Lexical Summary didrachmon: Two-drachma coin Original Word: δίδραχμον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a double drachmaFrom dis and drachme; a double drachma (didrachm) -- tribute. see GREEK dis see GREEK drachme NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dis and drachmé Definition a double drachma NASB Translation two-drachma (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1323: δίδραχμονδίδραχμον, διδράχμου, τό (neuter of the adjective δίδραχμος, δίδραχμον, namely, νόμισμα; from δίς and δραχμή), a didrachmon or double-drachma, a silver coin equal to two Attic drachmas or one Alexandrian, or half a shekel (about one third of a dollar) (see in ἀργύριον, 3): Matthew 17:24. (the Sept. often for שֶׁקֶל; (Pollux, Galen).) Topical Lexicon Historical Setting and Monetary Value The “two-drachma” was a silver coin worth roughly the wage of two days’ labor in the first-century Roman world, weighing a little over seven grams. In Jewish practice it corresponded to the half-shekel required annually for the upkeep of the Temple in Jerusalem. Because silver Tyrian coinage (the preferred medium for the Temple) was almost twice this weight, two-drachma pieces commonly served Jews living in areas where Greek currency predominated. Josephus (Antiquities 18.313–314) notes that agents were dispatched each spring to gather this tax from Jews across the Empire, illustrating how comprehensive and well-known the obligation was. Old Testament Roots of the Tax Exodus 30:11-16 first instituted the half-shekel offering as “atonement money” for every adult male. Later generations reaffirmed it for Temple maintenance (2 Chronicles 24:4-14; Nehemiah 10:32-33). By the time of Jesus the payment had become a fixed annual duty, due by the month of Adar (February–March). Although originally connected with atonement, the tax in the first century primarily funded the continual sacrifices, priestly service, and building repairs—matters central to Israel’s corporate worship. New Testament Occurrence Matthew 17:24 records the only New Testament scene in which the coin is named, though the word appears twice in that verse. After Jesus and His disciples arrived in Capernaum, “the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, ‘Does your Teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?’”. The ensuing dialogue (Matthew 17:25-27) discloses several layers of significance: • Jesus affirms His divine Sonship: kings do not require tribute from their own sons. Theological Themes and Ministry Significance 1. Sonship and Freedom Jesus’ argument rests on the principle that family members are free from household taxes. By analogy, the Son of God is exempt from Temple dues, for the Temple is His Father’s house. Yet the Son chooses to pay. Believers are likewise free in Christ, but are called to yield their rights for the spiritual good of others (Romans 14:13-21; 1 Corinthians 9:12-19). 2. Avoiding Unnecessary Offense While the gospel itself will offend some (1 Peter 2:7-8), Christians should not add avoidable stumbling blocks. Jesus’ payment demonstrates tactful engagement with established religious expectations without compromising truth. 3. Divine Provision for Kingdom Obligations Ministry often faces material needs; the miracle of the fish and coin reminds workers in the gospel that the One who calls also furnishes the means (Philippians 4:19). 4. Continuity and Fulfillment The Temple tax anticipated the greater “ransom” Christ would soon pay at Calvary (Mark 10:45). The small silver coin points forward to the precious blood that secures eternal redemption (1 Peter 1:18-19). 5. Stewardship in the Church Age New-covenant giving is no longer a compulsory half-shekel but a voluntary, grace-driven participation in gospel work (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Nevertheless, the principle of supporting God-ordained worship continues. Related Passages and Parallels • Exodus 30:11-16 – inaugural half-shekel command Summary The two-drachma tax episode shines a spotlight on the intersection of law, liberty, and love. A single silver coin becomes a lesson in filial privilege, gracious condescension, and divine sufficiency. For the Church, it remains a timeless reminder that freely-embraced sacrifice and God-given supply advance the worship of the true and living God. Forms and Transliterations διδραχμα δίδραχμα δίδραχμον διδράχμου διδράχμων διδυμεύουσαι didrachma dídrachmaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 17:24 N-ANPGRK: οἱ τὰ δίδραχμα λαμβάνοντες τῷ NAS: who collected the two-drachma [tax] came KJV: they that received tribute [money] came INT: those who the didrachmas received Matthew 17:24 N-ANP |
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