Matthew 22:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 22:19
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
Chapter Context
Matthew 22 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, mercy, love. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-46: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 22:19
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
Analysis
Shew me the tribute money (ἐπιδείξατέ μοι τὸ νόμισμα τοῦ κήνσου/epideixate moi to nomisma tou kēnsou). Jesus requests they produce the coin used for paying Roman poll tax (κῆνσος/kēnsos, Latin census). A penny (δηνάριον/dēnarion) was a Roman denarius, silver coin worth a day's wage for common laborers (Matthew 20:2). The coin bore Caesar's image (εἰκών/eikōn) and inscription claiming divinity: "Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus."
Jesus's request is strategically brilliant. By having them produce the coin, He exposes their hypocrisy—they claim religious scruples about Roman taxation yet possess and use Roman currency. The denarius in their pockets reveals their practical accommodation to Roman rule despite public posturing. Additionally, possession of the idolatrous coin in the temple precincts shows religious inconsistency. The subsequent question about the image (verse 20) sets up Jesus's devastating response about rendering to Caesar and to God.
Historical Context
The Roman denarius was standard currency throughout the empire, minted with the emperor's portrait and propagandistic inscriptions. Under Tiberius Caesar (14-37 CE), the denarius depicted his profile with the legend "TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS" (Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus) on one side, and his mother Livia as Pax (goddess of peace) on the reverse. For Jews committed to monotheism and prohibitions against graven images (Exodus 20:4), handling such coins created religious discomfort. Yet economic reality required their use. The poll tax (tributum capitis) was particularly offensive—one denarius per person annually, paid directly to Rome's treasury, symbolizing subjugation.
Reflection
- What modern compromises do Christians make while maintaining outward religious appearances?
- How does Jesus's request to 'show me' the coin expose the Pharisees' practical hypocrisy?
- In what ways do believers possess 'Caesar's coin' while claiming exclusive loyalty to God's kingdom?