στατήρ

a Jewish shekel

Definition

The στατήρ (statēr) was an Attic silver coin used in the ancient Greek world, equivalent in weight and value to the Jewish shekel. In the New Testament context, it specifically refers to the coin used to pay the temple tax for two people, as described in Matthew 17:27. While the term itself does not appear in the text, the coin Jesus instructs Peter to find in the fish's mouth is traditionally understood to be a στατήρ, covering the tax for both Jesus and Peter. This coin was widely accepted in trade and for religious dues, bridging Greek and Jewish monetary systems.

Biblical Usage

The word στατήρ is not directly used in the New Testament text, but its referent is implied in Matthew 17:24-27, where Jesus performs a miracle involving the temple tax. The context is a discussion about whether Jesus and his disciples are obligated to pay the two-drachma temple tax. Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish, which will have a στατήr in its mouth—enough to pay for both of them. This single implied usage highlights Jesus' authority over creation and his provision in fulfilling religious obligations.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb ἵστημι (histēmi, G2476), meaning 'to stand' or 'to set in place,' στατήρ literally means 'that which stands' or 'a standard.' This reflects its function as a standard weight and measure for currency. The term was used for various coins in the Greek world that adhered to a specific weight standard, and it was adopted into Jewish usage to refer to the shekel, the standard silver coin for temple payments.

Semantic Range

The στατήr in Matthew 17:27 is theologically significant as it demonstrates Jesus' divine provision and sovereignty. By miraculously providing the exact coin needed for the temple tax, Jesus shows he is not subject to the temple's authority but willingly submits to it to avoid causing offense. This act prefigures his ultimate payment for sin, fulfilling all righteousness. Understanding this coin enriches reading by highlighting Jesus' creative power and his intentional fulfillment of Jewish law.

In first-century Judea under Roman rule, multiple currencies circulated, including Greek, Roman, and Jewish coins. The temple tax, required of every Jewish male over twenty, had to be paid with a specific silver coinage to avoid idolatrous images, often using Tyrian shekels. The στατήr, equivalent to a shekel (four drachmas), was a practical solution, as it was a widely accepted silver coin of proper weight. This context explains why Jesus provided this specific coin, ensuring it was acceptable for the temple treasury.

δίδραχμον (didrachmon, G1323) — a two-drachma coin, specifically the amount of the temple tax for one person. δηνάριον (dēnarion, G1220) — a Roman denarius, a day's wage for a laborer, of different value and usage. τετράδραχμον (tetradrachmon, not in Strong's) — a four-drachma coin, equivalent to the στατήr and shekel.

Word Details