The term "denary" refers to a Roman coin known as the denarius, which was commonly used during the time of the New Testament. The denarius was a silver coin that held significant value in the Roman economy and is frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of wages and transactions.

Historical Context

The denarius was introduced around 211 BC and became the standard Roman silver coin. By the time of the New Testament, it was widely circulated throughout the Roman Empire, including Judea. The coin typically featured the image of the reigning emperor, serving both as currency and a tool of imperial propaganda.

Biblical References

The denarius is mentioned in several passages in the New Testament, often highlighting its role in daily life and economic transactions. One of the most notable references is found in the parable of the workers in the vineyard, where the denarius is used as a day's wage:

"When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’ The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius." (Matthew 20:8-9)

This parable illustrates the generosity of the landowner and the concept of divine grace, using the denarius as a symbol of fair compensation for labor.

Another significant mention of the denarius is in the account of Jesus being questioned about paying taxes to Caesar. The Pharisees and Herodians sought to trap Jesus with a question about the legality of paying taxes to the Roman authorities. Jesus' response highlights the denarius as a representation of earthly authority:

"Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. “Whose image is this,” He asked, “and whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:19-21)

This passage underscores the distinction between earthly and divine obligations, using the denarius as a tangible example of the former.

Economic Implications

In the New Testament era, the denarius was a significant amount of money, often representing a day's wage for a laborer. This is evident in the parable of the vineyard workers and in other contexts where the denarius is used to convey the value of goods or services. The coin's value made it a common reference point for discussions about wealth, poverty, and stewardship.

Symbolic Meaning

Beyond its economic significance, the denarius also carries symbolic weight in the teachings of Jesus. It serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of earthly wealth and the importance of prioritizing spiritual over material concerns. The use of the denarius in Jesus' teachings often challenges listeners to consider their relationship with money and authority in light of God's kingdom.

In summary, the denarius, or denary, is a key element in understanding the economic and social context of the New Testament. Its appearances in the biblical narrative provide insight into the daily life of the time and serve as a vehicle for deeper spiritual lessons.1. (a.) Containing ten; tenfold; proceeding by tens; as, the denary, or decimal, scale.

2. (n.) The number ten; a division into ten.

3. (n.) A coin; the Anglicized form of denarius.

Of the Third Seal.
... A denary, or penny, was the ordinary wages for a day's work, which is obvious
from the Gospel; it was also the daily stipend of the soldiers. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the third seal.htm

Psalm CXI.
... which season we sing Allelujah, not the term and passing away of a certain season
is signified, but that blessed eternity; because the denary [4986] added to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxi.htm

The Second Trumpet.
... In the mean time, however, we do not think that the circumscription of this denary
is to be so rigidly interpreted, as to exclude more kingdoms at any one time ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the second trumpet.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... temple, [272]681. Deluge, ark of the Church refuge from, [273]67; of persecutions,
[274]511. Denary, [275]545. Detraction, a stumbling ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

Denary (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Containing ten; tenfold; proceeding by tens;
as, the denary, or decimal, scale. ...Denary (8 Occurrences). ...
/d/denary.htm - 8k

Denarius (8 Occurrences)

/d/denarius.htm - 9k

Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences)
... Matthew 20:13 And he answering said to one of them, Comrade, I do no unrighteousness
to thee; for a denary didst not thou agree with me? (YLT). ...
/u/unrighteousness.htm - 22k

Tribute-coin (1 Occurrence)
... Tribute-coin (1 Occurrence). Matthew 22:19 show me the tribute-coin?' and they brought
to him a denary; (YLT). Tribute, Tribute-coin. Tribute-money . ...
/t/tribute-coin.htm - 6k

Denial (1 Occurrence)

/d/denial.htm - 7k

Comrade (9 Occurrences)
... Matthew 20:13 And he answering said to one of them, Comrade, I do no unrighteousness
to thee; for a denary didst not thou agree with me? (YLT). ...
/c/comrade.htm - 9k

Agreeing (3 Occurrences)
... cast, (YLT). Matthew 20:2 and having agreed with the workmen for a denary
a day, he sent them into his vineyard. (See RSV). Revelation ...
/a/agreeing.htm - 7k

Mayest (240 Occurrences)
... Revelation 6:6 and I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying,
'A measure of wheat for a denary, and three measures of barley for a denary...
/m/mayest.htm - 36k

Denary: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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