Brief Overview of δηνάριον (G1220: dēnarion)

Transliteration: dēnarion (pronounced day-nah-ree-on)
Part of Speech: Neuter noun
Root Word: Derived from the Latin word denarius, which was a Roman silver coin.

The word δηνάριον (dēnarion) refers to a Roman coin known as the denarius, which was a standard silver coin used widely across the Roman Empire. It held significant value, often representing a day’s wage for a laborer or soldier. The denarius was a primary unit of currency and played a central role in the economic and social life of the time, reflecting the interconnectedness of Roman administration and commerce.

Scripture References

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1. Matthew 20:2 – “And when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius [δηνάριον] a day, he sent them into his vineyard.”
2. Mark 12:15 – “Shall we pay, or shall we not pay? But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, ‘Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius [δηνάριον] that I may see it.'”
3. Luke 10:35 – “On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii [δηνάρια], gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.'”

Detailed Lexicon Description

In BDAG, dēnarion is defined as a small Roman silver coin that was in common use during the time of Jesus and the early church. It typically represented a day’s wage for a common laborer, making it a standard measure of economic value in everyday transactions. Thayer’s lexicon supports this definition, emphasizing that the denarius was widely recognized and used as a basic unit of currency. The LSJ lexicon highlights the Roman origins of the term, noting its introduction and widespread adoption throughout the provinces of the Empire, including Judea.

The denarius is mentioned in various New Testament passages, often in contexts involving transactions, wages, and taxes. For example, in Matthew 20:2, the laborers agree to work for a denarius a day, illustrating its role as a standard wage. In Mark 12:15, Jesus uses a denarius to address the question of paying taxes to Caesar, pointing to the coin’s significance as a symbol of Roman authority and economic power.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Pliny the Elder, Natural History 33.46 – Pliny discusses the value of the denarius in the context of Roman currency and its role in the economy, noting its widespread use across the Empire.
2. Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, Augustus 101 – Suetonius mentions the denarius when describing the various monetary reforms enacted by Augustus, including adjustments to the weight and purity of the coin.
3. Tacitus, Annals 1.17 – Tacitus references the denarius when discussing the pay of Roman soldiers, indicating its standard use in military contexts and its role in maintaining the loyalty of the troops.

Summary

The word δηνάριον (dēnarion) holds significant historical and economic importance as the standard Roman silver coin. Its use in the New Testament highlights its role in daily life, whether as a day’s wage, a tax payment, or a means of charity. The denarius was not only a medium of exchange but also a symbol of the Roman Empire’s far-reaching influence, as seen in its widespread use across different regions, including Judea. The references to this coin in classical literature further underscore its importance in various aspects of Roman society, from commerce to military pay. The denarius was a tangible representation of value, authority, and the interconnectedness of the ancient world, making it a key term in understanding the economic and social backdrop of the New Testament.