Topical Encyclopedia
The term "halfpenny" does not appear directly in the Bible, as it is a denomination of currency that developed much later in history. However, understanding the concept of small denominations of money in biblical times can provide insight into the economic and social contexts of the Scriptures.
Biblical Context of Currency:In biblical times, currency was often in the form of weights of precious metals such as gold, silver, and copper. The smallest units of currency mentioned in the Bible include the "mite" and the "lepton," which were used during the time of Jesus. These coins were of very low value, similar to what a halfpenny would represent in later centuries.
The Widow's Offering:A notable biblical account that highlights the significance of small denominations is the account of the widow's offering. In
Mark 12:41-44 , Jesus observes people giving money into the temple treasury. A poor widow contributes two small coins, known as "lepta," which were the smallest coins in circulation at the time. Jesus remarks, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on" (
Mark 12:43-44). This passage underscores the value of sacrificial giving, regardless of the monetary amount.
Economic Implications:The use of small denominations like the mite or lepton in biblical times reflects the economic realities of the period. Many people lived in poverty, and even small amounts of money were significant. The Bible frequently addresses issues of wealth, poverty, and the proper use of resources, emphasizing that the heart's intention is more important than the amount given.
Moral and Spiritual Lessons:The concept of the halfpenny, though not directly mentioned, can be related to biblical teachings on stewardship and generosity. The Bible encourages believers to be faithful with what they have, whether much or little. In
Luke 16:10 , Jesus teaches, "Whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little is also dishonest with much." This principle applies to all aspects of life, including financial stewardship.
Conclusion:While the halfpenny itself is not a biblical term, the principles surrounding small denominations of money are deeply embedded in Scripture. The Bible's teachings on giving, stewardship, and the value of each contribution, regardless of size, continue to resonate with believers today.
Library
On Smart Novelists and the Smart Set
... in scrolls and statute books and scriptures; but men's basic assumptions and
everlasting energies are to be found in penny dreadfuls andhalfpenny novelettes....
To the Rev. J. Jowett
... Dr. Schmidt assured me that one rouble and forty copecks, or, according to the English
currency, fourteenpencehalfpenny, were formerly paid for the binding of...
"Attracted by the Influence"
... It came to fourpencehalfpenny, which we paid for the sake of peace, though she
told them where the money was, and we found out later that she had told the...
"Pan, Pan is Dead"
... We hesitate; he is poor, but we are so very thirsty. The next stall-keeper
reads our hearts, throws ahalfpenny to the butter-milk man....
Earliest Memories
... day, no doubt wishing to see how far my pride would go, she smiled and said to me,
"Therese, if you will kiss the ground I will give you ahalfpenny." In those...
Earliest Memories
... no doubt wishing to see how far my pride would go, she smiled and said to me, "Th??r??se,
if you will kiss the ground I will give you ahalfpenny." In those...
Of a Modus, Custom, &C.
... A modus of one penny for every sheep, and ahalfpenny for every lamb brought into
the parish after Candlemas, and sold out before shearing time, is not an...
If Unveiling be Proper, Why not Practise it Always, Out of the...
... But if we are prohibited from letting "our left hand know" when we bestow the gift
of a singlehalfpenny, or any eleemosynary bounty whatever, how deep should...
On Costly Vessels.
... or the footpan the dirt of the foot? Will the table that is fashioned with
ivory feet be indignant at bearing a three-halfpenny loaf?...
All the Day Long
... The Pharisee, with ahalfpenny in one hand and a trumpet in the other, is a picture
of the man who gives an alms only that his praises may be sounded forth....
Thesaurus
Penny (14 Occurrences)... Matthew 10:29 Do not two sparrows sell for a
halfpenny?
... Mark 12:42 But there came
one poor widow and dropped in two farthings, equal in value to a
halfpenny.
...Halfpenny (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceHalfpenny (2 Occurrences). Matthew 10:29 Do not
two sparrows sell for ahalfpenny? Yet not one of them...
Yet (1244 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Matthew 10:29 Do not two sparrows sell for ahalfpenny? Yet not one of them
will fall to the ground without your Father's leave. (WEY NAS NIV)....
Value (138 Occurrences)
... KJV BBE WBS). Mark 12:42 But there came one poor widow and dropped in two
farthings, equal in value to ahalfpenny. (WEY). Luke 12...
Leave (341 Occurrences)
... (WEY RSV NIV). Matthew 10:29 Do not two sparrows sell for ahalfpenny? Yet not one
of them will fall to the ground without your Father's leave. (WEY)....
Farthings (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Farthings (3 Occurrences). Mark 12:42 But there came one
poor widow and dropped in two farthings, equal in value to ahalfpenny. (WEY)...
Farthing (5 Occurrences)
... Matthew 10:29; Luke 12:6. Greek assarion, ie, a small as, which was a Roman coin
equal to a tenth of a denarius or drachma, nearly equal to ahalfpenny of our...
Dropped (52 Occurrences)
... the sea. (BBE). Mark 12:42 But there came one poor widow and dropped in
two farthings, equal in value to ahalfpenny. (WEY). Luke...
Mite (1 Occurrence)
... very smallest bronze of copper coin (Luke 12:59; 21:2). Two mites made one quadrans,
ie, the fourth part of a Roman as, which was in value nearly ahalfpenny....
Alabaster (6 Occurrences)
... Mark says (14:5) that this box of ointment was worth more than 300 pence, ie, denarii,
each of the value of sevenpencehalfpenny of our money, and therefore...
Resources
Halfpenny: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
