Lexicon leptos: Thin, small, light Original Word: λεπτός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mite. Neuter of a derivative of the same as lepis; something scaled (light), i.e. A small coin -- mite. see GREEK lepis HELPS Word-studies 3016 leptón – a copper or bronze coin worth 1/A of a denarius, i.e. of very little value. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as lepis Definition peeled, fine, thin, small, light NASB Translation cent (1), small copper coins (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3016: λεπτόςλεπτός, λεπτή, λεπτόν (λέπω to strip off the bark, to peel), thin; small; τό λεπτόν, a very small brass coin, equivalent to the eighth part of an as (A. V. a mite; cf. Alex.'s Kitto and B. D. under the word; cf. F. R. Conder in the Bible Educator, 3:179): Mark 12:42; Luke 12:59; Luke 21:2; (Alciphron, epistles I, 9 adds κέρμα; Pollux, onom. 9, 6, sect. 92, supplies νόμισμα). Topical Lexicon Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb "λέπω" (lepō), meaning "to peel" or "to strip," indicating something that is thin or fine.Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of small or insignificant offerings can be related to the Hebrew word "שֶׁקֶל" (shekel), Strong's Hebrew 8255, which was a unit of weight and currency in ancient Israel. While not a direct equivalent, the shekel represents a standard of value, and the "λεπτός" can be seen as a New Testament parallel in terms of monetary offerings. Usage: In the New Testament, "λεπτός" is used to describe the small copper coins known as "lepta," which were of minimal monetary value. This term appears in contexts where the insignificance of the amount is contrasted with the significance of the act or offering. Context: The Greek word "λεπτός" is most notably used in the context of the widow's offering in the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Luke. In Mark 12:42 and Luke 21:2, the term describes the two small coins, or "lepta," that the poor widow contributes to the temple treasury. Despite the coins' minimal monetary value, Jesus highlights the widow's offering as greater than that of the wealthy, as she gave out of her poverty all she had to live on. This usage underscores a biblical principle that the value of a gift is not determined by its monetary worth but by the heart and sacrifice behind it. The "λεπτός" thus serves as a powerful symbol of genuine devotion and faithfulness, illustrating the biblical theme that God values the intentions and sacrifices of the heart over material wealth. Forms and Transliterations ελεπτυνά ελέπτυναν ελέπτυνε ελέπτυνεν ελεπτύνθησαν λεπτα λεπτά λεπτὰ λεπταί λεπτή λεπτήν λεπτής λεπτοί λεπτον λεπτόν λεπτὸν λεπτού λεπτυνεί λεπτύνει λεπτυνείς λεπτύνον λεπτύνουσι λεπτυνώ λέπυρον λέσχαι lepta leptà lepton leptònLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 12:42 N-ANPGRK: πτωχὴ ἔβαλεν λεπτὰ δύο ὅ NAS: in two small copper coins, which KJV: two mites, which make INT: poor cast [in] lepta two which Luke 12:59 N-ANS Luke 21:2 N-ANP Strong's Greek 3016 |