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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

“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.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:27 concludes a profound encounter between Jesus, Peter, and the temple tax collectors, showcasing Christ's unparalleled divine authority and His practical wisdom in navigating earthly obligations. Despite His inherent exemption as the Son of God, Jesus orchestrates a miraculous provision to pay the temple tax for Himself and Peter, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation while simultaneously teaching a vital lesson on avoiding unnecessary offense and prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others. This singular event encapsulates both His supernatural power and His humble, strategic approach to ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a pivotal discussion regarding the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-26). Peter, when questioned by tax collectors, confidently affirms that Jesus pays the tax. Jesus then uses this encounter as a teaching moment, explaining to Peter that as the Son of God, He is exempt from the tax levied for His Father's house, just as a king's sons are exempt from taxes within their own kingdom. The instruction to Peter in [Matthew 17:27](/matthew/17-27 "Matthew 17:27 - The Temple Tax Miracle") serves as the practical culmination of this theological declaration, providing a concrete demonstration of Jesus' authority and His principle of not causing offense, even when His rights are clear. This episode is strategically placed after the Transfiguration ([Matthew 17:1-13](/matthew/17-1-13 "Matthew 17:1-13 - The Transfiguration")) and the healing of the demon-possessed boy ([Matthew 17:14-21](/matthew/17-14-21 "Matthew 17:14-21 - Healing the Demoniac")), further emphasizing Jesus' divine power and unique identity before presenting His humble submission to a human custom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The temple tax was an annual levy of a half-shekel (two didrachmas) required of every Jewish male over twenty years old, as prescribed in [Exodus 30:13-16](/exodus/30-13-16 "Exodus 30:13-16 - The Half-Shekel Offering"). This tax funded the upkeep and services of the Jerusalem Temple, serving as a reminder of Israel's covenant with God and their collective responsibility for the tabernacle. While the original Mosaic law was for the tabernacle, it had evolved into an annual tax for the Second Temple. The tax collectors in Capernaum were likely agents of the Temple authorities, collecting this sacred tribute. For Jesus, claiming exemption could be perceived as a rejection of the Temple's authority or even a claim of being above the Law, potentially leading to accusations of impiety or rebellion. His instruction to Peter, therefore, deftly navigates this cultural and religious expectation, balancing divine truth with practical wisdom.
* **Key Themes:** This passage profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores Jesus' **Divine Authority and Sovereignty** over creation, as evidenced by His supernatural knowledge of the fish and the coin, and His ability to command nature. This aligns with other demonstrations of His power, such as calming the storm ([Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) or feeding the multitudes ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")). Secondly, the theme of **Humility and Avoiding Offense** is central. Despite His divine right to exemption, Jesus chooses to pay the tax "lest we should offend them," exemplifying a profound principle of Christian conduct: prioritizing the spiritual well-being and perception of others over one's own rights or freedoms. This echoes Paul's later teachings on not causing a stumbling block for a weaker brother ([1 Corinthians 8:9-13](/1_corinthians/8-9-13 "1 Corinthians 8:9-13 - Not Causing a Stumbling Block")). Finally, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Jesus' Messianic Identity** as the Son of God, who, though supreme, willingly submits to earthly systems for a higher purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Notwithstanding (Greek, _dé'_):** This particle serves as an adversative or continuative, often translated as "but," "and," or "moreover." In this context, it marks a transition from Jesus' theological declaration of exemption to His practical instruction. It signals a shift in focus from divine right to pragmatic action, emphasizing that despite His inherent freedom, a different course of action is chosen for a specific purpose.
* **Offend (Greek, _skandalízō'_):** Derived from _skandalon_ (a stumbling block or trap), this verb means "to entrap," "to trip up," or "to cause to stumble morally or spiritually." Jesus' concern is not merely to avoid social discomfort but to prevent His actions from leading others to doubt His piety, reject His message, or misinterpret His identity. It speaks to the ethical responsibility of believers to act in ways that do not hinder others' faith or understanding of the Gospel.
* **Piece of money (Greek, _statḗr'_):** This refers to a stater, a specific Greek silver coin. A stater was typically worth four didrachmas, or one full shekel. This detail is crucial, as the temple tax for one person was a half-shekel (two didrachmas). Thus, the stater found in the fish's mouth was precisely enough to pay the tax for both Jesus and Peter ("for me and thee"), highlighting the precise and miraculous nature of Jesus' provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them,"**: This opening clause sets the tone for Jesus' instruction. It acknowledges His divine exemption from the tax, yet immediately pivots to the pragmatic concern of avoiding a stumbling block (_skandalízō_) for those who might misinterpret His actions. Jesus, though sovereign, chooses humility and consideration for others' perceptions over asserting His inherent rights, demonstrating a profound pastoral sensitivity.
* **"go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up;"**: Jesus gives Peter a specific, seemingly unusual, command. This directive highlights Jesus' supernatural knowledge and authority over creation. He knows exactly where Peter should go, what he should do, and even which fish will respond, underscoring His omnipotence and omniscient control over the natural world.
* **"and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money:"**: This is the miraculous core of the instruction. The detail of finding a coin in the fish's mouth is extraordinary and defies natural explanation. It serves as a powerful sign of Jesus' divine power, His ability to provide in unexpected ways, and His intimate knowledge of all things, even the contents of a fish's mouth.
* **"that take, and give unto them for me and thee."**: The purpose of the miracle is explicitly stated: to pay the temple tax for both Jesus and Peter. The stater, being worth a full shekel (two half-shekels), perfectly covers the required amount for two individuals. This act not only fulfills the immediate need but also reinforces Peter's inclusion in Jesus' "sons" (Matthew 17:26), who are spiritually free but willingly submit for the sake of others.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 17:27 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is evident in the fish and the coin. The fish, a common symbol in early Christianity, here represents a vessel of divine provision, while the coin, a mundane object, becomes a tangible sign of Jesus' supernatural power. The act itself is a form of **Miracle Narrative**, showcasing Jesus' absolute **Sovereignty** over nature and His ability to command creation to serve His purposes. This specific miracle also functions as a **Didactic Illustration**, providing a concrete example of the principle Jesus just articulated regarding His divine sonship and the importance of avoiding offense. Furthermore, there's an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this display of power and provision subtly points to Jesus' ultimate authority over all things, including the very systems of the world, and His eventual provision for humanity's greatest need—salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 17:27 is rich with theological implications, primarily affirming Jesus' unique divine identity and His practical wisdom in ministry. It demonstrates that while Jesus is the Son of God, inherently free from earthly obligations, He willingly submits to human customs to avoid causing a stumbling block. This act of humble obedience, coupled with a display of absolute sovereignty over creation, serves as a powerful model for believers. It teaches that our freedom in Christ should not be used as an excuse to disregard societal norms or to cause others to stumble, but rather to operate with love and wisdom, always prioritizing the advancement of the Gospel and the spiritual well-being of our neighbors. The miraculous provision underscores God's ability to supply all our needs, often in unexpected ways, reinforcing a theology of divine care and provision for His children.

