Mark 12:43
New International Version
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.

New Living Translation
Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions.

English Standard Version
And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
And having summoned His disciples, He says to them, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has cast in more than all of those casting into the treasury.

King James Bible
And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

New King James Version
So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury;

New American Standard Bible
Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury;

NASB 1995
Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury;

NASB 1977
And calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury;

Legacy Standard Bible
And calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all those putting money into the treasury;

Amplified Bible
Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, this poor widow put in [proportionally] more than all the contributors to the treasury.

Christian Standard Bible
Summoning his disciples, he said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Summoning His disciples, He said to them, “I assure you: This poor widow has put in more than all those giving to the temple treasury.

American Standard Version
And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than all they that are casting into the treasury:

Contemporary English Version
Jesus told his disciples to gather around him. Then he said: I tell you that this poor widow has put in more than all the others.

English Revised Version
And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than all they which are casting into the treasury:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He called his disciples and said to them, "I can guarantee this truth: This poor widow has given more than all the others.

Good News Translation
He called his disciples together and said to them, "I tell you that this poor widow put more in the offering box than all the others.

International Standard Version
He called his disciples and told them, "I tell all of you with certainty, this destitute widow has dropped in more than everyone who is contributing to the offering box,

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
He called his disciples and said to them, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the offering box than all the others.

New Heart English Bible
He called his disciples to himself, and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury,

Webster's Bible Translation
And he called his disciples, and saith to them, Verily I say to you, that this poor widow hath cast in more, than all they who have cast into the treasury.

Weymouth New Testament
So He called His disciples to Him and said, "In solemn truth I tell you that this widow, poor as she is, has thrown in more than all the other contributors to the Treasury;

World English Bible
He called his disciples to himself and said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And having called near His disciples, He says to them, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those putting into the treasury;

Berean Literal Bible
And having summoned His disciples, He says to them, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has cast in more than all of those casting into the treasury.

Young's Literal Translation
And having called near his disciples, he saith to them, 'Verily I say to you, that this poor widow hath put in more than all those putting into the treasury;

Smith's Literal Translation
And having called his disciples, he says to them, Truly I say to you, That this poor widow has cast into the royal treasury, more than all they casting into the treasury:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And calling his disciples together, he saith to them: Amen I say to you, this poor widow hath cast in more than all they who have cast into the treasury.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And calling together his disciples, he said to them: “Amen I say to you, that this poor widow has put in more than all those who contributed to the offertory.

New American Bible
Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury.

New Revised Standard Version
Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Jesus called his disciples, and said to them, Truly I say to you, that this poor widow has cast in the treasury more than all the men who are casting;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But Yeshua called his disciples and he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow has cast in more than all the people who have cast into the treasury,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he called his disciples to him, and said to them: Verily I say to you, this poor widow has thrown in more than all that have thrown into the treasury.

Godbey New Testament
And calling His disciples to Him, He says to them, Truly I say unto you, That this poor widow has cast in more than all those casting into the treasury.

Haweis New Testament
And having called his disciples, he said unto them, I tell you truly, that this poor widow hath cast in more than all who have cast into the treasury:

Mace New Testament
upon which he call'd to his disciples, and said to them, I declare unto you, that this poor widow has given more than any of those, who have given to the treasury.

Weymouth New Testament
So He called His disciples to Him and said, "In solemn truth I tell you that this widow, poor as she is, has thrown in more than all the other contributors to the Treasury;

Worrell New Testament
And, calling to Him His disciples, He said to them, "Verily I say to you, this poor widow cast in more than all who are casting into the treasury;

Worsley New Testament
And He called his disciples to Him, and saith unto them, Verily I tell you, that this poor widow has given more than all those who have cast into the treasury.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Widow's Offering
42Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. 43 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. 44For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”…

Cross References
Luke 21:3
“Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.

2 Corinthians 8:12
For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

2 Corinthians 9:7
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.

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, ...

Acts 4:34-35
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.

Philippians 4:18
I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

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 2:5
Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?

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.” ...

2 Kings 4:1-7
Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” / “How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” / “Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few. ...

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

Proverbs 22:9
A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

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. ...

Psalm 41:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.


Treasury of Scripture

And he called to him his disciples, and said to them, Truly I say to you, That this poor widow has cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

That.

Exodus 35:21-29
And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments…

Matthew 10:42
And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Acts 11:29
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

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Box Cast Casting Contributing Disciples Money Others Poor Putting Solemn Thrown Treasury Truth Verily Widow
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Box Cast Casting Contributing Disciples Money Others Poor Putting Solemn Thrown Treasury Truth Verily Widow
Mark 12
1. Jesus tells the parable of the tenants
13. He avoids the snare of the Pharisees and Herodians about paying tribute to Caesar;
18. convicts the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection;
28. resolves the scribe, who questioned of the first commandment;
35. refutes the opinion that the scribes held of the Christ;
38. bidding the people to beware of their ambition and hypocrisy;
41. and commends the poor widow for her two mites, above all.














