The “coin in the fish’s mouth” refers to a specific incident in the Bible, recounted in the Gospel of Matthew 17:24-27.
Here’s the gist of the story and its meaning:
- Tax collectors approach Peter, asking if Jesus pays the temple tax.
- Peter affirms that Jesus does.
- Jesus, aware of the conversation, asks Peter a question: kings tax their subjects, not their children.
- Jesus then instructs Peter to go fishing, promising that the first fish he catches will have a coin in its mouth – enough to pay the tax for both of them.
- Peter obeys, finds the coin as predicted, and pays the tax.
The miracle and its context are interpreted in several ways:
- Jesus’ Divine Authority: The event underscores Jesus’ power and knowledge, as he knew about the tax, Peter’s answer, and the coin’s exact location.
- God’s Provision: It demonstrates God’s ability to provide for the needs of his followers, even in unexpected ways.
- Avoiding Offense: While Jesus could have refused the tax as the Son of God, he chose to pay to avoid offending the authorities or causing a stumbling block for those still grappling with his divine identity.
- Symbolism of the Temple Tax and Jesus’ Sacrifice: Some interpretations connect the temple tax, which was partly a “ransom for the soul”, to Jesus’ redemptive mission and sacrifice that offers the ultimate ransom for humanity.
- Relationship to the Temple and the New Covenant: Jesus’ statement about being exempt as the Son and his subsequent action could also be seen as highlighting a shift from the old covenant and the physical temple to the new covenant established through Christ.
Essentially, the story of the coin in the fish’s mouth serves as a vivid illustration of Jesus’ divine power, God’s provision for his children, and the importance of acting with wisdom and humility in navigating earthly obligations, [according to Westminster Theological Seminary].
Why did Jesus put the coin in the fish mouth scripture?
The coin in the fish’s mouth anticipates the climactic supply of blessing through the death and resurrection of Christ. A dramatic reiteration of this principle was appropriate in the context of the temple tax. The temple was the temple of God. As such, it foreshadowed Christ, whose body is the temple (John 2:21).
What does a coin in the mouth mean?
From my experience, The tradition of leaving coins on the headstones of military men and women can be traced to as far back as the Roman Empire. Soldiers would insert a coin into the mouth of a fallen soldier to ensure they could cross the “River Styx” into the afterlife.
What does the Bible say about the coin in the fish mouth?
Matthew 17:27 NIV. “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
Who found money in the mouth of a fish?
I can help with that. Jesus asked Peter to go back to his old occupation for one more catch, and when Peter caught the fish, he found in its mouth a shekel — enough money to pay the temple tax of both Jesus and Peter.