* [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause a Stumbling Block")
* [1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Beware Lest This Liberty Become a Stumbling Block")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply Your Every Need")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the temple tax and the miraculous coin in the fish offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to reflect on the balance between our Christian liberties and our responsibility to others. While we are free in Christ, Jesus models a life where love and consideration for the spiritual journey of others take precedence over asserting our rights. This calls us to a careful discernment: are our actions, even if permissible, causing unnecessary offense or hindering the Gospel message for those around us? Furthermore, this passage is a powerful reminder of Christ's boundless power and His faithful provision. Just as He knew the fish and the coin, He knows our every need and is capable of providing for us in ways we cannot imagine. This should cultivate a deeper trust in His sovereignty and care, encouraging us to seek His wisdom in our daily lives and to rely on His miraculous provision for both our spiritual and material needs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be asserting your rights or freedoms in a way that could inadvertently cause offense or be a stumbling block to others' faith?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to pay the tax, despite His exemption, challenge your understanding of humility and submission?**
* **What specific needs are you facing right now, and how does the miracle of the coin in the fish encourage you to trust in God's unexpected provision?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus, as the Son of God, choose to pay the temple tax?**

Answer: Jesus chose to pay the temple tax not because He was obligated, but to avoid causing offense (_skandalízō_) and to prevent His actions from being misinterpreted. As He explained to Peter in [Matthew 17:26](/matthew/17-26 "Matthew 17:26 - Sons are Free"), the sons of the king are exempt from taxes. Since the temple was His Father's house, Jesus, as the Son of God, was inherently free from this tribute. However, to prevent His opponents from having a reason to accuse Him of impiety or disrespect for the Law and the Temple, and to avoid becoming a stumbling block to others, He willingly submitted to the custom. This demonstrates His humility and His strategic wisdom in ministry, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others over asserting His divine rights.

**What was a "piece of money" (stater), and why was it significant?**

Answer: The "piece of money" was a stater (Greek, _statḗr'_), a silver coin equivalent to four didrachmas or one full shekel. This was significant because the annual temple tax for each Jewish male over 20 was a half-shekel (two didrachmas), as prescribed in [Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - The Half-Shekel Tax"). The stater found in the fish's mouth was precisely enough to pay the tax for two people—Jesus and Peter ("for me and thee"). This detail underscores the exact and miraculous nature of Jesus' provision, demonstrating His supernatural knowledge and power over creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 17:27, while seemingly a minor incident, powerfully points to the person and work of Christ. Jesus' demonstration of absolute **Sovereignty** over creation, commanding a fish to deliver the exact coin needed, foreshadows His ultimate authority as the Lord of all, through whom and for whom all things were created ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created by Him")). More profoundly, His willingness to pay a tax from which He was divinely exempt, "lest we should offend them," is a profound illustration of His redemptive humility. This act anticipates His ultimate condescension in the incarnation, where He, though God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). He, the sinless Son, became obedient even to death on a cross, paying the ultimate "tax" for humanity's sin—a debt we could never pay ourselves ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the miraculous provision of the stater for a temporal tax points to the infinitely greater provision of salvation, freely given by the one who is Lord over all, yet humbly submitted to the Father's will for our sake.

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

2 Corinthians 6:3

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

2 Corinthians 8:9

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

¶ 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

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

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

1 Corinthians 8:13

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

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.