Mite(lepta)
λεπτόν/MYTE/
“Small, thin”
Summary
The mite (Greek lepton) was the smallest coin in circulation in Palestine during Christ's time, worth about half a Roman farthing or less than one cent.
☩Value and Usage
The mite was the smallest piece of money known in Palestine, being half of the farthing (quadrans), which itself was a coin of very low value. Mark explains that 'two mites make a farthing,' indicating its minimal worth. The mite was worth approximately one-eighth of the Roman as, equivalent to about one-fourth of an English farthing or roughly one-fifth of an American cent. Despite its tiny value, Jesus commended the widow who gave two mites at the temple treasury, declaring she had given more than all the wealthy donors because she gave her entire livelihood.
Key verses:Mark 12:42-44Luke 21:2-4
References
- 1.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Mite," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Mite," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.John Kitto, "Mite," in A Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, vol. II (Mark H. Newman, 1845).
- 4.American Tract Society, "Mite," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).