Measures & money
Lepton
A small coin of low value, made from copper alloy; the poor widow gives two in the treasury scene.
Also called · widow’s mite
What it means
Mark 12 describes the widow’s two small brass coins as equal to one quadrans. Jesus tells the disciples that others give out of their abundance, while she gives all she has to live on.
Luke 21 likewise describes two small brass coins and the widow’s entire livelihood. The text does not give a detailed account of her thoughts or promise a later material reward.
How it appears in the Bible
In Luke 12, Jesus warns people to settle with an accuser on the way to the judge, lest they be imprisoned until they have paid the very last penny. This legal warning is a different scene from the widow’s gift.
Translation note
The selected World English Bible uses small brass coins in the widow passages and penny in Luke 12. These renderings do not fix an equivalent in modern coins or currency.