Luke 21:1
New International Version
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.

New Living Translation
While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box.

English Standard Version
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box,

Berean Standard Bible
Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury,

Berean Literal Bible
And having looked up, He saw the rich casting their gifts into the treasury,

King James Bible
And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

New King James Version
And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury,

New American Standard Bible
Now He looked up and saw the wealthy putting their gifts into the temple treasury.

NASB 1995
And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury.

NASB 1977
And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury.

Legacy Standard Bible
And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury.

Amplified Bible
Looking up, He saw the rich people putting their gifts into the treasury.

Christian Standard Bible
He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury.

American Standard Version
And he looked up, and saw the rich men that were casting their gifts into the treasury.

Contemporary English Version
Jesus looked up and saw some rich people tossing their gifts into the offering box.

English Revised Version
And he looked up, and saw the rich men that were casting their gifts into the treasury.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Looking up, Jesus saw people, especially the rich, dropping their gifts into the temple offering box.

Good News Translation
Jesus looked around and saw rich people dropping their gifts in the Temple treasury,

International Standard Version
Now Jesus looked up and saw rich people dropping their gifts into the offering box.

Majority Standard Bible
Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury,

NET Bible
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box.

New Heart English Bible
He looked up, and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he looked up, and saw rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

Weymouth New Testament
Looking up He saw the people throwing their gifts into the Treasury--the rich people.

World English Bible
He looked up and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And having looked up, He saw those who cast their gifts into the treasury—rich men,

Berean Literal Bible
And having looked up, He saw the rich casting their gifts into the treasury,

Young's Literal Translation
And having looked up, he saw those who did cast their gifts to the treasury -- rich men,

Smith's Literal Translation
And having looked up, he saw the rich casting their gifts into the royal treasury.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
AND looking on, he saw the rich men cast their gifts into the treasury.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And looking around, he saw the wealthy putting their donations into the offertory.

New American Bible
When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury

New Revised Standard Version
He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
JESUS then looked at the rich men who were casting their offerings into the trea sury.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But Yeshua gazed at the rich who were casting in their offerings to the treasury.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he looked up, and saw the rich throwing their gifts into the treasury.

Godbey New Testament
And looking up, He saw the rich casting their gifts into the treasury.

Haweis New Testament
AND as he looked up, he saw some casting their gifts into the treasury who were rich.

Mace New Testament
As Jesus was observing the rich casting their offerings into the treasury,

Weymouth New Testament
Looking up He saw the people throwing their gifts into the Treasury--the rich people.

Worrell New Testament
And, looking up, He saw the rich casting their gifts into the treasury.

Worsley New Testament
And He looked up and saw the rich people bringing their gifts to the treasury:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Poor Widow's Offering
1Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.…

Cross References
Mark 12:41-44
As Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury, He watched the crowd putting money into it. And many rich people put in large amounts. / Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. / Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury. ...

Matthew 6:1-4
“Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. / So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. / But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ...

2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. / In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. / For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, ...

2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. / Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Acts 4:34-37
There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, / and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need. / Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), ...

Acts 2:44-45
All the believers were together and had everything in common. / Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.

Philippians 4:15-18
And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. / For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. / Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. ...

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

1 John 3:17-18
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Proverbs 11:24-25
One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. / A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Malachi 3:10
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11
If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...

1 Kings 17:10-16
So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” / But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

and saw.

Mark 7:11-13
But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free

Mark 12:41-44
And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much…

the treasury.

Joshua 6:19,24
But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD…

1 Kings 14:26
And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

2 Kings 24:13
And he carried out thence all the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said.

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Luke 21
1. Jesus commends the poor widow.
5. He foretells the destruction of the temple, and of the city Jerusalem;
25. the signs also which shall be before the last day.
34. He exhorts them to be watchful.














As Jesus looked up
This phrase sets the scene for a moment of observation and teaching by Jesus. The act of "looking up" signifies a deliberate and intentional focus. In the Greek, the word used here is "anablepō," which means to look up or to recover sight. This implies that Jesus is not merely glancing but is purposefully observing the actions of those around Him. This moment of looking up is significant as it precedes a teaching moment, highlighting the importance of being observant and aware of the actions and intentions of others.

He saw
The Greek word for "saw" is "eidō," which means to perceive or to become aware of. This is more than just a physical act of seeing; it is an understanding or insight into what is being observed. Jesus' ability to see goes beyond the surface, as He perceives the deeper spiritual realities and motivations behind the actions of the people. This insight is a reminder of Jesus' divine ability to discern the hearts and intentions of individuals.

the rich
The term "rich" refers to those who have an abundance of material wealth. In the context of first-century Judea, the rich were often seen as those blessed by God, yet Jesus frequently challenges this notion by emphasizing the spiritual dangers of wealth. The Greek word "plousios" is used here, which denotes wealth and abundance. This sets the stage for a contrast between the external appearance of wealth and the internal state of the heart, a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings.

putting their gifts
The act of "putting" suggests a deliberate action, and the word "gifts" refers to offerings or contributions. The Greek word "dōra" is used, which can mean gifts or offerings, often given as a religious duty. This phrase highlights the practice of giving to the temple treasury, a common religious obligation. However, the focus here is not just on the act of giving but on the manner and heart behind the giving, which Jesus will address in the following verses.

into the treasury
The "treasury" refers to the place in the temple where offerings were collected. The Greek word "gazophylakion" is used, which literally means "treasure chest." Historically, the temple treasury was a significant part of Jewish religious life, where people would contribute to the maintenance of the temple and the support of the priests. This setting provides a backdrop for Jesus to teach about true generosity and the value of sacrificial giving, as opposed to giving out of abundance without genuine sacrifice.

XXI.

(1-4) And saw the rich men casting their gifts.--See Notes on Mark 12:41-44. This may, perhaps, be thought of as one of the incidents which St. Luke derived from verbal communication with his brother-evangelist. (See Introduction.)

Verses 1-4. - The widow's mite. We find this little sketch only here and in St. Mark (Mark 12:41-44). The Master was sitting - resting, probably, after the effort of the great denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees - in the covered colonnade of that part of the temple which was open to the Jewish women. Here was the treasury, with its thirteen boxes in the wall, for the reception of the alms of the people. These boxes were called shopheroth, or trumpets, because they were shaped like trumpets, swelling out beneath, and tapering upward into a narrow mouth, or opening, into which the alms were dropped. Some of these "trumpets" were marked with special inscriptions, denoting the destination of the offerings. Verse 1. - And he looked up, and saw the rich men outing their gifts into the treasury. It is not improbable that a special stream of almsgivers were just then passing through the temple court, many being specially impressed by the solemn words they had just been listening to.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Then
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

[Jesus] looked up
Ἀναβλέψας (Anablepsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 308: To look up, recover my sight. From ana and blepo; to look up; by implication, to recover sight.

[and] saw
εἶδεν (eiden)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

rich
πλουσίους (plousious)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4145: Rich, abounding in, wealthy; subst: a rich man. From ploutos; wealthy; figuratively, abounding with.

putting
βάλλοντας (ballontas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 906: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.

their
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

gifts
δῶρα (dōra)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1435: A gift, present. A present; specially, a sacrifice.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

treasury,
γαζοφυλάκιον (gazophylakion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1049: A treasury. From gaza and phulake; a treasure-house, i.e. A court in the temple for the collection-boxes.


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NT Gospels: Luke 21:1 He looked up and saw the rich (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 20:47
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