The term "Didrachma" refers to a silver coin used in ancient times, particularly within the context of the Roman Empire and the Hellenistic world. The didrachma was equivalent to two drachmas, a standard Greek silver coin, and was commonly used in various transactions. In the New Testament, the didrachma is specifically mentioned in relation to the temple tax, a subject of both religious and social significance in Jewish society.

Biblical Context

The didrachma is notably referenced in the Gospel of Matthew, where it is associated with the temple tax. In Matthew 17:24-27 , the narrative describes an encounter between Jesus and Peter regarding the payment of the temple tax:

"When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, 'Does your Teacher pay the two-drachma tax?' 'Yes,' he answered. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. 'What do you think, Simon?' He asked. 'From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?' 'From others,' Peter answered. 'Then the sons are exempt,' Jesus declared. 'But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours.'"

This passage highlights several key themes: the obligation of the Jewish people to pay the temple tax, the recognition of Jesus' divine sonship, and His willingness to fulfill societal obligations to avoid causing offense. The miracle of the coin in the fish's mouth underscores Jesus' authority over creation and His provision for His followers.

Historical and Religious Significance

The temple tax, amounting to a didrachma per person, was an annual levy required of every Jewish male over the age of twenty. This tax was intended for the maintenance and service of the Jerusalem Temple, as outlined in Exodus 30:13-16. The payment of this tax was a significant religious duty, symbolizing one's commitment to the temple and, by extension, to God.

The didrachma, as a coin, was part of the broader economic system of the time, reflecting the influence of Greek culture and currency in the region. Its use in the temple tax narrative illustrates the intersection of religious practice and everyday life in first-century Judea.

Theological Implications

The account of the didrachma in Matthew's Gospel invites reflection on the nature of Jesus' mission and His relationship to the law. By questioning the necessity of the tax for Himself, Jesus points to His unique identity as the Son of God, exempt from earthly obligations. Yet, His decision to pay the tax demonstrates humility and a commitment to peace and order.

This passage also serves as a reminder of the believer's dual responsibilities: to honor God and to live peaceably within society. Jesus' example encourages Christians to navigate their civic duties with wisdom and grace, prioritizing the advancement of God's kingdom while respecting earthly authorities.

In summary, the didrachma, while a small coin, carries significant weight in the biblical narrative, symbolizing the intersection of divine authority and human responsibility.(n.) A two-drachma piece; an ancient Greek silver coin, worth nearly forty cents.DIDRACHMA

di-drak'-ma: Two drachmas.

See DRACHMA, DRAM.

1323. didrachmon -- a double drachma
... From dis and drachme; a double drachma (didrachm) -- tribute. see GREEK dis. see
GREEK drachme. (didrachma) -- 2 Occurrences. 1322, 1323. didrachmon. 1324 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1323.htm - 6k

Acts XIX
... The pieces of silver in which the value of the books was computed were doubtless
the Attic didrachma; for it was a Greek city, and this was the most common ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xix.htm

Psalm CXXXVIII.
... They came to Him, who exacted tribute: [5715] they used to demand as tribute a
didrachma, that is, two drachmas for one man; they came to the Lord to pay ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxviii.htm

The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ...
... Tribute-money had come to Peter, and perhaps met him in the court or corridor, and
asked him: Your Teacher (Rabbi), does He not pay the didrachma?' While Peter ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the last events.htm

On the Arrival of the Egyptians.
... property be a vain thing) and that by appropriating, not silver nor any other cheap
and worthless thing, like a wedge of gold, [3808] or a didrachma, as did of ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxiv on the arrival.htm

The Greek Versions as Aids to Biblical Study.
... amerimnos, amphiblestron, amphodon, apelpizein, aperitmetos, haplotes, apokruphos,
bdelugma, glossokomon, gnorizein, diadema, didrachma, distomos, diulizein ...
/.../chapter iv the greek versions.htm

Didrachma (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DIDRACHMA. di-drak'-ma: Two drachmas. See DRACHMA,
DRAM. Multi-Version Concordance Didrachma (1 Occurrence). ...
/d/didrachma.htm - 7k

Two-drachma (1 Occurrence)
... Matthew 17:24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma
coins came to Peter, and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the didrachma?" (See ...
/t/two-drachma.htm - 6k

Doesn't (300 Occurrences)
... Matthew 17:24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma
coins came to Peter, and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the didrachma?" (WEB ...
/d/doesn't.htm - 34k

Pay (212 Occurrences)
... Matthew 17:24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma
coins came to Peter, and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the didrachma?" (WEB ...
/p/pay.htm - 37k

Collected (55 Occurrences)
... Matthew 17:24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma
coins came to Peter, and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the didrachma?" (WEB ...
/c/collected.htm - 23k

Coins (13 Occurrences)
... Matthew 17:24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma
coins came to Peter, and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the didrachma?" (WEB). ...
/c/coins.htm - 13k

Capernaum (16 Occurrences)
... Matthew 17:24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma
coins came to Peter, and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the didrachma?" (WEB ...
/c/capernaum.htm - 23k

Toll (8 Occurrences)
... 9 Mark 2:14 Luke 5:27); compare telones, a "tax collector" or "publican." The tax
which the Jews paid toward the support of the temple, a didrachma, is called ...
/t/toll.htm - 11k

Tribute (67 Occurrences)
... imposed by a king on his subjects (2 Samuel 20:24; 1 Kings 4:6; Romans 13:6). In
Matthew 17:24-27 the word denotes the temple rate (the "didrachma, " the "half ...
/t/tribute.htm - 32k

Didrachmas (1 Occurrence)

/d/didrachmas.htm - 6k

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