42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, [1] which make a farthing.

Other Translations of Mark 12:42

New International Version

42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

English Standard Version

42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny.Greek two lepta, which make a kodrantes; a kodrantes (Latin quadrans) was a Roman copper coin worth about 1/64 of a denarius (which was a day's wage for a laborer)

The Message

42 One poor widow came up and put in two small coins - a measly two cents.

New King James Version

42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.

New Living Translation

42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 12:42

Commentary on Mark 12:41-44

(Read Mark 12:41-44)

Let us not forget that Jesus still sees the treasury. He knows how much, and from what motives, men give to his cause. He looks at the heart, and what our views are, in giving alms; and whether we do it as unto the Lord, or only to be seen of men. It is so rare to find any who would not blame this widow, that we cannot expect to find many who will do like to her; and yet our Saviour commends her, therefore we are sure that she did well and wisely. The feeble efforts of the poor to honour their Saviour, will be commended in that day, when the splendid actions of unbelievers will be exposed to contempt.