The Greek word statḗr, represented by G4715, is a specific term for a piece of money. It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. The term itself is defined as a stander or standard of value, specifically a stater or certain coin. Its extreme rarity makes its single context in scripture particularly noteworthy.
The sole appearance of G4715 is in the narrative of Matthew 17:27. In this passage, Jesus instructs Peter to go to the sea and cast a hook. He tells him that the first fish he catches will contain a piece of money in its mouth. This coin was to be taken and given to fulfill an obligation for both Jesus and Peter, a command given "lest we should offend them" Matthew 17:27. The event places this common object at the center of a miraculous act of provision.
Several related words from the context of Matthew 17:27 illuminate the surrounding miracle:
- G2147 heurískō (to find (literally or figuratively)): This word describes the action of discovering the coin. Peter is told he will find the piece of money Matthew 17:27. This concept of finding what is sought is also used thematically in passages like Matthew 7:7, "seek, and ye shall find".
- G2486 ichthýs (a fish): The miraculous delivery of the coin is accomplished through a fish. This creature serves as the unsuspecting vessel for God's provision Matthew 17:27, and the word is also used in other miracles of provision, like the feeding of the multitudes Matthew 14:19.
- G4750 stóma (the mouth): The coin was located in the mouth of the fish. This word is often used in scripture to refer to what proceeds from a source, such as the words that come from the mouth of God Matthew 4:4 or what a person speaks from the abundance of the heart Luke 6:45.
The theological weight of G4715 comes entirely from its unique narrative context.
- Divine Provision: The appearance of the piece of money in a fish's mouth is a direct and supernatural act of provision. It demonstrates God's ability to meet needs in precise and unexpected ways Matthew 17:27.
- Sovereignty over Creation: The story affirms Christ's authority over the natural world. He commands Peter to cast (G906) a hook, knowing a specific fish will take it and contain the exact item needed Matthew 17:27.
- Fulfilling Earthly Obligations: The miracle is performed to provide a coin to pay a required tribute, with the stated purpose of not causing offense. This shows a principle of meeting obligations, even when one might be sovereignly exempt.
In summary, G4715 is far more than a simple reference to a coin. While its literal meaning is a piece of money, its single use in the Bible embeds it within a powerful story of divine intervention. The account in Matthew 17:27 uses the statḗr to illustrate Christ's absolute authority over creation, His power to provide miraculously, and the wisdom in fulfilling obligations to avoid unnecessary offense. It demonstrates how a mundane object can be used to reveal profound spiritual truth.
TRV