The term designates a small copper coin used throughout the Roman Empire. Its mention in the words of Jesus highlights both economic realities of first-century life and profound theological truths about divine providence.

Historical Background

The coin was equal to one sixteenth of a denarius, the standard daily wage for a laborer (Matthew 20:2). Originating from the Latin as, it circulated widely in Judea and Galilee under Roman rule. Because it was the smallest piece of official currency still useful in market exchange, it commonly changed hands in the purchase of minor goods such as bread, fruit, and birds for sacrifice or food.

Occurrences in Scripture

The Greek form appears twice:
• Matthew 10:29
• Luke 12:6

Both references arise in parallel teachings delivered by Jesus, first to the Twelve as He commissions them for ministry and later to a broader crowd during His journey toward Jerusalem.

Contextual Significance

Matthew 10:29 records, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” Luke 12:6 expands the picture: “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.” The difference in quantity (two sparrows for one coin versus five for two) reflects a common market practice of adding an extra bird as an inducement to buy in bulk. Jesus employs the trivial price to argue from the lesser to the greater: if God notices creatures that human traders practically give away, how much more does He attend to His people.

Monetary Valuation and Economic Insights

A single coin represented roughly half an hour of a day laborer’s wage. In an agrarian economy where many survived at subsistence level, even such a small sum mattered. Because sparrows were inexpensive food for the poor, the coin’s value situates Christ’s audience among ordinary villagers, underscoring the Savior’s firsthand familiarity with common financial struggles.

Spiritual Lessons Drawn from the Assarion

1. Providence: God’s exhaustive care reaches to the smallest purchase and the least regarded creature.
2. Human Worth: Disciples can serve courageously, knowing that the One who numbers hairs on their heads appraises their lives far above market calculations.
3. Stewardship: The mention of tiny coins reminds believers that God observes how resources, however meager, are handled (Luke 16:10).
4. Evangelistic Assurance: In missions, apparent insignificance—two coins’ worth of sparrows—does not equate to divine neglect. The Father oversees every circumstance.

Implications for Worship and Discipleship

The coin invites worshippers to praise God for meticulous sovereignty. In discipleship, it corrects worldly metrics of success by affirming that kingdom value depends on God’s regard rather than human appraisal.

Connections with Old Testament Precedent

While the coin itself is post-exilic, the principle of God’s care for inexpensive offerings echoes Leviticus 5:7, where poorer Israelites could bring two turtledoves or pigeons instead of a lamb. The continuity between covenants accentuates God’s enduring compassion toward the lowly.

Patristic Witness and Early Church Understanding

Early expositors such as Tertullian and Chrysostom employed the example to comfort persecuted believers. They linked Christ’s sparrow saying to Psalm 84:3, interpreting the humble bird nesting near the altar as a symbol of the Christian finding refuge in God despite earthly worthlessness.

Contemporary Ministry Applications

• Pastoral Care: The image reassures congregants wrestling with anxiety or feelings of insignificance.
• Missions and Mercy: Helps galvanize support for outreach among the economically marginalized, affirming that modest gifts share in God’s grand economy.
• Preaching and Teaching: Provides a vivid illustration of providence accessible to modern audiences when converted into today’s currencies (roughly a few minutes of minimum-wage labor).

Summary

Strong’s Greek 787 points to a minimal coin whose two New Testament appearances frame one of Jesus’ most far-reaching assurances: nothing is too small to escape the Father’s notice. The historical coinage, marketplace practice, and theological message converge to affirm divine care, encourage fearless discipleship, and guide the church’s mission among the least of these.