Matthew 22:19 Meaning and Explanation
“Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus asks for the tax coin, and they produce a denarius.
What Does Matthew 22:19 Mean?
Jesus does not theorize; He asks them to "shew me the tribute money." They hand Him a penny -- a denarius, a day's wage, stamped with Caesar's portrait and titles. Tellingly, He does not carry the coin; they do.
With one small request, the questioners become exhibits. The coin in their own purse shows they already live within Caesar's economy and trade on his money even while testing Jesus about his tax. The Lord often answers our hardest questions by first opening our own hands and showing us what we are already holding.
Matthew 22:19 in the Original Language
denarion (δηνάριον), 'penny' -- a denarius, a silver coin worth a day's wage, bearing Caesar's image.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 22:19
What does Matthew 22:19 mean?
Jesus asks for the tax coin, and they produce a denarius.