Pence; Penny
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Pence; Penny in the Bible?
The denarius (often translated as 'penny' in older English versions like the KJV) was a small silver coin used in the Roman Empire that typically represented a day's wages for a common laborer.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the value of the penny allows readers to grasp the economic realities depicted in biblical narratives, such as the fairness of wages in the parable of the vineyard or the gravity of Judas's betrayal, thereby illuminating the social and financial contexts of the time.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Pence; Penny. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Pence; Penny in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Pence; Penny clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Pence; Penny." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/pence-penny/