Topical Encyclopedia The term "pennyworth" or "penny" in biblical context refers to a small unit of currency used during the time of the New Testament. The Greek term "δηνάριον" (denarion) is often translated as "penny" in some English versions of the Bible, including the Berean Standard Bible . This coin was a Roman denarius, which was commonly used in the Roman Empire and is frequently mentioned in the New Testament.Biblical References: 1. Matthew 20:2 : "He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard." In this parable of the workers in the vineyard, Jesus uses the denarius to illustrate the kingdom of heaven and the generosity of God. The denarius, or penny, represents a day's wage for a laborer, highlighting the fairness and sufficiency of God's provision. 2. Mark 12:15 : "Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.” Here, the denarius is used in the context of a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus' response, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," underscores the principle of fulfilling civic duties while maintaining spiritual obligations. 3. Revelation 6:6 : "And I heard what sounded like a voice from among the four living creatures, saying, 'A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine.'" This passage, part of the vision of the Four Horsemen, uses the denarius to depict economic hardship and scarcity during the end times. The penny's value is shown in the context of inflation and famine, emphasizing the severity of the tribulations described. Cultural and Historical Context: The denarius was a silver coin that served as the standard Roman currency during the time of Jesus. It was widely recognized and used throughout the Roman Empire, making it a fitting symbol in Jesus' teachings and parables. The value of a denarius as a day's wage for a laborer is significant in understanding the economic conditions of the time and the social implications of Jesus' messages. In the broader biblical narrative, the use of the penny or denarius highlights themes of justice, provision, and the relationship between earthly and divine responsibilities. The coin serves as a tangible representation of daily life in the Roman world, providing insight into the economic realities faced by the people of that era. Theological Implications: The references to the penny or denarius in the New Testament often carry deeper theological meanings. They illustrate the principles of God's kingdom, such as fairness, generosity, and the call to prioritize spiritual over material wealth. The teachings of Jesus using the denarius challenge believers to consider their own attitudes towards money, work, and their responsibilities to both earthly authorities and God. Overall, the pennyworth or penny, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful tool for conveying spiritual truths and moral lessons, reflecting the economic and social context of the time while pointing to eternal principles. Smith's Bible Dictionary Pennyworth PennyIn the New Testament "penny," either alone or in the compound "pennyworth," occurs as the rendering of the Roman denarius . (Matthew 20:2; 22:10; Mark 6:37; 12:15; Luke 20:24; John 6:7; Revelation 6:6) The denarius was the chief Roman silver coin, and was worth about 15 to 17 cents. Library The Five Thousand Fed. On the Danger of Increasing Riches The Lad's Loaves in the Lord's Hands The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, A Few Sighs from Hell; Resources Pennyworth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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