“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?  But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).

During the time of Christ, two sparrows could be purchased for one farthing. Four sparrows could be purchased for two farthings and that fifth sparrow was the added bonus given by merchants to entice prospective buyers to purchase four sparrows. Buy four get one free. One farthing was about 1/16 of the wage that a rural worker would make in one day. Hence, sparrows were common and of very little value.Read more