δηνάριον (dēnarion)
dēnarion
denarius
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word dēnarion refers to a standard Roman silver coin, equivalent to roughly ten asses in its earlier history but later valued at sixteen. In the first-century Mediterranean world, it was the primary unit of daily wages for common laborers. Its name derives from the Latin root meaning "containing ten," reflecting its original weight and value before monetary reforms adjusted its equivalence.
Scripture uses this coin to ground spiritual lessons in economic reality. Jesus references it when discussing the temple tax, asking whose image appears on the currency (Matthew 22:19). It also features prominently in parables about grace and justice, such as the laborers in the vineyard who all received one denarius regardless of hours worked (Matthew 20:2), or the woman with two small coins who gave everything she had (Luke 21:2).
Translators typically render dēnarion simply as "denarius" to preserve its specific historical identity, though it functions in context as a day's wage. This usage highlights the tangible value of money in Jesus' teachings, contrasting earthly earnings with divine generosity or spiritual debt.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The denarius was the standard silver coin in the first century, widely recognized as a fair day’s wage for a laborer. When Jesus mentions this currency, He is speaking about real economic value and human effort. It represents the tangible reward for honest work, grounding spiritual lessons in the everyday reality of earning a living.
In the parable of the vineyard, the landowner pays every worker one denarius, regardless of whether they worked all day or just an hour (Matthew 20:9). This story challenges our understanding of fairness by highlighting God’s generous grace. It reminds us that divine blessing is not strictly calculated by human effort but is given freely to all who respond.
Recognizing the value of the denarius helps us see how Jesus used common objects to teach deep truths. Whether discussing taxes or forgiveness, He connected spiritual realities with the coins people held in their hands. This connection invites us to view our own resources and time through a lens of gratitude and stewardship.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- denarii5×
- a denarius3×
- for a denarius2×
- a denarius.2×
- for a denarius,1×
- denarii,1×
- denarii worth1×
- a denarius;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δηναρίων4×
- δηναρίου3×
- δηνάριον.2×
- δηνάριον2×
- δηνάρια2×
- δηνάριον·1×
- δηνάρια,1×
- δηναρίου,1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 20:9
“When those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came, they each received a denarius.
This verse shows the landowner giving the same wage to latecomers as to those who worked all day, emphasizing grace over strict merit.
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Matthew 22:19
Show me the tax money.” They brought to him a denarius.
Jesus uses the denarius to ask whose image is on it, leading to the teaching about rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.
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Luke 7:41
“A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
The lender forgives debts of five hundred and fifty denarii, illustrating the magnitude of forgiveness relative to one's spiritual debt.
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Revelation of John 6:6
I heard a voice in the middle of the four living creatures saying, “A choenix of wheat for a denarius, and three choenix of barley for a denarius! Don’t damage the oil and the wine!”
This apocalyptic imagery describes extreme scarcity where a day's wage buys only enough food for survival, highlighting judgment and hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the value of a denarius in biblical times?
Why does Jesus use a denarius in His teachings?
How is the denarius different from other coins mentioned in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 6 verses
“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him…
Matthew 20:2When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
Matthew 20:9“When those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came, they each received a denarius.
Matthew 20:10When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius.
Matthew 20:13“But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Didn’t you agree with me for a denarius?
Matthew 22:19Show me the tax money.” They brought to him a denarius.