κοδράντης (kodrantēs)
kodrantēs
penny
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word kodrantēs refers to the quadrans, a small Roman copper coin worth about one-quarter of an as. It was the smallest denomination in circulation, making it the least valuable piece of money a person could possess. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, both times in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.
Jesus uses this coin to illustrate God’s meticulous care. In Matthew 5:26 and Mark 12:42, he notes that not even one kodrantēs falls to the ground or is lost without divine awareness. The image emphasizes that nothing is too insignificant for God’s attention; if He values the most worthless currency, He certainly values His people.
As a Latin loanword, it reflects the economic reality of first-century Judea under Roman rule. Translators often render it as "farthing" or "penny," though these English terms can obscure its status as the absolute bottom tier of currency. The word serves as a concrete measure of total worthlessness in human eyes, yet total significance in God’s economy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kodrantēs refers to the smallest Roman copper coin, worth just a quarter of an as. It was the least valuable piece of money in circulation, representing the absolute bottom tier of currency. When Jesus mentions this tiny amount, He is highlighting that nothing is too insignificant for God’s attention.
In Mark 12:42, a poor widow offers two kodrantai. To human eyes, this contribution might seem negligible, yet it represents her entire livelihood. Jesus notes that God sees this offering with full awareness. If the Creator values such a small coin, He certainly values you and your faithful acts.
This teaching invites us to trust that our efforts are never wasted. Even the smallest acts of kindness or obedience are known and cherished by God. You do not need grand gestures to matter; your sincere heart is what counts most in His eyes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- kodranten!1×
- a kodrantes.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κοδράντης.1×
- κοδράντην.¶1×
Key Verses
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Mark 12:42
A poor widow came and she cast in two small brass coins, which equal a quadrans coin.
This verse identifies the two small brass coins as a quadrans, showing how Jesus valued the widow's humble offering despite its tiny monetary worth.
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Matthew 5:26
Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny.
Here the term appears in a warning about settling disputes, using the smallest possible debt to emphasize the seriousness of reconciliation.