Penny
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Penny in the Bible?
The Greek word lepton, translated as 'penny' in the King James Version, denotes the smallest unit of Jewish currency, equivalent to the Roman quadrans or denarius in value during specific biblical contexts.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the low value of the penny clarifies the magnitude of the widow's offering in Mark 12 and Jesus' teaching on the worth of a single life in Matthew 10.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Penny were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Penny in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does 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
"Penny." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/penny/