What is a…
sparrow
Sparrows are mentioned as one of the offerings made by the very poor.
2 sparrows were sold for 1 assarion (the King James Bible translates this word as farthing (Matthew 10:29 KJV) and modern versions as a “cent”).
Or buy in bulk, 5 for 2 assaria (KJV: farthings) (Luke 12:6 KJV). That equals 16 lepta—a little over 3 lepta per bird. Note that the widow’s 2 lepta (mites) would not buy a single sparrow.
The Hebrew word translated as sparrow is צִפּוֹר (transliterated: tsippor) and applies to the whole family of small birds which feed on grain (Leviticus 14:4; Psalm 84:3; 102:7).
The Greek word of the New Testament is στρουθίον (transliterated: strouthion)—meaning a little bird, especially a sparrow.
Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. —Matthew 10:29-31 NASB
More information
- Birds of the Bible
- mite—assarion and lepton
- farthing
- offering
- sacrifice