The answer is: Ten

Luke 15:8

In the parable of the lost coin found in Luke 15, the woman searches for just one coin out of ten. Though it may seem trivial to lose a single coin, the story digs deep into the stuff of everyday life and reflects a meaningful spiritual truth.

These ten silver coins represented drachmas, which were substantial in value—equivalent to a day's wages. Losing one meant losing a significant portion of her savings. This mirrors our own experiences—we often overlook the impact of small losses in the grand scheme of life. Each coin can symbolize different aspects: relationships, faith, or even hopes and dreams we have tucked away.

As the story unfolds, we see a relentless search and a remarkable joy upon finding it. Isn’t it fascinating to think of this woman as a symbol of persistence? She lights her lamp, sweeps the house, and diligently seeks what was lost—just like we often need to seek out what holds value in our lives.

This parable plays a crucial role in illustrating the broader theme of God's value for each individual, emphasizing that every soul matters. Interestingly, just a few verses later, the parable of the prodigal son extends the same idea on a grand scale—a celebration for what was lost but now found! Through these stories, we truly see that in the divine perspective, every single person has worth. Each lost spirit is worth seeking out, reuniting, and rejoicing over.