifting focus from outward display to internal devotion.

Mark 12 43 Bonus section

The two small copper coins given by the widow (lepta) would have been the absolute smallest currency in circulation at that time, making her offering practically insignificant by worldly standards. Mark's detailed explanation for his non-Jewish audience, including the value comparison, emphasizes just how little she physically gave. However, Jesus' focus on her sacrifice (Mark 12:44 – "her whole livelihood") resonates with the call to deny oneself and take up one's cross in discipleship (Mk 8:34-35). Her act mirrors the ultimate sacrifice of Christ Himself, who gave His all for humanity, not out of surplus but out of divine love. Thus, the poor widow's action becomes a powerful allegory for radical faith, total reliance on God, and true discipleship, challenging any pretense of religious devotion that falls short of wholehearted commitment. It highlights Jesus' deep compassion for the marginalized and His consistent subversion of conventional human values.

Mark 12 43 Commentary

Mark 12:43 unveils a profound theological truth about God's nature and values. Jesus, by observing human actions in the Temple, redirects His disciples' focus from the outward spectacle of large, visible donations to the unseen heart of the giver. The "poor widow" is defined by her absolute poverty (πτωχή) and vulnerable social status (χήρα), yet it is her offering that Jesus commends above all others. Her gift, two small copper coins (lepta), was literally "all she had to live on" (as Mark 12:44 clarifies).

The essence of Jesus' teaching here is that God measures generosity not by the quantity given, but by the sacrifice involved relative to one's means. The wealthy gave from their abundance, experiencing no hardship from their contribution. The widow, however, gave out of her absolute want, demonstrating complete trust and devotion to God for her sustenance, even in the face of destitution. This act transcended mere financial transaction; it was a profound spiritual statement of faith, radical surrender, and selfless love.

This passage serves as a sharp rebuke to outward piety, self-righteousness, and systems that might exploit the vulnerable. It challenges the conventional wisdom that associates spiritual merit with material wealth or public displays. Instead, Jesus elevates true, costly worship offered in humility. The story ultimately illustrates that God sees and values the depth of sacrifice and sincerity of heart far beyond any external display, encouraging believers to offer their "all" to God, trusting fully in His provision.