Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

MATTHEW 22:19KJV
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Matthew 22:19 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:19 mean?

Matthew 22:19 shows Jesus asking to see the coin used for paying the Roman tax, and his challengers bringing him a "penny" (a denarius). This sets up his response to a question meant to trap him about whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a group of Pharisees and Herodians who are trying to catch him in his words. By asking for the coin, Jesus draws attention to the practical reality of using Roman money, preparing for his famous teaching about giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:19

  • "tribute" (κῆνσος, kēnsos): This word refers specifically to the Roman poll tax, a tax that was deeply unpopular among the Jews because it symbolized subjection to Rome. The use of this word highlights the political tension in the question.
  • "money" (νόμισμα, nomisma): This term means a coin or piece of currency, especially one officially recognized. Jesus' request for this coin points to the practical involvement of his listeners with the Roman system, even as they question its legitimacy.
  • "penny" (δηνάριον, dēnarion): The denarius was a common Roman silver coin, roughly a day's wage for a laborer. The specific mention of this coin shows what was actually used to pay the tax and sets up Jesus' point about Caesar's image on the coin.

Why Matthew 22:19 matters

  • Matthew 22:19 clarifies that Jesus is not avoiding the issue but directly confronting the reality of Roman rule and the use of Roman currency among the people.
  • The verse shows that Jesus' challengers themselves possess and use Roman coins, subtly exposing their own compromise or participation in the system they question.
  • This moment is crucial to the larger conversation, as it leads to Jesus' famous teaching about the relationship between civic duty and spiritual loyalty.

Where else these words appear

“tribute” Greek G2778 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
  • Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
  • Mark 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

“Shew” Greek G1925 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
  • Luke 17:14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
  • Acts 9:39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

“penny” Greek G1220 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
  • Matthew 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
  • Luke 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

“brought” Greek G4374 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Mark 1:44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • Hebrews 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.