Topical Bible: Money: Copper Used As

◄ Money: Copper Used As ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, copper was one of the metals used for currency and trade, playing a significant role in the economic practices of ancient societies. The use of copper as money is evidenced in various passages of the Bible, reflecting its importance in daily transactions and religious practices.

Historical Context

Copper, along with silver and gold, was a valuable metal in the ancient Near East. It was commonly used for making coins, tools, and various artifacts. The abundance and utility of copper made it a practical choice for smaller denominations of currency, complementing the more valuable silver and gold.

Biblical References

While the Bible does not explicitly mention copper coins, it does reference the use of copper in various contexts that imply its economic significance. For instance, in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, copper was used extensively, indicating its availability and value (Exodus 27:2-3, 1 Kings 7:45-47).

In the New Testament, the widow's offering of two small copper coins, known as "lepta," is a notable example of copper's use as money. In Mark 12:41-44 , Jesus observes the widow's offering: "Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury.'" This passage highlights the use of copper coins in everyday transactions and religious offerings.

Economic and Religious Significance

Copper's role in the economy of biblical times was multifaceted. It served not only as a medium of exchange but also as a material for crafting items used in worship and daily life. The use of copper in the Tabernacle and Temple underscores its religious significance, as it was considered a worthy material for sacred purposes.

The widow's offering of copper coins also illustrates the spiritual principle that the value of a gift is not determined by its monetary worth but by the heart and sacrifice behind it. This teaching emphasizes the importance of intention and devotion over material wealth.

Conclusion

Copper, as a form of money, played a crucial role in the economic and religious life of biblical societies. Its use in the construction of sacred spaces and in everyday transactions reflects its significance and the broader biblical themes of stewardship, sacrifice, and devotion.

Nave's Topical Index

Mark 6:8
And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no money, no bread, no money in their purse:
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 12:41
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

5475. chalkos -- copper or bronze
... of hollowing out as a vessel (this metal being chiefly used for that purpose); copper
(the substance, or some implement or coin made of it) -- brass, money. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5475.htm - 6k

Library

Christ's Charge to his Heralds
... Not even copper money is to be taken. The 'wallet' was a leather satchel or bag,
used by shepherds and others to carry a little food; sustenance, then, was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/christs charge to his heralds.htm

Of Removing Tithes.
... are due for all herbs, plants, and seeds, sown in them; but money is generally ... Nor
coals, tin, chalk, lead, copper or other ore, clay, turf used for fire ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/8 of removing tithes.htm

A Notice of Aetius, Eunomius' Master in Heresy, and of Eunomius ...
... for the wash got rubbed off the copper; and, as ... physician, had advanced him frequent
sums of money; and he ... was secured from agricultural work, he used to carve ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 6 a notice of.htm

Starting a Newspaper. An Experience of Mr. John Jones.
... "Never saw a copper of their money. ... I owed the money, and no mistake. ... I had used,
on my own personal account, four hundred dollars during the year. ...
/.../arthur/words for the wise/starting a newspaper an experience.htm

The Blessedness of Giving
... patented some kind of a crank or spindle used in the ... I should like to know if a little
money would be ... it now turns out to yield abundance of excellent copper. ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the blessedness of giving.htm

The Bishop at Work
... a coat, two shirts, a rattle, knife, staff, copper girdle, bed ... him, kiss them, serve
them with meat, drink, and money. ... I to feel of that humour which used to be ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter v the bishop at.htm

The Approval of the Spirit
... he incloses his check for a sum of money which he ... this little English possession
there was a copper mine and ... the time but was not appropriated and used by him. ...
/.../chapman/and judas iscariot/the approval of the spirit.htm

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... David had laid up money and material for the great work ... had to supply the cedar wood,
iron, copper, brass, tin ... laver, called "a molten sea," to be used for the ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... See the triangular stylus of copper or bronze ... mit, til, ziz; as an ideogram it was
used for a ... town, a trousseau, furniture, slaves, or ready money; the whole ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Evolution of Language
... been any doubt as to whether they were copper or silver ... the child gives her jar,
dropping the money into his ... to moods, and rival words only when used of every ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter v the evolution of.htm