The Parable of the Lost Coin
A woman with ten silver coins loses one and searches diligently — sweeping, lighting a lamp — until she finds it. She then calls her neighbors to celebrate, picturing heaven's joy over one repentant sinner.
A woman with ten silver coins loses one and searches diligently — sweeping, lighting a lamp — until she finds it. She then calls her neighbors to celebrate, picturing heaven's joy over one repentant sinner.
"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." — Luke 15:10 (KJV)
"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."Luke 15:10 — Read in Context
Historical & Cultural Context
The drachma was a Greek silver coin worth about a day's wage. Ten drachmas may have been the woman's entire savings, or they may have been part of a headdress of coins (a 'semedi') given at marriage — similar to a wedding ring, making the loss both financial and sentimental. Houses in Palestinian villages had dirt floors and no windows, requiring a lamp and careful sweeping to find a small coin in the dark corners.
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
The second of three 'lost' parables told in response to the Pharisees' criticism. By featuring a woman as the searcher, Jesus validated women's experiences and made the story relatable to the female portion of His audience — often overlooked by the male religious establishment.
Key Symbols and Their Meanings
The Woman
God in His diligent, thorough pursuit of the lost — the feminine imagery broadens our understanding of God's seeking love.
The Lost Coin
A sinner who is lost 'in the house' — perhaps someone within the religious community who has become spiritually disconnected.
The Lamp and Sweeping
God's active, meticulous search — He uses every means to find and recover what is precious to Him.
The Celebration with Neighbors
Heaven's communal joy over repentance — salvation is a cause for shared celebration.
What Does The Parable of the Lost Coin Mean?
The second parable in Luke 15's trilogy of lostness features a woman with ten drachmas (silver coins, each worth a day's wage). She loses one and responds with urgent, thorough action: she lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches carefully until she finds it. Then she calls friends and neighbors to celebrate. Like the Lost Sheep, this parable emphasizes God's joy over the recovery of what was lost. The coin didn't wander away deliberately like a sheep — it simply fell and was lost in the house, perhaps representing those who drift away from God through carelessness rather than rebellion.
Applying This Parable Today
Not everyone who is 'lost' has deliberately walked away from God. Some have simply drifted through neglect, distraction, or circumstances. This parable shows that God searches just as diligently for those who passively drift as for those who actively rebel. It also reveals the intrinsic value God places on each person — the coin didn't lose its value because it was lost. Neither do we lose our worth in God's eyes when we stray.
Related Scripture References
Psalm 139:7-10
"Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there."Read in context
Related Teachings
Beatitudes and Commandments connected to this parable:
Related Popular Verses
Key scriptures connected to this parable:
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Lost Coin different from the Lost Sheep?
While the sheep wandered away on its own, the coin was lost passively — it fell and was hidden. This represents those who drift from God through carelessness or circumstances rather than deliberate rebellion. Both parables emphasize God's diligent search and heaven's joy at recovery.
Quiz yourself on the The Lost Coin
Free KJV Bible quizzes covering Jesus' parables and teachings.
Related Scripture & Topics
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
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Parable of the Lost Coin Quiz
A woman, a candle, and a diligent search (Luke 15).
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
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Three parables on the joy of finding what was lost.
The Parable of the Sower
Matthew 13:3-4 • Kingdom of God