Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the term "penny" is often used in English translations of the Bible to refer to a Roman coin known as the "denarius." The denarius was a silver coin that was commonly used during the time of Jesus and the early Roman Empire. It held significant value and was typically the daily wage for a laborer or soldier.
Biblical References:1.
Matthew 20:2 · In the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, Jesus illustrates the kingdom of heaven by comparing it to a landowner who hires laborers for his vineyard. "He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard." This parable highlights themes of grace, generosity, and the sovereignty of God in dispensing His blessings.
2.
Matthew 22:19-21 · When questioned about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus responds by asking for a denarius. "Show Me the coin used for the tax." And they brought Him a denarius. "Whose image is this," He asked, "and whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they answered. So Jesus told them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." This passage underscores the principle of dual responsibility to earthly authorities and to God.
3.
Mark 12:15 · In a similar account to Matthew, Jesus is tested by the Pharisees and Herodians regarding the lawfulness of paying taxes to Caesar. He requests a denarius to make His point about civic duty and spiritual obligation.
4.
Luke 20:24 · Luke's Gospel also records the incident of Jesus asking for a denarius to teach about the relationship between civic and divine responsibilities. "Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?" "Caesar's," they answered.
5.
Revelation 6:6 · In the apocalyptic vision of the Four Horsemen, the third horseman brings economic hardship. "Then I heard what sounded like a voice 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 imagery conveys scarcity and inflation, reflecting the severe conditions during the end times.
Cultural and Historical Context:The denarius was first minted in the late third century BC and became a standard Roman coin. It typically featured the image of the reigning emperor, which is why Jesus' question about the image on the coin was significant. The use of the denarius in Jesus' teachings and parables provided a relatable and tangible reference for His audience, who were familiar with its value and use in daily transactions.
The denarius also serves as a symbol of the economic realities of the time, reflecting the labor and commerce that were integral to society. Its mention in the Bible provides insight into the socio-economic conditions of the era and the practical aspects of life that intersected with spiritual teachings.
Theological Implications:The references to the penny, or denarius, in the Bible often carry deeper theological meanings. They illustrate the principles of fairness, justice, and the kingdom of God, as seen in the parable of the vineyard workers. The discussions about taxes and the denarius highlight the balance between earthly obligations and spiritual devotion, reminding believers of their dual citizenship in the world and the kingdom of heaven.
In Revelation, the mention of the denarius in the context of famine and economic distress serves as a warning of the trials that will precede the final judgment, urging believers to remain steadfast in faith amidst tribulation.
ATS Bible Dictionary
PennyThe Greek drachma, or Roman denarious, equivalent to about fourteen cents. In reading the Scripture passage in which this word, occurs, we should consider that the real value of money, to purchase labor or commodities, was far greater then that now; and also that even the nominal value of the drachma would be better expressed by "shilling," or "franc," than by "penny." Thus, "two hundred shillings' worth of bread would not suffice,"Mark 6:37; "he took out two francs and gave them to the host,"Luke 10:35. So inRevelation 6:6, "a measure of wheat for a penny" expresses to the English reader the idea of great plenty; whereas the original indicates a distressing scarcity. A drachma in Christ's time was good wages for a day's labor in a vineyard,Matthew 20:2.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Gr. denarion), a silver coin of the value of about 7 1/2d. or 8d. of our present money. It is thus rendered in the New Testament, and is more frequently mentioned than any other coin (
Matthew 18:28;
20:2, 9, 13;
Mark 6:37;
14:5, etc.). It was the daily pay of a Roman soldier in the time of Christ. In the reign of Edward III. an English penny was a labourer's day's wages. This was the "tribute money" with reference to which our Lord said, "Whose image and superscription is this?" When they answered, "Caesar's," he replied, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's" (
Matthew 22:19;
Mark 12:15).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Denoting pound weight for one thousand; -- used in combination, with respect to nails; as, ten penny nails, nails of which one thousand weight ten pounds.
2. (n.) An English coin, formerly of copper, now of bronze, the twelfth part of an English shilling in account value, and equal to four farthings, or about two cents; -- usually indicated by the abbreviation d. (the initial of denarius).
3. (n.) Any small sum or coin; a groat; a stiver.
4. (n.) Money, in general; as, to turn an honest penny.
5. (n.) See Denarius.
