Matthew 17 27

Matthew 17:27 kjv

Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Matthew 17:27 nkjv

Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you."

Matthew 17:27 niv

"But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."

Matthew 17:27 esv

However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself."

Matthew 17:27 nlt

However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us."

Matthew 17 verses

Matthew 17 27 Meaning

This verse portrays Jesus miraculously providing the exact Temple tax required for Himself and Peter. As the Son of God, Jesus is inherently exempt from the tax collected for His Father's house, the Temple. However, to prevent misunderstanding or causing a stumbling block among the people and authorities regarding His identity and mission, He instructs Peter to obtain the necessary payment through a divine, extraordinary act. It demonstrates Jesus' supreme authority over creation, His divine foresight, and His humble wisdom in navigating societal expectations without compromising divine truth.

Matthew 17 27 Context

Matthew 17:27 follows a critical series of events: the Transfiguration, where Jesus' divine glory was revealed, witnessed by Peter, James, and John (Matt 17:1-8); the healing of a demon-possessed boy, highlighting the disciples' lack of faith (Matt 17:14-20); and Jesus' second prediction of His suffering and resurrection (Matt 17:22-23). The episode of the Temple tax is unique to Matthew, immediately positioning Jesus' divine identity against human expectations and regulations.

The Temple tax was an annual levy of a half-shekel (or didrachma, the Greek equivalent), required of all adult Jewish men to support the maintenance and services of the Jerusalem Temple, as mandated in Ex. 30:11-16. By presenting Himself as exempt ("the sons are free") yet choosing to pay, Jesus teaches His sovereignty over the Temple as His Father's house, simultaneously demonstrating humility and a commitment to avoid causing an unnecessary "stumbling block" (scandal) that could impede His message.

Matthew 17 27 Word analysis

• However (πλὴν - plēn): Marks a strong contrast or exception to the previous statement. Jesus' divine right to exemption is contrasted with the practical decision to pay for a higher purpose.
• to avoid giving offense (ἵνα μὴ σκανδαλίσωμεν - hina mē skandalisōmen): "Skandalizō" means to cause to stumble, ensnare, lead into sin or doubt. The concern is not about moral failure, but about preventing misunderstanding or an impediment to the gospel's reception among those who might misinterpret His exemption as defiance of religious law or contempt for the Temple.
• to them (αὐτούς - autous): Refers to the tax collectors, and by extension, the Jewish authorities or general public who might observe their actions.
• go to the lake (πορευθεὶς εἰς θάλασσαν - poreutheis eis thalassan): The Sea of Galilee. A common setting for Jesus' ministry, grounding the miracle in Peter's familiar environment.
• throw out your line (βάλε ἄγκιστρον - bale ankistron): "Ankistron" is a fishing hook. This highlights Peter's former profession and signifies a specific, direct action, unlike a net cast for many fish.
• Take the first fish you catch (τὸν ἀναβάντα πρῶτον ἰχθῦν ἆρον - ton anabanta prōton ichthyn aron): Emphasizes immediate and specific divine provision. It highlights the direct, supernatural intervention rather than random chance.
• open its mouth (ἄνοιξον τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ - anoixon τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ): A unique and specific instruction, indicating extraordinary prophetic knowledge and divine control.
• a four-drachma coin (στατῆρα - statēra): A "stater," a Greek silver coin equal to two didrachmas. Since the Temple tax was a didrachma (half-shekel) per person, a stater was the exact amount for two individuals—Jesus and Peter. This detail underscores the precise, pre-planned nature of the miracle.
• for my tax and yours (ἀντὶ ἐμοῦ καὶ σοῦ - anti emou kai sou): Jesus' inclusion of Peter is significant. While Jesus, as the King's Son, is inherently exempt, He links Peter, His chief disciple and representative of the apostles, with His payment. This might signify Peter's special relationship, his connection to Jesus' household, or perhaps Peter's symbolic role as a leader in the new "Temple" (the Church) yet still submitting to the common good.

• "However, to avoid giving offense...": This phrase reveals Jesus' wisdom and compassion. Despite His divine exemption, Jesus prioritizes preventing stumbling blocks to faith and maintaining good testimony among others. It shows His willingness to humble Himself and submit to external expectations for the sake of the mission and for avoiding unnecessary societal friction.
• "...the first fish...open its mouth...a four-drachma coin": This sequence highlights Jesus' omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence. He knows exactly where and when the specific fish with the exact coin will be found. This is a deliberate, targeted miracle, demonstrating His complete control over nature and circumstances. It’s not just a supply, but a perfect, specific provision.
• "for my tax and yours": This phrase distinguishes Jesus from all other men. He pays, not out of obligation, but out of gracious condescension, uniting Himself with Peter in the practical obligation. This subtly yet powerfully reiterates His authority and Sonship. It also includes Peter in a remarkable way, showcasing Peter’s representative role among the disciples.

Matthew 17 27 Bonus section

The four-drachma coin, or stater, was precisely the amount needed for two half-shekel (didrachma) Temple taxes. This perfect fit further emphasizes Jesus' supernatural knowledge and control over creation, as well as the immediate and complete fulfillment of His instruction. It wasn't "some money," but the exact required sum, at the very first attempt. This attention to specific detail highlights the Lord's absolute authority and power even over minute matters of the created order. The episode, found only in Matthew, reinforces Matthew's thematic emphasis on Jesus as the true King-Messiah who nevertheless fulfills all righteousness and wisely interacts with both divine law and human societal norms.

Matthew 17 27 Commentary

Matthew 17:27 is a rich demonstration of Jesus' multifaceted character and power. As the Son of God, He asserts His ultimate sovereignty and freedom from the Temple tax, as the Temple is His Father's house, and sons are exempt. Yet, immediately following this assertion, He displays incredible humility and strategic wisdom. His decision to pay, though not obligated, underscores the principle of avoiding offense and potential misinterpretation that could hinder the message of the Kingdom.

The miracle itself is remarkable: an exact coin, for two people, found in the mouth of the very first fish caught. This is not a common fish tale but a clear, incontrovertible act of divine power, demonstrating Jesus' authority over creation, His prescience, and His capacity for precise provision. It serves as a living parable confirming His divinity.

Practically, this verse calls believers to a balanced life. While understanding their spiritual liberty and identity in Christ, they are also encouraged to live wisely and peaceably within society, discerning when to exercise their rights and when to willingly yield for the sake of the gospel or to prevent causing a stumbling block to others. It models Christian citizenship: submission to earthly authorities, not out of fear, but out of a principle of love and integrity, while remaining steadfast in the truth of one's identity in God.