λεπτόν (G3016) — Greek Lexicon

λεπτόν

leptón

G3016 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A very small and thin object; in specific contexts, a small coin of minimal value. The term primarily denotes something exceedingly fine, slender, or light, and in monetary contexts refers to a minor bronze coin of negligible denomination used in Judea during the Second Temple period.

Semantic Range

slender (in form), fine (in texture), minimal, of little account, a very small item, small coin of low value (especially in Judean context)

Root / Etymology

From λεπτός, meaning 'small, thin, fine', itself from the root λεπτ-/λεπ-, meaning 'to peel', 'to make thin'. λεπτόν is the neuter form used substantively. Cognate with λεπίς ('scale', as of a fish), highlighting the sense of thinness or fineness.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, λεπτόν describes anything physically thin, fine, or small, such as delicate material or small objects. In Hellenistic and especially Second Temple contexts, λεπτόν came to designate a very small bronze coin, the least valuable in circulation in Judea—mentioned by name in Mark 12:42 and Luke 21:2, in accounts of widows' offerings at the Jerusalem Temple. The term is not a distinct denomination outside this context but serves as a descriptor for the smallest, thinnest coin available; it is not a technical term for a specific currency across the Greek-speaking world. English Bible tradition renders λεπτόν as 'mite', a term borrowed from medieval English for a small coin, but this is a contextual approximation. The original nuance of 'very fine' or 'slender' is only preserved in monetary references as 'of little value.' In the Septuagint and other Koine sources, the root retains traditional senses of physical thinness or fineness when not referring to coins. The word's usage thus pivots between a general descriptor (fine, thin) and a regional coinage term in Roman Judea.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of a derivative of the same as λεπίς; something scaled (light), i.e. a small coin:--mite.

Root Family

λεπτ- (leptón) — to be thin, to be fine, to be small in amount

Root λεπτ- to be thin, to be fine, to be small in amount

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3016-01`	λεπτὰ	lepta	`N ACC N PL`	small copper coins	very small thin coins	very small thin coins	2
`G3016-02`	λεπτὸν	lepton	`N ACC N SG`	cent	a tiny thin coin	tiny coin	1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3016-01`	Mark 12:42	λεπτὰ	lepta	`N ACC N PL`	small copper coins	very small thin coins	very small thin coins
`G3016-02`	Luke 12:59	λεπτὸν	lepton	`N ACC N SG`	cent	a tiny thin coin	tiny coin
`G3016-01`	Luke 21:2	λεπτὰ	lepta	`N ACC N PL`	small copper coins	very small thin coins	very small thin coins

← G3015 Greek Lexicon G3017 →