Penury
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Penury in the Bible?
Penury denotes a state of extreme poverty or destitution, a condition referenced in biblical passages such as Proverbs 14:23 and Luke 21:4 to characterize the financial hardship of the widow who offered her contribution.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the depth of penury described in Luke 21:4 allows readers to fully grasp the extent of the widow's sacrifice, as she relinquished her entire means of sustenance, thereby highlighting the biblical principle that spiritual devotion is valued above material security.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Penury. 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 Penury in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Penury clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Proverbs 14:23Luke 21:4
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
"Penury." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/penury/