Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(little). Half a farthing, or fifth of a cent (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Meaning:
neuter of a derivative of the same as 3013; something scaled (light), i.e. a small coin
From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Mark 12:42. She threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
See also Luke 21:2.
1. The λεπτόν, or “mite,” was the smallest Greek copper coin. Its value was the eighth part of an assarion; thus making it worth about one fifth of one cent, or three eighths of one farthing. See note on Matthew 10:29 (#658). It is also mentioned in Luke 12:59.
2. The κοδρύντης, or “farthing,” was the smallest Roman brass coin, and was worth the fourth part of an assarion, and equal to two lepta, or mites; that is, about two fifths of one cent, or three fourths of one farthing. It is also mentioned in Matthew 5:26.
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