Matthew 17:27

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.

Notwithstanding {G1161}, lest {G3363} we should offend {G4624} them {G846}, go thou {G4198} to {G1519} the sea {G2281}, and cast {G906} an hook {G44}, and {G2532} take up {G142} the fish {G2486} that first {G4412} cometh up {G305}; and {G2532} when thou hast opened {G455} his {G846} mouth {G4750}, thou shalt find {G2147} a piece of money {G4715}: that {G1565} take {G2983}, and give {G1325} unto them {G846} for {G473} me {G1700} and {G2532} thee {G4675}.

But to avoid offending them -- go to the lake, throw out a line, and take the first fish you catch. Open its mouth, and you will find a shekel. Take it and give it to them for me and for you."

“But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours.”

But, lest we cause them to stumble, go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a shekel: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Commentary

Matthew 17:27 concludes a fascinating interaction between Jesus, Peter, and the temple tax collectors, demonstrating Christ's divine authority and practical wisdom.

Context of Matthew 17:27

This verse immediately follows a discussion about the annual temple tax, a half-shekel (or two didrachmas) required of every Jewish male over 20 for the upkeep of the Jerusalem Temple, as prescribed in the Old Testament. When asked if Jesus paid this tax, Peter affirmed He did. Jesus then used the opportunity to explain that as the Son of God, He and His "sons" (His disciples) were inherently free from this earthly tribute, just as a king's children are exempt from taxes in their own kingdom. However, to avoid causing offense or misunderstanding, Jesus instructs Peter to miraculously obtain the necessary payment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Miraculous Provision: This incident clearly showcases Jesus' supernatural knowledge and power. He knows exactly where the coin is and how it will be found. This miraculous provision for a mundane need underscores His sovereignty over creation and His ability to provide for His followers in unexpected ways.
  • Humility and Avoiding Offense: Despite His divine right to exemption, Jesus willingly chooses to pay the tax. The phrase "lest we should offend them" highlights Jesus' concern for others' perceptions and His desire to avoid becoming a stumbling block, even when His actions are perfectly justified. This teaches a profound lesson in Christian conduct and wisdom.

Linguistic Insights

The "piece of money" found in the fish's mouth is a Greek coin called a stater. This coin was worth four didrachmas, or a full shekel, which was precisely enough to pay the temple tax for two people ("for me and thee"). The Greek word translated "offend" is skandalizo, from which we get "scandal." It refers to causing someone to stumble morally or spiritually, or to doubt. Jesus' action prevents any false accusations or misinterpretations of His authority.

Practical Application

Matthew 17:27 offers valuable lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us of Christ's unparalleled power and His commitment to providing for His people. We can trust in His provision for our needs, both spiritual and material. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of Christian testimony and avoiding unnecessary offense. While we stand firm on biblical truth, we are also called to exercise wisdom and grace in our interactions, ensuring our actions do not hinder others from hearing or understanding the Gospel. This principle of not causing a stumbling block is a recurring theme in the New Testament.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 6:3 (12 votes)

    Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

  • 2 Corinthians 8:9 (9 votes)

    For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:19 (9 votes)

    ¶ For though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:22 (9 votes)

    To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 (9 votes)

    But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:13 (7 votes)

    Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

  • Jonah 1:17 (6 votes)

    Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.