Albert Barnes Commentary Mark 12:41

"And he sat down over against the treasury, and beheld how the multitude cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much." — Mark 12:41 (ASV)

Sat over against. Opposite to, in full sight of.

The treasury. This was in the court of the women. See Matthew 21:12. In that court there were fixed a number of places or coffers, made with a large open mouth, in the shape of a trumpet, for the purpose of receiving the offerings of the people; and the money thus contributed was devoted to the service of the temple—to incense, sacrifice, etc.