Matthew 17:24

KJV

¶ And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute [money] came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when they {G846} were come {G2064} to {G1519} Capernaum {G2584}, they that received {G2983} tribute {G1323} money came {G4334} to Peter {G4074}, and {G2532} said {G2036}, Doth {G5055} not {G3756} your {G5216} master {G1320} pay {G5055} tribute {G1323}?

Complete Jewish Bible

When they came to K'far-Nachum, the collectors of the half-shekel came to Kefa and said, "Doesn't your rabbi pay the Temple tax?"

Berean Standard Bible

After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?”

American Standard Version

And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received the half-shekel came to Peter, and said, Doth not your teacher pay the half-shekel?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:24 introduces a pivotal interaction in Capernaum where temple tax collectors approach Peter, questioning whether his "master" pays the required tribute. This seemingly simple inquiry sets the stage for Jesus to reveal profound truths about His divine identity as the Son of God, His unique relationship to the Temple, and His practical wisdom in navigating earthly obligations while upholding heavenly principles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows two significant events: the glorious [Transfiguration of Jesus](/matthew/17-1-8 "Matthew 17:1-8 - The Transfiguration of Jesus") and the subsequent [healing of a demon-possessed boy](/matthew/17-14-21 "Matthew 17:14-21 - Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy") after the disciples' failure. Just before this incident, Jesus has again [foretold His suffering and resurrection](/matthew/17-22-23 "Matthew 17:22-23 - Jesus Again Foretells His Death and Resurrection"), indicating a shift in focus towards Jerusalem and His ultimate mission. The temple tax episode, though seemingly minor, serves to further illuminate Jesus' unique authority and identity in the midst of these weighty theological discussions and miraculous displays of power. It transitions the narrative from grand displays of divine power to a more intimate, practical lesson on Jesus' sovereignty.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "tribute money" (Greek: *didrachmon*) mentioned in this verse refers specifically to the annual temple tax, a half-shekel contribution required of every adult Jewish male for the maintenance and services of the Jerusalem Temple. This tax was rooted in Old Testament law, specifically [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Ransom for the Soul"), which prescribed a half-shekel for the "atonement money" for the tabernacle. It was distinct from the Roman civil taxes, such as the poll tax (Latin: *census*, Greek: *kēnsos*), which Jesus addressed in [Matthew 22:15-22](/matthew/22-15-22 "Matthew 22:15-22 - Paying Taxes to Caesar"). Capernaum, located on the Sea of Galilee, served as a major base for Jesus' Galilean ministry, making it a natural place for such an encounter with temple officials. The fact that the collectors approached Peter, rather than Jesus directly, highlights Peter's prominent role among the disciples and perhaps indicates an attempt to subtly challenge Jesus' status through His leading follower.

* **Key Themes:** This passage, particularly when read in conjunction with the subsequent verses ([Matthew 17:25-27](/matthew/17-25-27 "Matthew 17:25-27 - Jesus and the Temple Tax")), contributes to several key themes. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus' Divine Sonship and Authority**. As the Son of God, Jesus is inherently exempt from the tax collected for His Father's house, underscoring His unique relationship with God and His supreme authority over the very institution the tax supported. Another crucial theme is **Wisdom in Avoiding Offense**. Despite His rightful exemption, Jesus instructs Peter to pay the tax, demonstrating a principle of wisdom and a desire to avoid causing unnecessary stumbling blocks or offense, even when one has the right to be exempt. This aligns with His broader teaching on [submitting to earthly authorities](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities") and customs where it does not compromise divine truth. Finally, **Peter's Central Role** is reinforced, as he acts as the intermediary and receives direct, miraculous instruction from the Lord, further solidifying his position as a key disciple.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tribute (Greek, _dídrachmon'_):** This word (G1323) specifically refers to a "double drachma," which was equivalent to the Jewish half-shekel temple tax. It is crucial to understand that this was not a Roman civil tax but a religious obligation for the upkeep of the Jerusalem Temple, distinguishing it from other taxes mentioned in the Gospels.
* **master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** The term (G1320) means "an instructor, doctor, teacher." While the tax collectors use it in the common sense of a religious teacher, the subsequent dialogue with Jesus reveals that His identity transcends that of a mere human "master," implying His divine authority and unique relationship with God.
* **pay (Greek, _teléō'_):** This verb (G5055) signifies "to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)." The question is not merely about whether Jesus *has* paid, but whether it is His regular practice or obligation to *discharge* this specific religious debt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they were come to Capernaum":** This phrase establishes the geographical setting for the encounter. Capernaum was Jesus' primary base of operations in Galilee, a bustling town where such encounters with officials would be common. The arrival marks a transition from the events on the mountain (Transfiguration) and the plain (healing the boy) to a more settled, domestic scene.
* **"they that received tribute [money] came to Peter":** This identifies the agents of the temple tax collection and their specific target for the inquiry. The fact that they approach Peter, rather than Jesus directly, is significant. It could be due to Peter's known role as a spokesman for the group, a subtle challenge to Jesus' authority through His disciple, or simply the customary way of inquiring about a group's leader. The "tribute money" is explicitly the *didrachmon*, the temple tax.
* **"and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?":** This is the direct question posed to Peter. It is framed as a rhetorical question expecting a "yes" answer, implying an assumption or an expectation that Jesus, as a Jewish male, would pay the temple tax. The question serves as the catalyst for Jesus' subsequent teaching on His divine sonship and His relationship to the Temple.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 17:24 employs several literary techniques to set the stage for Jesus' profound teaching. There is a subtle **Irony** in the tax collectors' question; they ask if Jesus, the Son of God for whom the Temple stands, pays the tax to His own Father's house, completely unaware of His true identity. The question also serves as a **Catalyst** for the subsequent dialogue, prompting Jesus to reveal a deeper theological truth about His divine exemption and His wisdom in avoiding offense. The selection of **Capernaum** as the setting is also significant; as Jesus' ministry base, it grounds this divine revelation in the everyday life of His followers, demonstrating how theological truths intersect with practical living. The focus on **Peter** as the recipient of the question highlights his ongoing role as a representative figure among the disciples, often serving as the one through whom Jesus communicates important lessons.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 17:24, as the opening to this short narrative, powerfully underscores Jesus' unique identity and authority. Theologically, as the Son of God, Jesus is inherently Lord over the Temple, which is His Father's house. Therefore, He is not subject to a tax for its upkeep in the same way that earthly subjects pay tribute to their king. His willingness to pay the tax, despite His divine exemption, demonstrates a profound principle of humility and wisdom: to avoid causing unnecessary offense or stumbling blocks, especially in matters that do not compromise core theological truths. This act showcases Jesus' perfect balance of divine prerogative and earthly prudence, providing a model for believers navigating their responsibilities in the world.

