### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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