Bible Strands
Matthew 17:24
After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — After Jesus predicts His death and resurrection, the group arrives in Capernaum where tax collectors approach Peter to ask if their Teacher pays the two-drachma tax.
The words — The Greek participle Ἐλθόντων (Elthontōn) translates to "when they were coming," establishing the temporal setting of the arrival. The verb προσῆλθον (prosēlthon) literally means "came near," describing the tax collectors' direct approach toward Peter.
The thread — This two-drachma levy corresponds to the half-shekel sanctuary tax mandated in Exodus 30:13 and Exodus 38:26. The narrative of arriving in Capernaum also appears in Mark 9:33.
Why it lands — The text records tax collectors asking Peter if Jesus pays the two-drachma levy. This inquiry prompts Jesus to question the basis of royal taxation, establishing a distinction between filial exemption and voluntary submission.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
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?
Cross-references
- Exodus 30:13 Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD.
- Exodus 38:26 a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years of age or older who had crossed over to be numbered, a total of 603,550 men.
- Mark 9:33 Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?”