Mark 12:41 - Exposition

He sat down over against the treasury ( γαζοφυλάκιον , from γάζα , a Persian word meaning "treasure," and φυλάττειν , to guard). This was the receptacle into which the offerings of the people were east, for the uses of the temple and for the benefit of the priests and of the poor. Hence that part of the temple in which these gifts were kept was called the treasury. He beheld ( ἐθεώρει )—literally, he was beholding ; he was observing— how the multitude πῶς ὁ ὄχλος —that is, in what manner, with what motives (for he was the heart-searcher) the crowd of givers— cast money ( βάλλει χαλκόν ); literally, is casting· St. Luke uses the term ( τὰ δῶρα ) "their gifts." Many that were rich cast in much ( πολλά ), that is, "many pieces." There were several apertures in the treasury, which from their shape were called trumpets. Some of these had special inscriptions, marking the destination of the offerings.