And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus highlights that God's evaluation isn't about the amount given, but the percentage of what one has. This widow, giving all she possessed, demonstrated a sacrificial love that far outweighs the larger sums given by the wealthy out of their abundance.
And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is watching people give offerings at the Temple treasury when he points out a poor widow who gives a tiny amount. He calls his disciples to him to highlight that her offering, though small in quantity, was greater in value because she gave all she had out of her extreme poverty, unlike the wealthy who gave only from their abundance.
We often think God looks at the dollar amount, but Jesus points to something much deeper. What truly impresses God?
Jesus calls His disciples to attention, not to the impressive sums of the wealthy, but to a poor widow dropping in just two small coins. He declares, 'Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.'
This isn't about quantity, but quality – the willingness and sacrifice behind the gift. The rich gave from their surplus, gifts that likely didn't impact their lifestyle. But this widow gave 'out of her poverty,' 'all her living.' Her gift was a total act of devotion, a profound expression of trust and love for God, reflecting her complete reliance on Him.
God's economy values the heart's intention and the level of sacrifice above the raw amount. It’s a radical redefinition of generosity.
In a world focused on wealth and status, Jesus intentionally shifts focus to the overlooked. Why is this seemingly small act so significant?
Jesus is sitting by the temple treasury, observing people give. He sees the wealthy dropping in large amounts, surely earning admiration. But His eyes are drawn elsewhere.
He highlights a 'poor widow' – someone likely marginalized, with very little. Her contribution is tiny in monetary terms, barely a fraction of what the rich gave. Yet, Jesus makes a stunning declaration: her offering is more valuable.
This teaches us that Jesus sees the unseen. He understands the context, the sacrifice, and the heart behind every offering. He values genuine devotion, even when it appears insignificant to the world. He wants us to see people and their offerings as He sees them – with profound insight into their inner lives and commitment.
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This event took place in the Temple courts in Jerusalem, a place where people of all economic backgrounds brought their offerings. The contrast between the rich and the poor, and Jesus' focus on the widow's heart over the quantity of her gift, highlights God's unique perspective on giving.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus teaches and ministers in Jerusalem
Jesus' final days are spent teaching in the Temple courts in Jerusalem, a significant religious and economic center.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus observes the Temple treasury
While teaching in the Temple, Jesus watches people give offerings to the Temple treasury, a collection point for the Temple's needs.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus comments on the widow's offering
Jesus points out a poor widow's exceptionally sacrificial gift and uses it to teach his disciples about true devotion and God's valuation of offerings.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem, but his resurrection marks a pivotal moment in history, leading to the spread of his teachings.
c. 40-60 AD
Luke's Gospel is written
Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, compiles his account of Jesus' life and teachings, likely for a Gentile audience.
This passage echoes Luke 21:3 by emphasizing that a willing spirit and giving according to what one has, not what one doesn't have, is what God values most.
1 Samuel 16:7Just as God looks at the heart, not outward appearances, Jesus here looks beyond the quantity of the gift to the widow's heart and devotion, revealing God's true standard of value.
Mark 12:41-44This passage presents the same event as Luke 21:1-4, offering a parallel account that reinforces Jesus' teaching on the true measure of giving.
Acts 10:34-35This verse highlights God's impartiality, showing that He accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is right, just as He accepted the widow's seemingly small, yet deeply significant, offering.
vincentLuke 21:3: "And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:"
This poor widowSee on Mark 12:43.
bengelLuke 21:3: "And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:"
[3. Ἀληθῶς , of a truth, in real fact ) Luke very frequently coincides with Mark; but Mark loves Hebrew modes of expression more than Luke does. Luke employs the Greek ἀληθῶς more frequently than the Hebrew ἀμήν . So the rest of the Evangelists are liberal in their employment of the term Rabbi , which Luke never uses. As Paul was the Apostle of the Gentiles; so Luke, the companion of Paul,…
Jesus highlights that God's evaluation isn't about the amount given, but the percentage of what one has. This widow, giving all she possessed, demonstrated a sacrificial love that far outweighs the larger sums given by the wealthy out of their abundance.
Jesus is watching people give offerings at the Temple treasury when he points out a poor widow who gives a tiny amount. He calls his disciples to him to highlight that her offering, though small in quantity, was greater in value because she gave all she had out of her extreme poverty, unlike the wealthy who gave only from their abundance.
Jesus is watching people give offerings at the Temple treasury when he points out a poor widow who gives a tiny amount. He calls his disciples to him to highlight that her offering, though small in quantity, was greater in value because she gave all she had out of her extreme poverty, unlike the wealthy who gave only from their abundance.
"And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them." — Jesus highlights that God's evaluation isn't about the amount given, but the percentage of what one has. This widow, giving all she possessed, demonstrated a sacrificial love that far outweighs…
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Last reviewed October 2026