New Testament
Luke 21:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he noticed a poor widow put in 2 small copper coins.
Compare translations
And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
What Luke 21:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus observes a poor widow who contributes two small coins, known as mites, to the temple treasury. Despite her poverty, she gives what little she has, demonstrating her faith and devotion. This act contrasts with the larger donations made by the wealthy, highlighting that the value of a gift is not determined by its monetary amount but by the heart behind it. Jesus uses this moment to teach his disciples about true generosity and sacrifice. The widow's offering, though small, is significant because it represents her entire livelihood. This story encourages believers to consider the spirit of giving rather than the size of the gift, emphasizing that God values our willingness to give from our hearts, regardless of our financial status.
How to apply Luke 21:2 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our own giving. Are we generous with what we have, regardless of the amount? It encourages us to give from our hearts, prioritizing faith and devotion over the size of our contributions. Every act of kindness counts.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Widow's Offering (Luke 21:1–4)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 21:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 21:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 21:2 mean?
Luke 21:2 describes Jesus observing a poor widow who donates two small coins, known as mites, to the temple treasury. This act illustrates that true generosity is measured by the heart and sacrifice behind the gift, rather than its monetary value.
What is the significance of the widow's offering in Luke 21:2?
The widow's offering is significant because it represents her entire livelihood, showing her deep faith and devotion. It teaches that even small contributions can be valuable when given with sincerity and sacrifice.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 21:2?
Luke 21:2 teaches us about the importance of giving from the heart, regardless of the amount. It encourages believers to prioritize faith and devotion in their generosity, highlighting that every act of kindness matters.
How does Luke 21:2 contrast wealth and poverty?
In Luke 21:2, the contrast between the widow's small offering and the larger donations from the wealthy emphasizes that the value of a gift is not based on its size but on the spirit in which it is given.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.