Devine Scripture

Luke 21:1

What does Luke 21:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 21:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 21:1 means

Jesus observes the scene at the temple treasury, where various people are making offerings. He specifically notes the rich individuals as they contribute their gifts. This sets the stage for a powerful teaching about the true value of giving, not based on the amount, but on the heart and sacrifice behind it. His observation of both the wealthy and later a poor widow highlights the stark contrast in their circumstances and their contributions.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he looked up, and saw the rich men that were casting their gifts into the treasury.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he looked up, and saw the rich men that were casting their gifts into the treasury.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And looking up, he saw the men of wealth putting their offerings in the money-box.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having looked up, he saw those who did cast their gifts to the treasury--rich men,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And looking on, he saw the rich men cast their gifts into the treasury.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he looked up and saw the rich casting their gifts into the treasury;

Context

This verse opens a brief but significant passage about true generosity. Immediately preceding this, Jesus has been teaching in the temple, and this scene naturally follows as He continues to observe the daily life and practices within the temple courts. It establishes the setting for His subsequent commentary on the widow's offering, providing the initial observation that leads to His profound lesson on sacrificial giving.

v.1This passage

v.2And he saw a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 12:41

    And he sat down over against the treasury, and beheld how the multitude cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:18

    And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of Jehovah, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes, all these he brought to Babylon.

  • John 8:20

    These words spake he in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man took him; because his hour was not yet come.

  • Joshua 6:19

    But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are holy unto Jehovah: they shall come into the treasury of Jehovah.

  • Mark 7:11

    but ye say, If a man shall say to his father or his mother, That wherewith thou mightest have been profited by me is Corban, that is to say, Given to God;

  • Nehemiah 13:13

    And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were counted faithful, and their business was to distribute unto their brethren.

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