from δίς and δραχμή; a double drachma (didrachm):--tribute.
Transliteration:dídrachmon
Pronunciation:did'-rakh-mon
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term δίδραχμον (G1323, *dídrachmon*) is a compound word derived from δίς (*dis*), meaning "twice," and δραχμή (G1406, *drachmē*), a "drachma" or a silver coin. Thus, its literal meaning is a "double drachma," referring to a specific silver coin equivalent to two drachmas. In the context of its biblical usage, this coin functioned as the annual temple tax required of every adult Jewish male. This tax was originally mandated in the Old Testament as a half-shekel (`{{H8255}}`) for the service of the tabernacle (cf. [[Exodus 30:13-16]]), and by the time of the New Testament, the *didrachmon* had become its precise equivalent in the prevailing Greek monetary system. The semantic range is therefore quite narrow, referring specifically to this religious levy rather than a general tax or tribute.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δίδραχμον (G1323) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Matthew 17:24-27]]. In this passage, tax collectors approach Peter in Capernaum and inquire whether his teacher pays the *didrachmon*. Peter affirms that Jesus does, and upon returning to the house, Jesus preempts Peter's report, asking him about the source of earthly kings' taxes and tribute: from their sons or from strangers? Peter replies, "From strangers." Jesus then declares that "the sons are free" ([[Matthew 17:26]]).
This exchange is profoundly significant. The temple tax was seen as an obligation to God and His house, a reminder of Israel's covenant relationship. Jesus, as the Son of God, is implicitly declaring His divine sonship and, by extension, His inherent freedom from an obligation that applies to "strangers" (i.e., those not of the royal household). He is the Son of the King to whom the temple belongs. Nevertheless, to avoid causing offense (σκάνδαλον, *skandalon*), Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish, in whose mouth he will find a στατήρ (*statēr*), a four-drachma coin (equivalent to two *didrachmon*), which will suffice to pay the tax for both Jesus and Peter.
The context highlights Jesus' authority over the temple and its requirements, His humble willingness to accommodate human expectations for the sake of the Gospel, and His miraculous power to provide, even for a seemingly mundane financial obligation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding δίδραχμον (G1323) is enhanced by considering related terms:
* **δραχμή (G1406, *drachmē*):** The base unit coin from which *didrachmon* is derived. A drachma was a silver coin roughly equivalent to a Roman denarius, representing a day's wage for a common laborer.
* **στατήρ (G4715, *statēr*):** A "stater," a silver coin worth four drachmas or two *didrachmon*. This is the coin miraculously provided in the fish's mouth in [[Matthew 17:27]], sufficient to pay the temple tax for two individuals.
* **μνᾶ (G3414, *mna*):** A "mina," a larger unit of currency, typically worth 100 drachmas.
* **τάλαντον (G5007, *talanton*):** A "talent," the largest unit of currency, equivalent to 6,000 drachmas.
* **ἡμίσεος (G2473, *hēmisys*):** "Half." This is relevant because the *didrachmon* was the equivalent of the "half-shekel" (`{{H8255}}`) temple tax mandated in the Old Testament (e.g., [[Exodus 30:13]]).
* **κῆνσος (G2778, *kēnsos*) and τέλος (G5411, *telos*):** General terms for "tax" or "tribute." While *didrachmon* is a specific religious tax, *kēnsos* (e.g., [[Matthew 22:17]]) and *telos* (e.g., [[Romans 13:7]]) refer to civil or governmental taxes. The distinction underscores the unique nature of the *didrachmon* as a sacred obligation.
### Theological Significance
The single biblical occurrence of δίδραχμον (G1323) in [[Matthew 17:24-27]] carries profound theological weight:
1. **Jesus' Divine Sonship and Authority:** Jesus' statement, "the sons are free," establishes His unique relationship with God the Father and the temple. As the Son of the King, He is intrinsically exempt from the temple tax, as the temple is His Father's house, and by extension, His own. This subtly yet powerfully affirms His divine identity and authority over the very institution to which the tax was paid.
2. **Humility and Avoidance of Offense:** Despite His inherent freedom, Jesus chooses to pay the tax "so that we may not cause offense" (ἵνα μὴ σκανδαλίσωμεν αὐτούς, [[Matthew 17:27]]). This demonstrates His profound humility, His wisdom in navigating human expectations, and His commitment to removing stumbling blocks to faith. He prioritizes the spiritual well-being of others over asserting His divine prerogatives, embodying the principle of self-sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom.
3. **Miraculous Provision:** The miraculous provision of the stater from the fish's mouth underscores Jesus' sovereignty over creation and His ability to meet needs in extraordinary ways. It serves as a tangible sign of His divine power and care, even in mundane matters like paying a tax. This miracle also provides for Peter, highlighting Jesus' care for His disciples and their inclusion in His mission.
4. **Fulfillment of the Law and New Covenant Reality:** While Jesus observes the law, His actions simultaneously point beyond it. His freedom from the tax foreshadows the new covenant reality where believers, through Christ, are liberated from the burdens of the law, not to disregard righteousness, but to live in the freedom of the Spirit as adopted sons and daughters of God.
### Summary
The term δίδραχμον (G1323, *dídrachmon*) refers to a "double drachma," a specific silver coin that served as the annual temple tax for adult Jewish males, equivalent to the Old Testament half-shekel. Its sole appearance in [[Matthew 17:24-27]] illuminates a crucial theological encounter where Jesus, as the Son of God, asserts His inherent freedom from this religious obligation. Despite His divine prerogative, He willingly pays the tax, not out of compulsion, but to avoid causing offense, demonstrating profound humility and wisdom. The miraculous provision of the coin further underscores His divine authority and providential care. This passage, centered on the *didrachmon*, therefore serves as a rich testament to Jesus' identity as the Son of the King, His gracious condescension, and His power over all creation.
TRV