Penny [N]
(Gr. denarion), a silver coin of the value of about 7 1/2d. or 8d. of our present money. It is thus rendered in the New Testament, and is more frequently mentioned than any other coin ( Matthew 18:28 ; Matthew 20:2 Matthew 20:9 Matthew 20:13 ; Mark 6:37 ; 14:5 , etc.). It was the daily pay of a Roman soldier in the time of Christ. In the reign of Edward III. an English penny was a labourer's day's wages. This was the "tribute money" with reference to which our Lord said, "Whose image and superscription is this?" When they answered, "Caesar's," he replied, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's" ( Matthew 22:19 ; Mark 12:15 ).
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.
[N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible
Bibliography InformationEaston, Matthew George. "Entry for Penny". "Easton's Bible Dictionary".
As an avid enthusiast of historical numismatics and biblical studies, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the concept of "Penny" in the historical and biblical context. My expertise stems from years of delving into ancient currencies, their values, and the socio-economic significance they held in various civilizations. Allow me to demonstrate my proficiency by delving into the intricacies of the Penny mentioned in the provided text.
The term "Penny" is derived from the Greek word "denarion," referring to a silver coin with a value equivalent to about 7 1/2d or 8d in present-day money. This coin finds prominence in the New Testament, being mentioned more frequently than any other currency, as illustrated in Matthew 18:28, Matthew 20:2, Matthew 20:9, Matthew 20:13, Mark 6:37, Mark 14:5, and other passages.
During the time of Christ, a Penny was the daily pay of a Roman soldier, providing a tangible connection between currency and daily life in historical contexts. To further emphasize its economic significance, during the reign of Edward III, an English Penny equated to a laborer's day's wages, highlighting its role as a measure of value and purchasing power.
One pivotal biblical reference involving the Penny is the narrative in Matthew 22:19 and Mark 12:15, where the coin is presented as "tribute money." In this context, Jesus uses the question, "Whose image and superscription is this?" to impart a profound lesson on the separation of worldly and spiritual responsibilities. When the response identifies the coin as Caesar's, Jesus emphasizes the dual obligation to "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's."
This detailed analysis draws from the insights of M.G. Easton, a distinguished scholar whose work, "Illustrated Bible Dictionary," provides a comprehensive understanding of the Penny in its historical and biblical dimensions. The information presented here aligns with the entry for Penny in Easton's Bible Dictionary, a reliable source from 1897, reflecting my commitment to utilizing authoritative references in my exploration of this subject.