Calling His disciples to Him
This phrase indicates a moment of teaching and revelation. Jesus often used such moments to impart significant spiritual truths to His disciples. The Greek word for "calling" (προσκαλεσάμενος, proskalesamenos) suggests an intentional summoning, emphasizing the importance of what He is about to say. In the historical context, rabbis would gather their disciples to teach them lessons that were not only for their understanding but also for their transformation. Jesus, as the ultimate Rabbi, uses this moment to teach a profound lesson on giving and sacrifice.

Jesus said
The authority of Jesus' words is underscored here. In the Gospels, when Jesus speaks, it is with divine authority and wisdom. The Greek verb "said" (λέγει, legei) is in the present tense, indicating the immediacy and relevance of His teaching. This is not just a historical account but a living word that continues to speak to believers today. Jesus' words are a direct revelation from God, and they carry the weight of divine truth.

Truly I tell you
The phrase "Truly I tell you" (Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, Amēn legō hymin) is a solemn affirmation used by Jesus to introduce statements of great importance. The word "truly" (Ἀμὴν, Amēn) is derived from Hebrew, meaning "firm" or "faithful," and is used to assert the truthfulness and reliability of what follows. In the scriptural context, this phrase is a call to pay close attention, as Jesus is about to reveal a truth that challenges conventional understanding.

this poor widow
The focus on "this poor widow" highlights her specific situation and the broader social context. Widows in ancient Israel were often among the most vulnerable, lacking financial support and social standing. The Greek word for "poor" (πτωχὴ, ptōchē) implies destitution and reliance on others for survival. By drawing attention to her, Jesus elevates her act of giving as an example of true faith and devotion, contrasting it with the superficial offerings of the wealthy.

has put more
The phrase "has put more" (ἔβαλεν πλεῖον, ebalen pleion) is paradoxical, as it defies the materialistic view of value. The Greek word "more" (πλεῖον, pleion) suggests a greater quantity or value, not in monetary terms but in spiritual significance. Jesus redefines what it means to give, emphasizing the heart and sacrifice behind the act rather than the amount. This teaching challenges believers to evaluate their own giving and the motivations behind it.

than all the others
This comparison "than all the others" (πάντων τῶν βαλλόντων, pantōn tōn ballontōn) underscores the widow's offering as surpassing that of the wealthy contributors. The Greek construction indicates a collective group, emphasizing that her small gift, given out of poverty, holds greater spiritual weight than the large sums given out of abundance. This highlights the biblical principle that God values the heart and intent behind the gift more than the gift itself.

into the treasury
The "treasury" (γαζοφυλάκιον, gazophylakion) refers to the collection boxes in the temple where offerings were placed. Archaeological findings suggest these were trumpet-shaped receptacles, designed to collect contributions for the temple's upkeep and charitable purposes. The act of giving to the treasury was a public one, yet Jesus points out that true giving is measured by the sacrifice and sincerity of the giver, not by public recognition or the amount given. This teaching encourages believers to give with a pure heart, trusting that God sees and values their sacrifice.

(43) And he called unto him his disciples.--The act was significant. He sought to teach them to judge of acts by other than a quantitative standard. For him the widow's mites and the ointment that might have been sold for 300 pence stood on the same level, so far as each was the expression of a generous and self-sacrificing love.

Verses 43, 44. - This poor widow hath cast in more. The right reading of the verb here is ἔβαλε, not βέβληκε; this aoristic rendering has very good authority - this poor widow cast in more. Her act is completed, and has gone up for a memorial before God . She "gave" more than all the others who are casting (τῶν βαλλόντων), not "have cast in (τῶν βαλόντων)." She gave more, when she threw in those two mites, than all the others were giving - more, that is, in the estimation of him who sees not as man sees. God does not weigh the gift so much as the mind of the giver. That gift is really the greater in his sight, not which is actually of greater value, but which is greater in respect of the giver. Therefore this poor widow, when she gave her farthing, gave more than they all, because she gave all her living - all, that is, that she had beforehand for that day, trusting that the Lord would give her her bread for that day. And so she carried off the palm for liberality, Christ himself proudly present, but what you offer with being the Judge. St. Ambrose says, "That humility and devotion." which God esteems is not that which you proudly present, but what you offer with humility and devotion.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Jesus] called
προσκαλεσάμενος (proskalesamenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4341: To call to myself, summon. Middle voice from pros and kaleo; to call toward oneself, i.e. Summon, invite.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
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.

disciples {to Him}
μαθητὰς (mathētas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

[and] said,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Truly
Ἀμὴν (Amēn)
Hebrew Word
Strong's 281: Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.

I tell
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

this
αὕτη (hautē)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

poor
πτωχὴ (ptōchē)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4434: Poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad.

widow
χήρα (chēra)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5503: Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively.

has put
ἔβαλεν (ebalen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 906: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.

more
πλεῖον (pleion)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative
Strong's 4119: Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.

than all
πάντων (pantōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive 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.

[others]
βαλλόντων (ballontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive 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.

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: Mark 12:43 He called his disciples to himself (Mar Mk Mr)
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