### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word στατήρ (statḗr, `{{G4715}}`) is derived from the root of ἵστημι (histēmi), meaning "to stand" or "to set up," implying something established or a fixed standard. Its primary meaning is a "standard of value," which evolved to specifically denote a particular type of coin. In the ancient world, a stater was a significant silver or gold coin, varying in value by region and period. In the context of the New Testament, particularly in Judea during the Roman period, a silver stater was typically a tetradrachm, equivalent to four drachmas. This made it a substantial piece of money, often used for larger transactions or taxes. Its semantic range is quite narrow, referring almost exclusively to this specific monetary unit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term στατήρ (statḗr, `{{G4715}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Matthew:
* [[Matthew 17:27]]: "However, so that we do not cause them to stumble, 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 στατήρ. Take that and give it to them for Me and you."
This verse concludes the narrative concerning the temple tax at Capernaum. The collectors of the two-drachma temple tax approach Peter, asking if Jesus pays the tax. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, initiates a discussion with Peter, asserting that the "sons" (referring to himself and his disciples) are free from the tax. Nevertheless, to avoid giving offense, Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish, promising that a στατήρ will be found in its mouth. A stater, being equivalent to four drachmas, would precisely cover the temple tax for two people (two didrachmas, or half-shekels, per person). This specific detail underscores the miraculous nature of the provision, Jesus' divine foreknowledge, and his authority over creation, even as he humbly submits to human requirements to prevent scandal or misunderstanding.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word στατήρ (statḗr) is closely related to other monetary units and concepts in the New Testament:
* **Monetary Units:**
* δραχμή (drachmē, `{{G1406}}`): A Greek silver coin, often equivalent to a Roman denarius or a half-shekel. A stater was worth four drachmas.
* δίδραχμον (didrachmon, `{{G1371}}`): The two-drachma coin, which was the exact amount of the annual temple tax for one person. The στατήρ provided was sufficient for two δίδραχμα.
* δηνάριον (dēnarion, `{{G1220}}`): The Roman denarius, a silver coin often representing a day's wage for a laborer.
* ἀργύριον (argyrion, `{{G694}}`): A general term for silver, often used for money.
* **Temple Tax:** The concept of the temple tax itself is central to the context of the στατήρ's appearance. This tax, derived from the half-shekel commanded in [[Exodus 30:13]], was a required annual contribution for the upkeep of the Jerusalem Temple.
* **Divine Provision:** The miracle of the στατήρ connects to broader biblical themes of God's miraculous and timely provision for His people, reminiscent of manna in the wilderness or Elijah being fed by ravens.
* **Jesus' Authority:** This event serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' unique authority as the Son of God, extending even to the natural world, as well as his wisdom in navigating societal expectations.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of στατήρ (statḗr) in the New Testament carries profound theological weight:
* **Jesus' Sovereignty and Humility:** The miraculous provision of the στατήρ from the fish's mouth is a powerful affirmation of Jesus' divine authority over creation. He demonstrates foreknowledge and power over the natural world, orchestrating the coin's appearance precisely when and where it is needed. Yet, this display of divine power is coupled with an act of profound humility and wisdom. Jesus, as the Son of God, is inherently free from the temple tax, which was levied for His Father's house. His payment is not out of obligation but "so that we do not cause them to stumble" [[Matthew 17:27]]. This highlights His concern for the consciences of others and His willingness to submit to earthly systems for the sake of the gospel, even when not strictly bound by them.
* **Sonship and Freedom:** Jesus' discourse with Peter about kings' sons being free from taxes underscores His unique relationship with God as the true Son, implying His inherent freedom from the temple tax. His payment, therefore, is a gracious condescension, not a necessity. It exemplifies His mission to fulfill all righteousness, not merely by adhering to the letter of the law, but by demonstrating the spirit of humility and avoiding offense.
* **God's Timely Provision:** The precise nature of the miracle—the exact coin, for the exact amount, at the exact time—serves as a powerful testimony to God's specific and timely provision for His people. It reassures believers that God is attentive to their needs and can provide in unexpected ways, demonstrating His faithfulness.
* **Avoiding Offense:** The explicit reason given for paying the tax—"so that we do not cause them to stumble"—reveals Jesus' pastoral heart and His commitment to removing unnecessary obstacles to faith. This principle guides believers to consider the impact of their actions on others, prioritizing the avoidance of offense for the sake of the gospel.
### Summary
The Greek word στατήρ (statḗr, `{{G4715}}`) refers to a specific silver coin, a tetradrachm, equivalent to four drachmas or two didrachmas. Its sole appearance in the New Testament in [[Matthew 17:27]] is highly significant. In this passage, Jesus miraculously provides a στατήρ from the mouth of a fish to pay the temple tax for both Himself and Peter. This event serves as a profound theological statement, demonstrating Jesus' divine sovereignty over creation, His unique status as the Son of God who is inherently free from such earthly obligations, and His profound humility in choosing to pay the tax to avoid causing offense. The precise and miraculous nature of the provision also underscores God's faithful and timely care for His people, while providing a powerful example of Christ's wisdom and pastoral concern in His earthly ministry.
TRV