The term "penny-worth" appears in the context of the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Mark. It is a translation of the Greek word "dēnarion," which refers to a Roman coin known as the denarius. The denarius was a common silver coin in the Roman Empire and was typically considered a day's wage for a laborer. This coin is significant in understanding the economic and social context of the New Testament period.

Biblical Reference:

The term "penny-worth" is found in Mark 6:37 in the Berean Standard Bible : "But Jesus told them, 'You give them something to eat.' 'With what?' they asked. 'Are we to go and spend two hundred denarii to give all of them bread to eat?'" In this passage, the disciples express their concern about the cost of feeding a large crowd, highlighting the substantial amount of money—two hundred denarii—required to purchase enough food. This amount underscores the magnitude of the miracle that Jesus was about to perform, as He would feed thousands with just five loaves and two fish.

Cultural and Economic Context:

In the Roman economy, the denarius was a standard unit of currency and was widely used throughout the empire. It was minted from silver and bore the image of the reigning emperor, serving not only as currency but also as a tool of political propaganda. The value of a denarius as a day's wage provides insight into the economic conditions of the time, illustrating the financial challenges faced by ordinary people, including Jesus' disciples.

The mention of "two hundred denarii" in Mark 6:37 reflects the disciples' practical concerns about the feasibility of feeding such a large crowd. This amount would have been a significant expenditure, equivalent to more than half a year's wages for a laborer. The disciples' question reveals their reliance on human resources and their initial lack of understanding of Jesus' divine power to provide.

Theological Implications:

The use of "penny-worth" in this context serves to emphasize the miraculous nature of Jesus' provision. It highlights the contrast between human limitations and divine abundance. While the disciples were focused on the financial impossibility of the situation, Jesus demonstrated His authority over creation by multiplying the loaves and fish, providing more than enough for everyone present.

This passage also serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and trust in God's provision. It challenges believers to look beyond their immediate circumstances and to rely on God's ability to meet their needs, even when resources seem insufficient. The miracle of the feeding of the five thousand is a testament to Jesus' compassion and His power to provide for His people in ways that surpass human understanding.

In summary, the term "penny-worth" in the New Testament provides valuable insight into the economic realities of the time and serves as a backdrop for one of Jesus' most well-known miracles. It underscores the theme of divine provision and the call to trust in God's abundance.1220. denarion -- denarius (a Roman coin)
... denarius, pence, penny. Of Latin origin; a denarius (or ten asses) -- pence,
penny(-worth). (denaria) -- 3 Occurrences. (denarion) -- 5 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1220.htm - 6k

Of the Question as to How the Four Evangelists Harmonize with Each ...
... do. Philip answered Him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient
for them, that every one of them may take a little. One ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xlvi of the question as.htm

The Fourth Miracle in John's Gospel
... He, to one of the disciples alone, suggests the question, 'Whence shall we buy bread
that these may eat?' and that the answer, 'Two hundred pennyworth of bread ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the fourth miracle in johns.htm

The World's Bread
... He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto Him, Shall
we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? 38. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the worlds bread.htm

Characteristics of the Twelve
... And in just the same way, when Philip argues that two hundred pennyworth of bread
are not enough for the multitude, Andrew intervenes with practical ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 3 14-19 characteristics of the.htm

Jesus the Bread of Life.
... his opportunity, and, wholly oblivious of the resources of Jesus, casts His eye
rapidly over the crowd and estimates that "two hundred pennyworth"[22] of bread ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xiv jesus the bread of.htm

Bread in the Desert
... But He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto Him,
Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 6 30-46 bread in the.htm

"Give Ye them to Eat"
... He answered that two hundred pennyworth of bread would not be nearly enough
to divide among them, so that each might have a little. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 39 give ye them.htm

On the Danger of Increasing Riches
... I know a man that goes to the market at the beginning of every week: There he buys
a pennyworth of parsnips, which he boils in a large quantity of water. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 126 on the danger.htm

At that Time Herod the Tetrarch Heard of the Fame of Jesus...
... [1311] Philip said [Arabic, p.72] unto him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread would
not suffice them after [1312] [33] every one of them hath taken a small amount ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xviii at that time.htm

The Five Thousand Fed.
... He often asked questions for the sake of their moral effect upon others. (John
6:7). 7. Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the five thousand fed.htm

Pennyworth (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A penny'sworth; as much as may be bought for
a penny. ... Multi-Version Concordance Pennyworth (2 Occurrences). ...
/p/pennyworth.htm - 7k

Penny-worth (1 Occurrence)
Penny-worth. Pennyworth, Penny-worth. Pens . Multi-Version Concordance
Penny-worth (1 Occurrence). ... Pennyworth, Penny-worth. Pens . Reference Bible.
/p/penny-worth.htm - 6k

Penny (14 Occurrences)

/p/penny.htm - 12k

Pens (8 Occurrences)

/p/pens.htm - 8k

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