King James Version

What Does Matthew 17:24 Mean?

Matthew 17:24 in the King James Version says “And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? tribute: called in the original, didrachma, being in value fifteen pence sterling; about thirty seven cents”

Matthew 17:24 · KJV

Context

22

And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:

23

And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

24

And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? tribute: called in the original, didrachma, being in value fifteen pence sterling; about thirty seven cents

25

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?

26

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

Read Matthew 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's willing compliance with legitimate religious obligations challenge both legalism and antinomianism?
  2. What does the collectors' indirect approach (through Peter) teach about fear-based religious inquiry versus genuine seeking?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Ἐλθόντων1 of 21

“were come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

δὲ2 of 21

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτῶν3 of 21

“when they”

G846

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

εἰς4 of 21

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Καπερναούμ,5 of 21

“Capernaum”

G2584

capernaum (i.e., caphanachum), a place in palestine

προσῆλθον6 of 21

“money came”

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

οἱ7 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τὰ8 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δίδραχμα9 of 21

“tribute”

G1323

a double drachma (didrachm)

λαμβάνοντες10 of 21

“they that received”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τῷ11 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Πέτρῳ12 of 21

“to Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

καὶ13 of 21

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπον,14 of 21

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ὁ15 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διδάσκαλος16 of 21

“master”

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

ὑμῶν17 of 21

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

οὐ18 of 21

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

τελεῖ19 of 21

“Doth”

G5055

to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)

τὰ20 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δίδραχμα21 of 21

“tribute”

G1323

a double drachma (didrachm)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 17:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 17:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 38:26Exodus 30:13

Places in This Verse

CapernaumSettlement · Modern: Tell Hum · 32.88°N, 35.58°E18 verses across 4 books
View all places in Matthew 17 →

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