Matthew 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?
Original Language Analysis
Ἐλθόντων
were come
G2064
Ἐλθόντων
were come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 21
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
αὐτῶν
when they
G846
αὐτῶν
when they
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Καπερναούμ,
Capernaum
G2584
Καπερναούμ,
Capernaum
Strong's:
G2584
Word #:
5 of 21
capernaum (i.e., caphanachum), a place in palestine
προσῆλθον
money came
G4334
προσῆλθον
money came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
6 of 21
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαμβάνοντες
they that received
G2983
λαμβάνοντες
they that received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
10 of 21
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρῳ
to Peter
G4074
Πέτρῳ
to Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
12 of 21
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τελεῖ
Doth
G5055
τελεῖ
Doth
Strong's:
G5055
Word #:
19 of 21
to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)
Cross References
Exodus 30:13This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.Exodus 38:26A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men.
Historical Context
The half-shekel temple tax originated in Exodus 30:11-16 as atonement money for the sanctuary. By Jesus's time, it was collected annually (Adar, before Passover) throughout the Jewish world, funding temple operations. Mishnah tractate Shekalim details collection procedures. Jesus's compliance with this tax shows He honored legitimate religious obligations, though He would later cleanse the temple (21:12-13), showing support for proper worship while condemning corruption.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's willing compliance with legitimate religious obligations challenge both legalism and antinomianism?
- What does the collectors' indirect approach (through Peter) teach about fear-based religious inquiry versus genuine seeking?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter (Ἐλθόντων δὲ αὐτῶν εἰς Καφαρναοὺμ προσῆλθον οἱ τὰ δίδραχμα λαμβάνοντες τῷ Πέτρῳ)—Capernaum was Jesus's ministry headquarters (4:13). The τὰ δίδραχμα (didrachma, 'two drachma') refers to the half-shekel temple tax required of every Jewish male over 20 (Exodus 30:11-16). The collectors approached Peter, perhaps because he was prominent or owned a house there. And said, Doth not your master pay tribute? (καὶ εἶπαν, Ὁ διδάσκαλος ὑμῶν οὐ τελεῖ τὰ δίδραχμα;)—the question expects a positive answer ('Your teacher does pay, doesn't he?'), subtly challenging whether Jesus honors Jewish obligation.
This wasn't Roman taxation but temple support for sacrifices, maintenance, and priestly support. The question tests Jesus's piety and Jewish loyalty. Did He honor Torah requirements? The collectors' approach to Peter rather than Jesus may indicate reluctance to directly confront Him after His growing reputation. This incident demonstrates Jesus's engagement with practical religious/civic obligations, not merely lofty spiritual teaching.