Farthing
“A quarter (of an as), from Latin quadrans”
Summary
The translation of two different small Roman coins in the New Testament, representing the smallest monetary denominations of Jesus' time.
☩The Assarion
The assarion (Greek assarion, Latin as) was a small copper coin worth about one-tenth of a denarius, translated 'farthing' in Matthew 10:29 and Luke 12:6. It was used to express any trifling amount. Two sparrows were sold for an assarion, yet not one falls without the Father's knowledge—illustrating God's care even for the smallest creatures and smallest amounts.
☩The Quadrans
The quadrans (Greek kodrantes) was worth one-fourth of an assarion, equal to two lepta or 'mites.' This was the smaller coin translated 'farthing' in Matthew 5:26 and Mark 12:42. Among Roman copper coins current in Palestine, there was none smaller than the as, but among Greek imperial coins the quadrans was common.
☩Spiritual Teaching
Jesus taught that one would not come out of judgment 'till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing,' emphasizing the completeness of divine reckoning. The widow who gave two mites (equal to one quadrans) gave more than all the wealthy donors because she gave sacrificially from her poverty. These smallest coins thus illustrated both the thoroughness of judgment and the value of sacrificial devotion.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Farthing," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Farthing," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Farthing," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).