6. (a.) Worth or costing one penny.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PENNYpen'-i (denarion; Latin denarius (which see)): the American Standard Revised Version (Matthew 18:28;Matthew 20:2, 9, 10, 13, etc.) renders it by "shilling" except inMatthew 22:19Mark 12:15 andLuke 20:24, where it retains the original term as it refers to a particular coin.
SeeDENARIUS;MONEY.
PENCE; PENNY
pens.
SeeMONEY.
Greek
1220. denarion -- denarius (a Roman coin)... coin) NASB Word Usage denarii (7), denarius (9). denarius, pence,
penny. Of Latin
origin; a denarius (or ten asses) -- pence,
penny(-worth).
...Library
Nor Indeed Hath the Holy Spirit Failed to Speak what Should be of...
... What then, say they, is the meaning of thatpenny, which is given in payment
to all alike when the work of the vineyard is ended?...
The Labourers in the vineyard.
... "Go, work within my vineyard's bound, At eve your 'penny'[1] shall be found:" So
spake the vineyard's lord, and they Began to toil at break of day....
A Caution to Stir up to Watch against Sin
... number of single-sheet poems, songs, and proclamations; a memorandum on it, in the
writing of Narcissus Luttrel, shews that he bought it for onepenny, on the...
Diamond Said Nothing to his Mother About his Adventures. ...
... back. He drew Diamond's bridle in eager anxiety to see whether her
outstretched hand would gather apenny from Mrs. Coleman. But...
One Day when Old Diamond was Standing with his Nose in his Bag...
... He was pleased to find it so clean, for the streets were muddy, and he had nice
boots on; so he put his hand in his pocket, and gave the girl apenny....
Verily I Say unto You, it is Difficult for a Rich Man to Enter The...
... vineyard. [2031] And he agreed with the labourers on [29] onepenny a day
for each labourer, and he sent them into his vineyard. [2032...
Putting Clouds Over the Sun
... PUTTING CLOUDS OVER THE SUN. A little boy was walking down the street rejoicing
in the possession of a bright newpenny. He was going to buy some candy with it....
How to Work God's Joy-Machine
... "Why, it seems it does not work this morning!". "Of course not," answered Brother
Littlejoy, "you have to drop apenny in the slot before it will act."....
John Chapter xiv. 1-3.
... All alike have thatpenny, which the householder orders to be given to all that
have wrought in the vineyard, making no distinction therein between those who...
Letter Xliii. To Marcella.
... The gain of apenny [906] fills us with joy; the loss of a half-penny [907] plunges
us into sorrow.... [907] Obolus = 3-1-2 cents = 1penny 3[farthings....
Thesaurus
Penny (14 Occurrences)... In the reign of Edward III. an English
penny was a labourer's day's wages.
... 4. (n.)
Money, in general; as, to turn an honest
penny. 5. (n.) See Denarius.
...Penny-worth (1 Occurrence)
Penny-worth. Pennyworth,Penny-worth. Pens . Multi-Version Concordance
Penny-worth (1 Occurrence). John 6:7 Philip answered...
Pennyworth (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Apenny's worth; as much as may be bought
for apenny. 2. (n.) Hence: The full value of one's...
Farthing (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) The fourth of apenny; a small copper coin
of Great Britain, being a cent in United States currency....
Pence (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) pl. ofPenny. SeePenny. 2. (n.) Plural ofPenny.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PENCE;PENNY. pens. See MONEY....
Denarius (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A Roman silver coin of the value of about fourteen
cents; thepenny of the New Testament; -- so called from being worth...
Pens (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) pl. ofPenny. Multi-Version Concordance Pens
(8 Occurrences). Numbers 32:16 They came near to him, and...
Paid (86 Occurrences)
... Paid (86 Occurrences). Matthew 5:26 Most certainly I tell you, you shall by
no means get out of there, until you have paid the lastpenny....
Beings (42 Occurrences)
... Revelation 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living beings say, A
measure of wheat for apenny, and three measures of barley for apenny; and...
Cent (4 Occurrences)
... Cent (4 Occurrences). Matthew 5:26 Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means
get out of there, until you have paid the lastpenny. (See NAS)....
Resources
What are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does Jesus want us to learn from what He said about the widow's mite? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an omen? | GotQuestions.orgPenny: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
