A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 21:1

"And he looked up, and saw the rich men that were casting their gifts into the treasury." — Luke 21:1 (ASV)

And he looked up (Αναβλεψας δε). He had taken his seat, after the debate was over and the Sanhedrin had slunk away in sheer defeat, "over against the treasury" . The word for "treasury" (γαζοφυλακιον) is a compound of γαζα (Persian word for royal treasury) and φυλακη guard or protection. It is common in the LXX, but in the N.T. only here and Mr 12:41,43; John 8:20. Jesus was watching the rich put in their gifts as a slight diversion from the intense strain of the hours before.