The term "didrachmas" refers to a specific type of ancient coinage, particularly relevant in the context of the New Testament. The didrachma was a silver coin equivalent to two drachmas, and it held significant value in the economic and religious life of the Jewish people during the time of Jesus.

Biblical Context

The didrachma is most notably mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in the context of the temple tax. In Matthew 17:24-27 , the narrative describes an encounter between Jesus and Peter regarding the payment of the temple tax:

"When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, 'Does your Teacher pay the two-drachma tax?' 'Yes,' he answered. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. 'What do you think, Simon?' He asked. 'From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?' 'From others,' Peter answered. 'Then the sons are exempt,' Jesus declared. 'But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours.'"

This passage highlights the didrachma as the currency used for the temple tax, which was a religious obligation for Jewish males. The tax was intended for the maintenance of the temple in Jerusalem and was equivalent to half a shekel, as prescribed in Exodus 30:13.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The didrachma, as a coin, was part of the broader Hellenistic monetary system that influenced the regions under Greek and later Roman control. The use of such coinage in Judea reflects the cultural and economic interactions between the Jewish people and the surrounding Hellenistic world.

The temple tax itself was deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, serving as a reminder of the people's covenantal relationship with God and their responsibility to support the religious center of their faith. The payment of the tax was both a civic duty and a religious act, symbolizing participation in the communal life of Israel.

Theological Implications

The account in Matthew 17:24-27 carries significant theological implications. Jesus' response to the temple tax collectors underscores His identity as the Son of God, exempt from earthly obligations that bind others. Yet, His instruction to Peter to pay the tax "so that we may not offend them" demonstrates Jesus' respect for the established religious practices and His desire to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Moreover, the miraculous provision of the four-drachma coin from the fish's mouth serves as a testament to Jesus' divine authority and His ability to provide for the needs of His followers. This miracle reinforces the theme of God's provision and the acknowledgment of Jesus' unique role in fulfilling the law.

In summary, the didrachma, while a small coin, plays a significant role in illustrating the intersection of faith, tradition, and divine authority in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Psalm CXXXVIII.
... In His mouth we find two didrachmas, that is, four drachmas: in His mouth we find
the four Gospels. ... [5715] Matthew 17:24-26. [5716] That is, two didrachmas. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxviii.htm

Matt. xxii. 15
... favor, the others should accuse Him. And yet He had given the didrachmas,
[2609] but they knew not that. And in either way indeed ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxx matt xxii 15.htm

Matt. xx. 17-19.
... And when they had some feeling of human weakness towards Peter, at the time that
He gave the didrachmas, they did not give way to anger, but asked only, "Who ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxv matt xx 17-19.htm

Selections from the Work against Heresies by Irenaeus, Bishop of ...
... the Hittites wanted to give him freely a place for her burial, he would not accept
it, but bought a tomb, for which he gave four hundred didrachmas of silver ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/selections from the work against 2.htm

Didrachmas (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Didrachmas (1 Occurrence). Matthew 17:24 And when
they came to Capernaum, those who received the didrachmas...
/d/didrachmas.htm - 6k

Didrachma (1 Occurrence)

/d/didrachma.htm - 7k

Didrachms (1 Occurrence)

/d/didrachms.htm - 6k

Stater (1 Occurrence)
... It was equal to two didrachmas ("tribute money, 17:24), or four drachmas, and to
about 2s. 6d. of our money. (see SHEKEL.). Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
/s/stater.htm - 8k

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