Charles Ellicott Commentary Mark 12:42

"And there came a poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing." — Mark 12:42 (ASV)

And there came a certain poor widow.—The position of the narrative gives the description all the vividness of contrast. Among the “many” who cast in much, there must have been at least some of the Pharisees who devoured widows’ houses. Here was a widow whose house had been devoured, and who yet showed by her act that she kept the two great commandments, which the scribes themselves declared to be above all burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Two mites, which make a farthing.—The “farthing” is one of the Latin words which characterise this Gospel and represents the quadrans, or fourth part of a Roman as. The primary meaning of the word rendered “mite” is “thin” or “tiny.”