New Testament
Luke 21:1
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Jesus looked up and watched the wealthy dropping their gifts into the temple treasury.
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And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
What Luke 21:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus observes the wealthy individuals as they contribute money to the temple treasury. This moment highlights the act of giving and the motivations behind it. While the rich are making large donations, Jesus is about to contrast their gifts with those of a poor widow who gives a small amount but with great sacrifice. This scene sets the stage for a deeper lesson about the true value of giving, emphasizing that it is not the amount given that matters, but the heart and intention behind the gift. Jesus' attention to the act of giving reveals his concern for genuine generosity over mere appearances. He teaches that God values the spirit of giving more than the size of the gift, encouraging us to reflect on our own contributions and the motivations behind them. This observation serves as a reminder that true generosity often comes from those who give selflessly, regardless of their financial status.
How to apply Luke 21:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own giving habits. Are we giving out of abundance without thought, or are we considering the impact of our contributions? True generosity comes from the heart, regardless of the amount. We should strive to give selflessly and with intention.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Widow's Offering (Luke 21:1–4)
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Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 21:1 mean?
Luke 21:1 describes Jesus observing wealthy individuals as they donate to the temple treasury. This moment highlights the contrast between their large gifts and the upcoming example of a poor widow who gives a small amount, emphasizing that the value of a gift lies in the heart and intention behind it.
What is the significance of the wealthy giving in Luke 21:1?
The wealthy giving in Luke 21:1 serves to illustrate the difference between outward appearances and true generosity. While they contribute large sums, Jesus is more concerned with the spirit of giving, which will be contrasted with the sacrificial gift of a poor widow.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 21:1?
From Luke 21:1, we learn that true generosity is not about the size of the gift but the intention behind it. Jesus teaches that selfless giving, regardless of financial status, is what truly matters in the eyes of God.
What does Jesus observe in Luke 21:1?
In Luke 21:1, Jesus observes wealthy individuals dropping their gifts into the temple treasury. This observation sets the stage for a deeper lesson about the nature of giving and the importance of the heart behind the contributions.
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