Farthing
Artifactsâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The farthing, identified as the Roman quadrans, was a low-value copper coin worth approximately one-sixteenth of a denarius. It is referenced in the New Testament in Matthew 5:26 and Mark 12:42 to illustrate the concept of paying the last penny or the smallest possible debt.
What is the meaning of Farthing in the Bible?
The farthing, identified as the Roman quadrans, was a low-value copper coin worth approximately one-sixteenth of a denarius. It is referenced in the New Testament in Matthew 5:26 and Mark 12:42 to illustrate the concept of paying the last penny or the smallest possible debt.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the farthing clarifies the economic reality of first-century Judea, emphasizing the extreme value placed on even the smallest monetary units in Jesus' teachings about justice and completeness.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Farthing in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Farthing clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.