* [Matthew 17:25-27](/matthew/17-25-27 "Matthew 17:25-27 - Jesus' Explanation and Miracle") - The immediate continuation of the narrative, where Jesus explains His exemption and provides the miraculous means to pay the tax, solidifying His divine authority.
* [Romans 13:7](/romans/13-7 "Romans 13:7 - Render to all their dues") - Paul's instruction to "render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour," reflecting the principle of respecting earthly authorities and obligations.
* [1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Take heed lest this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock") - Paul's teaching on the importance of not allowing one's Christian liberty to become a stumbling block to others, echoing Jesus' principle of avoiding offense.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 17:24, when understood in its full context, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to recognize Jesus' supreme authority and divine nature, even as He walked among us in human form, engaging with mundane earthly systems. His response to the temple tax collectors, initiated by their question to Peter, illustrates a crucial aspect of Christian living: the delicate balance between our spiritual freedom in Christ and our responsibility to live peaceably and wisely within society. Jesus, though exempt, chose to pay, teaching us the importance of navigating societal expectations with wisdom and a desire to avoid causing unnecessary offense. This is particularly relevant in areas where our "rights" might clash with the need to maintain a credible witness to the gospel. It compels us to consider when to assert our freedom and when to humbly submit for the sake of others, always maintaining our ultimate allegiance to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' example in this passage challenge your understanding of authority and submission, particularly when you feel you have a "right" to exemption?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to exercise wisdom to avoid unnecessary offense or stumbling blocks for others, even when your actions are permissible?**
* **How does this passage deepen your appreciation for Jesus' divine identity and His practical wisdom in everyday situations?**
* **What does Jesus' interaction with Peter here reveal about the nature of discipleship and leadership within the church?**

### FAQ
**What was the "tribute money" mentioned here, and why was it significant?**

Answer: The "tribute money" (Greek: *didrachmon*) was the annual half-shekel temple tax, a religious obligation for every adult Jewish male to support the upkeep and services of the Jerusalem Temple. It was distinct from Roman civil taxes. Its significance lies in its connection to the Temple, which was considered God's dwelling place, making the question about Jesus paying it a direct challenge to His relationship with God and His divine authority.

**Why did the tax collectors approach Peter instead of Jesus directly?**

Answer: There are a few possibilities. Peter was often the spokesman for the disciples, and it might have been easier or more customary to approach him first. It could also have been a subtle test or challenge directed at Jesus through His leading disciple, to see if Jesus acknowledged the traditional Jewish religious obligations. This approach also allowed Jesus to teach Peter a personal lesson that would later benefit his leadership.

**Was Jesus truly obligated to pay this tax?**

Answer: Theologically, no. As the Son of God, the Temple was His Father's house, and kings do not collect taxes from their own sons ([Matthew 17:25-26](/matthew/17-25-26 "Matthew 17:25-26 - Jesus' Argument for Exemption")). Therefore, Jesus was inherently exempt. However, He chose to pay it, not out of obligation, but to avoid causing offense and to demonstrate a principle of wisdom and humble submission, even when He possessed divine prerogative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 17:24, though seemingly a simple account of a tax inquiry, profoundly points to Jesus' unique identity and His ultimate fulfillment of all that the Temple and its rituals prefigured. As the Son of God, Jesus is the very Lord of the Temple, the one to whom the Temple tax was ultimately due. His divine exemption, articulated in [Matthew 17:25-26](/matthew/17-25-26 "Matthew 17:25-26 - Jesus' Argument for Exemption"), reveals that He is not merely a prophet or teacher, but the King's Son, possessing inherent authority over the very institution that mediated God's presence. Yet, His willingness to pay the tax, even miraculously ([Matthew 17:27](/matthew/17-27 "Matthew 17:27 - The Miraculous Coin")), demonstrates His profound humility and commitment to avoiding stumbling blocks, echoing His greater mission to humble Himself and take on the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). This act foreshadows His ultimate "payment" – not of a temple tax, but of the price for humanity's sin through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. He is the true and living Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection, the True Temple")), through whom humanity gains access to God, rendering the physical Temple and its taxes ultimately obsolete. His submission to this earthly obligation, despite His divine freedom, exemplifies His perfect obedience to the Father's will, even unto death, thereby establishing the foundation for our own freedom in Him ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 38:26

A bekah for every man, [that is], half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty [men].

Exodus 30:13

This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel [is] twenty gerahs:) an half shekel [shall be] the offering of the LORD.

Mark 9:33

And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?