Matthew 17:24
When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The question "Does your teacher not pay the tax?" isn't just a simple inquiry; it's a loaded question designed to trap Jesus. These collectors, familiar with Jesus's growing reputation, are probing to see if he, as a teacher, considers himself above the religious laws that govern Israel.
Jesus and his disciples have just experienced the profound event of the Transfiguration, but upon returning to earthly concerns in Capernaum, they are immediately confronted by temple tax collectors. These collectors approach Peter, questioning whether Jesus, as a teacher of the Law, would indeed pay the annual temple tax, a demand that was historically for the upkeep of the sanctuary. This sets the stage for Jesus to reveal his divine identity and his relationship to the very Temple they were supporting.
Understand the original words
didrachma · Greek Noun
The official tax required of every Jewish male for the maintenance of the temple in Jerusalem. Based on Exodus 30:13, it was a symbolic acknowledgment of God's ownership and redemption of the people.
didaskalos · Greek Noun
A title of respect, often used to address rabbis or religious leaders, signifying one who instructs in the Law and interprets the will of God for the people.
This interaction highlights the spiritual authority of Jesus, who, as the Son of God, was exempt from a tax meant for His Father's house. The collectors, likely local officials, were assessing if Jesus, a prominent figure in Capernaum, adhered to this vital religious custom.
c. 1400 BC
Temple Tribute Law Given
The Law of Moses establishes a half-shekel annual tribute for every male Israelite over twenty for the service of the Tabernacle, later the Temple. This became a central part of Jewish religious life and identity.
c. 40 BC - AD 30
Herodian Temple Construction
During Jesus' lifetime, King Herod the Great undertook a massive renovation and expansion of the Jerusalem Temple. This period saw significant activity and investment in the Temple complex.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus Dwells in Capernaum
Jesus makes Capernaum his home base for his ministry in Galilee. This familiar location makes him and his disciples known to local officials and residents.
c. AD 70
Temple Tribute Redirected to Rome
After the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple, the Roman Emperor Vespasian ordered the Temple tribute to be paid into the Roman treasury, a move deeply resented by Jews.
This passage establishes the origin of the temple tax, detailing the half-shekel payment required for the service of the Tabernacle, which directly informs the context of the question posed to Peter.
Nehemiah 10:32This verse shows the people of Israel covenanting to bring the yearly tax for the service of the house of God, illustrating the ongoing importance and communal expectation of this temple contribution.
Matthew 22:17In this later encounter, Jesus is asked if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, drawing a parallel to the question about paying taxes to God and highlighting Jesus' consistent engagement with issues of religious and civic obligations.
John 10:22This passage mentions Jesus attending the Feast of Dedication, showing his participation in temple-related events and practices, which provides a backdrop for the collectors' expectation that he would honor temple dues.
barnesMatthew 17:24: "And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?"
And when they were come to Capernaum - See the notes at Matthew 4:13 . They that received tribute - In the original this is, they who received the didrachma, or double drachma. The drachma was a Grecian coin worth about fifteen cents (7 1/2 d.) of British money. The didrachma, or double drachma, was a silver coin equal to the Attic drachma, and, in t…
bengelMatthew 17:24: "And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?"
Matthew 17:24 . Καπερναοὺμ , Capernaum ) where Jesus dwelt.[797]— τα δίδραχμα , the didrachms )[798] the Hebrew שקל , shekel , is frequently rendered διδραχμον by the LXX.— οἱ λαμβάνοντες , they that received ) sc. for the Temple.[799] [797] On a different footing, however, from what He had been on before: for He was now dwelling in obscurity with Hi…
The question "Does your teacher not pay the tax?" isn't just a simple inquiry; it's a loaded question designed to trap Jesus. These collectors, familiar with Jesus's growing reputation, are probing to see if he, as a teacher, considers himself above the religious laws that govern Israel.
Jesus and his disciples have just experienced the profound event of the Transfiguration, but upon returning to earthly concerns in Capernaum, they are immediately confronted by temple tax collectors. These collectors approach Peter, questioning whether Jesus, as a teacher of the Law, would indeed pay the annual temple tax, a demand that was historically for the upkeep of the sanctuary. This sets the stage for Jesus to reveal his divine identity and his relationship to the very Temple they were supporting.
Jesus and his disciples have just experienced the profound event of the Transfiguration, but upon returning to earthly concerns in Capernaum, they are immediately confronted by temple tax collectors. These collectors approach Peter, questioning whether Jesus, as a teacher of the Law, would indeed pay the annual temple tax, a demand that was historically for the upkeep of the sanctuary. This sets the stage for Jesus to reveal his divine identity and his relationship to the very Temple they were supporting.
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"When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?”" — The question "Does your teacher not pay the tax?" isn't just a simple inquiry; it's a loaded question designed to trap Jesus. These collectors, familiar with Jesus's growing reputation, are probing t…
