PER199

The Temple Tax in the Fish’s Mouth

The article recounts the question of the Temple tax, dealt with by Jesus at Capernaum. Asserting his divine sonship, Jesus nevertheless pays the tax to avoid causing offense, thereby demonstrating his wisdom. The miracle of the fish underscores divine providence and Jesus’ commitment to social and religious laws.

6 min Temple tax Capernaum Jesus miracle didrachma 6 verses 4 books

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Biblical texts

Matthew
Matthew 17.24-27 (King James Version)

And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Mark
Mark 9.33 (King James Version)

And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Luke
Luke (King James Version) not cited in the book
John
John (King James Version) not cited in the book

Technical details

Year AD 32

Location: Capernaum in Galilee

Date: September 32

Method: We switch to Matthew

Note on the method: Matthew is the only one to report this event; Mark confirms the location of Capernaum

Map of Capernaum

Must the Messiah Jesus pay the annual Temple tax?

The Temple Tax in the Fish’s Mouth

The Temple Tax in the Fish’s Mouth

This passage highlights several elements:

Mark 9.33 does confirm that the group returned to Capernaum, as Matthew states, but it does not mention the story of this tax.

Matthew probably records this event to show his Jewish readers that the Messiah Jesus, although the Son of God, submits to the requirements of the law.

Matthew 17.24-27 relates the episode in which the Messiah Jesus and his disciples arrive at Capernaum, and Peter is asked by the collectors of the Temple tax about the payment of the didrachma. In an instructive exchange with Peter, the Messiah Jesus points out that the sons of kings are exempt from taxes, yet he chooses to pay in order to avoid any offense. He tells Peter to catch a fish, in whose mouth he will find a coin sufficient to pay the tax for the two of them. This may indicate that the other disciples were absent or had already paid this tax. The fact that the collectors addressed Peter suggests that he was alone with the Master and that the other disciples were indeed absent.

This passage highlights several elements:

  • The fiscal and religious context: The didrachma was an annual tax intended for the upkeep of the Temple, based on Exodus 30.11-16 (see Nehemiah 10.32). It was collected by commissioners sent throughout the land of Israel.
  • The theological teaching: The Messiah Jesus implicitly asserts his divine sonship by pointing out that the sons of kings are not subject to taxes. He thus shows that he is not obliged to pay this tax, but chooses to do so out of concern for social harmony.
  • The miracle and its significance: The fact that the coin is found in the mouth of a fish underscores God’s sovereignty over creation and his providence. This miracle also illustrates Jesus’ ability to provide for the material needs of his disciples.

This passage is therefore rich in theological and practical implications, highlighting Jesus’ wisdom in handling social and religious obligations while affirming his divine identity.