Devine Scripture

Matthew 17:27

What does Matthew 17:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 17:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 17:27 means

To avoid causing offense, Jesus instructs Peter to miraculously catch a fish, in whose mouth he will find a shekel—enough to pay for both of them. This astonishing act demonstrates Jesus' omniscience and sovereign power over creation, even for a trivial matter like a temple tax. It highlights His willingness to uphold social and religious customs, not out of obligation, but out of gracious consideration, while simultaneously asserting His divine authority.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But, lest we cause them to stumble, go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a shekel: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But, lest we cause them to stumble, go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a shekel: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But, so that we may not be a cause of trouble to them, go to the sea, and let down a hook, and take the first fish which comes up; and in his mouth you will see a bit of money: take that, and give it to them for me and you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but, that we may not cause them to stumble, having gone to the sea, cast a hook, and the fish that hath come up first take thou up, and having opened its mouth, thou shalt find a stater, that having taken, give to them for me and thee.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not available in this translation

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But that we may not be an offence to them, go to the sea and cast a hook, and take the first fish that comes up, and when thou hast opened its mouth thou wilt find a stater; take that and give it to them for me and thee.

Context

This verse concludes the episode of the temple tax, providing Jesus' miraculous solution to avoid offense. It directly follows Jesus' declaration of His exemption as the Son of God. This supernatural provision not only resolves the immediate financial need but also powerfully reinforces Jesus' divine nature and authority, serving as a final, tangible lesson for Peter.

v.26And when he said, From strangers, Jesus said unto him, Therefore the sons are free.

v.27This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 2:7

    Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honor, And didst set him over the works of thy hands:

  • James 2:5

    Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him?

  • 1 Kings 17:4

    And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.

  • Matthew 15:12

    Then came the disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?

  • Genesis 1:28

    And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

  • Psalms 8:8

    The birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, Whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

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