The image of a “fish with a coin in its mouth” is primarily associated with a miracle of Jesus recounted in the Gospel of Matthew.
In Matthew 17:24–27, tax collectors approach Peter and ask if Jesus pays the Temple tax. Peter says yes, and when he returns, Jesus already knows about the conversation and tells Peter to go to the Sea of Galilee, cast his line, and catch the first fish. Jesus instructs Peter to open the fish’s mouth, where he will find a four-drachma coin (a stater or tetradrachm), which is enough to pay the Temple tax for both Jesus and Peter. Peter is then to take the coin and pay the tax.
This miracle is seen as demonstrating Jesus’ divine power and knowledge, as he knows both about the need for the tax and where a specific fish with the exact amount of money can be found. It also illustrates the principle of God’s provision for his followers. Although Jesus is the Son of God and therefore exempt from paying the Temple tax, he chooses to do so to avoid causing offense or leading others into sin. This act is seen as a lesson in humility and not giving offense, [according to www.churchofjesuschrist.org] . Some interpretations also highlight that the fish carrying the coin could be seen as God’s power and provision.
It’s important to note that while this account is found in the Bible, it’s a miraculous event, and there’s no scientific or historical evidence of fish regularly carrying coins in their mouths.
Why did Jesus put the coin in the fish mouth scripture?
From my experience, 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).