The Widow’s Mite
The GospelsMeaning: “The smallest copper coin”
God measures the gift by the heart, not the amount.
The two tiny coins a poor widow gave to the temple — which Jesus praised above all the rich.
What It Was
As Jesus watched the temple treasury, a poor widow “threw in two mites, which make a farthing” (Mark 12:42). He called his disciples and said she had cast in more than all the rich, for they gave of their abundance, but she “of her want did cast in all that she had” (Mark 12:43–44).
Biblical Significance & Symbolism
The widow’s mite overturns how heaven keeps accounts: God weighs the giver, not the gift. Her two small coins, given in total trust, became the Bible’s enduring picture of sacrificial, wholehearted generosity.
Timeline
Jesus commends the widow’s offering
Scripture References
2 versesMark1 verse
Mark 12:42
And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. mites: it is the seventh part of one piece of that brass money
Luke1 verse
Luke 21:2
And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
Topics & Symbolism
Biblical themes this object points to and helps interpret.
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Frequently asked about The Widow’s Mite
What was The Widow’s Mite in the Bible?
The two tiny coins a poor widow gave to the temple — which Jesus praised above all the rich.
What does The Widow’s Mite symbolize?
God measures the gift by the heart, not the amount.
What does the name The Widow’s Mite mean?
The name The Widow’s Mite means “The smallest copper coin”.
What was The Widow’s Mite made of?
The Widow’s Mite was made of two small copper coins (mites).
Where was The Widow’s Mite kept?
The Widow’s Mite was kept at The temple treasury.
Where is The Widow’s Mite first mentioned in the Bible?
The Widow’s Mite is first mentioned in Mark 12:42.
How often is The Widow’s Mite mentioned in the Bible?
The Widow’s Mite is mentioned in 2 verses across 2 books: Mark, Luke.
What is the lesson of the widow’s mite?
That God measures a gift by the love and sacrifice behind it, not its size; the widow gave little in amount but everything she had (Mark 12:41–44).
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