Matthew 17:24-27

Paying the Temple Tax

24 When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the double-drachma tax[a] approached Peter and said, "Doesn't your Teacher pay the double-drachma tax?"
25 "Yes," he said. When he went into the house, Jesus spoke to him first,[b] "What do you think, Simon? Who do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes from? From their sons or from strangers?" [c]
26 "From strangers," he said.[d] "Then the sons are free," Jesus told him.
27 "But, so we won't offend them, go to the sea, cast in a fishhook, and catch the first fish that comes up. When you open its mouth you'll find a coin. [e] Take it and give it to them for Me and you."

Footnotes 5

  • [a]. Jewish men paid this tax to support the temple; Ex 30:11-16. A double-drachma could purchase 2 sheep.
  • [b]. Lit Jesus anticipated him by saying
  • [c]. Or foreigners
  • [d]. Other mss read Peter said to Him
  • [e]. Gk stater, worth 2 double-drachmas
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.