The imagery of a “fish with a coin in its mouth” is famously associated with a miracle performed by Jesus Christ, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew 17:24–27.
In this passage, tax collectors inquire if Jesus pays the temple tax. Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, affirms that Jesus does. Subsequently, Jesus instructs Peter to go fishing in the Sea of Galilee, assuring him that the first fish he catches will have a four-drachma coin (a Tyrian shekel, enough to pay the tax for both Jesus and Peter) in its mouth. Peter follows the instruction and finds the coin as predicted.
- Divine Provision: This miracle is often interpreted as a demonstration of God’s ability to provide for the needs of His followers in unexpected ways. It highlights God’s sovereignty over all creation, even the fish in the sea.
- Christ’s Authority: Jesus’ statement that “the children are exempt” from the tax emphasizes His divine sonship and authority over the temple, which was dedicated to God. However, to avoid causing offense, Jesus chooses to pay the tax through this miracle.
- Sacrificial Atonement: Some interpretations link the coin in the fish’s mouth to the concept of redemption and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. The coin pays the tax, which represented a ransom for the soul, and foreshadows Christ’s atonement for the sins of humanity.
The story of the fish with the coin in its mouth has resonated throughout Christian tradition, inspiring numerous works of art and literature. It serves as a reminder of God’s providence, Christ’s divine nature, and the importance of faith and obedience.
What is the lesson of the coin in the fish’s mouth?
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 kind of fish had the coin in its mouth?
I can help with that. The story ends without stating that Peter caught the fish as Jesus predicted, nor does the text specify the species of the fish involved, but three West Asian varieties of tilapia are referred to as “St. Peter’s fish”, in particular the redbelly tilapia.
Where in the Bible does it talk about a fish with a coin in its mouth?
Thanks for asking. 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.”
What is the silver coin in the mouth of the fish?
Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” (Matthew 17:24-27 NIV). The coin that the disciple found in the mouth of a fish was most likely a Tyre shekel, as only this would have been sufficient to pay the temple tax for both men.