νόμισμα

money, coin

Definition

νόμισμα refers specifically to a coin, a piece of stamped metal currency used as money. In its sole New Testament occurrence, it denotes the specific coin brought to Jesus in the famous 'render unto Caesar' episode (Matthew 22:19). The word emphasizes the coin as an official, government-issued monetary unit, bearing the image and inscription of the ruling authority. While other Greek words for money (like ἀργύριον) can refer to silver or wealth in a more general sense, νόμισμα points to the physical token of currency itself.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 22:19. The context is the Pharisees' attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. They show Him a νόμισμα, specifically the denarius coin, which bore the emperor's image. The usage is entirely practical and contextual, serving as the physical prop for Jesus's profound teaching about civic duty and divine allegiance.

Etymology

Derived from the verb νομίζω (nomizō, G3543), meaning 'to hold as a custom or law, to consider.' Thus, νόμισμα literally means 'that which is sanctioned by custom or law,' i.e., legal tender or official currency. It is related to νόμος (nomos, G3551), meaning 'law,' highlighting the coin's status as a legally authorized medium of exchange.

Semantic Range

Though a common object, this word is theologically significant in its single use. The specific νόμισμα (denarius) becomes the centerpiece of Jesus's teaching on the relationship between secular government and God's kingdom. By asking 'Whose likeness and inscription is this?' (Matthew 22:20), Jesus uses the coin's legally authorized imagery to establish a principle: what bears the mark of an authority rightfully belongs to that authority. This enriches our reading by showing how Jesus grounded a deep spiritual truth in the concrete reality of everyday objects and civic law.

In the 1st-century Roman world, coins like the denarius were potent symbols of imperial power and propaganda. They bore the image and titles of the emperor, who was often worshipped as divine. For devout Jews, handling such coins, especially those with idolatrous imagery, could be contentious. The denarius was also the standard day's wage for a laborer (Matthew 20:2). Jesus's audience would have immediately recognized the coin and understood its political and economic weight.

ἀργύριον (argyrion, G694) — silver, money in a general sense, often referring to wealth or pieces of silver. χρῆμα (chrēma, G5536) — a thing, possession, or wealth, often in plural form for 'money.'

Word Details

Scripture References