ἀσσάριον (assarion)
assarion
assarion
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun assarion refers to a specific Roman coin, derived from the Latin word as. It held the value of one-tenth of a drachma, making it a very small unit of currency in the first-century economy. The sources identify it as a diminutive form, highlighting its modest worth compared to larger denominations.
Scripture mentions this coin only twice, both within the teachings of Jesus regarding God’s providential care. In Matthew 10:29 and Luke 12:6, He uses the assarion to illustrate that even the most inexpensive items are known and valued by the Father. This usage emphasizes that no detail of creation is overlooked, regardless of its financial insignificance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word assarion represents a coin of such small value that two sparrows could be purchased for just one. In the first century, this was likely less than a day's wage, marking it as a trivial amount in everyday commerce. Yet Jesus points to this tiny currency to reveal the depth of God’s attention. If the Father cares about creatures worth so little, He certainly holds you in His careful regard.
This teaching invites us to rest in the reality that nothing is too small for God’s notice. Your worries often focus on large, unmanageable problems, but Jesus reminds us that God’s providence extends to the smallest details of life. There is comfort in knowing that the same God who counts every sparrow knows your name and your needs.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- for an assarion1×
- assarion1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀσσαρίων1×
- ἀσσαρίου1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:29
“Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.
Jesus uses this coin to show that even the death of a low-value bird occurs within the Father's sovereign will.
-
Luke 12:6
“Aren’t five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God.
This occurrence highlights God’s personal knowledge, stating that not one sparrow is forgotten by Him.