Definition and Context:
Tribute-money refers to the tax or tribute that was required to be paid to governing authorities, particularly in the context of the Roman Empire during the time of Jesus. This term is most notably associated with the incident recorded in the Gospels where Jesus is questioned about the legitimacy of paying taxes to Caesar.

Biblical References:
The most direct reference to tribute-money is found in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 22:15-22, the Pharisees, along with the Herodians, attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. They ask, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" (Matthew 22:17). Jesus, perceiving their malice, asks them to show Him the coin used for the tax. When they present a denarius, He inquires, "Whose image is this, and whose inscription?" (Matthew 22:20). Upon their response that it is Caesar's, Jesus replies, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s" (Matthew 22:21). This response not only evades their trap but also delineates the responsibilities of the believer to both earthly authorities and God.

Historical and Cultural Background:
During the time of Jesus, Judea was under Roman occupation, and the payment of taxes to the Roman authorities was a contentious issue among the Jewish people. The tribute-money was typically paid in Roman currency, which bore the image of the emperor, signifying Roman authority and often causing resentment among the Jews who viewed such images as idolatrous.

The denarius, the coin mentioned in the Gospel account, was a common Roman silver coin that bore the image of the reigning emperor. The use of this coin for the tribute underscored the political and economic dominance of Rome over the Jewish people.

Theological Significance:
The incident of the tribute-money highlights several key theological themes. First, it underscores the principle of dual responsibility: believers are to fulfill their obligations to earthly authorities while maintaining their ultimate allegiance to God. Jesus' response affirms the legitimacy of governmental authority, as long as it does not conflict with one's duty to God.

Second, the passage emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all earthly powers. While the coin bears Caesar's image, humanity bears the image of God, indicating that while material possessions may be rendered to earthly rulers, one's life and devotion belong to God alone.

Lastly, the narrative illustrates Jesus' wisdom and authority. His ability to navigate the politically charged question without falling into the trap set by His adversaries demonstrates His divine insight and authority, further affirming His identity as the Messiah.

Practical Implications:
For contemporary believers, the account of the tribute-money serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and fulfilling civic duties, such as paying taxes, while prioritizing one's spiritual obligations. It encourages Christians to engage with the world responsibly, recognizing the legitimacy of earthly governance while maintaining a clear distinction between temporal and eternal allegiances.

Peter and the Tribute-Money.
... PETER AND THE TRIBUTE-MONEY. It was a part of the ... pay tribute for Himself
and Peter. [Illustration: PETER AND THE TRIBUTE-MONEY.]. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/peter and the tribute-money.htm

Of his Paying the Tribute Money Out of the Mouth of the Fish, an ...
... The Prologue. Chapter LX."Of His Paying the Tribute Money Out of the Mouth
of the Fish, an Incident Which Matthew Alone Mentions. 118. ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter lx of his paying the.htm

The Tribute Money
... Mark CHAPTER 12:13-17 THE TRIBUTE MONEY. "And they send unto Him certain of the
Pharisees and of the Herodians, that they might catch Him in talk. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 12 13-17 the tribute money.htm

Jesus Pays the Tribute Money.
... From the Third Passover Until Our Lord's Arrival at Bethany. (Time: One Year Less
One Week.) LXXII. Jesus Pays the Tribute Money. (Capernaum, Autumn, ad29) ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxii jesus pays the tribute.htm

The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ...
... THE LAST EVENTS IN GALILEE - THE TRIBUTE-MONEY, THE DISPUTE BY THE WAY, THE FORBIDDING
OF HIM WHO COULD NOT FOLLOW WITH THE DISCIPLES, AND THE CONSEQUENT ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the last events.htm

What we Can Say on the Historicity of the Miracles of Jesus
... the roaring elements. But how about the tribute money which he procured,
and of which Matthew (17.27) narrates? Did Jesus, indeed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beth/the miracles of jesus/iii what we can say.htm

Psalm IV.
... And I believe this to be the bearing of that which some understand skilfully; I
mean, what the Lord said on seeing C??sar's tribute money, "Render to C??sar ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm iv.htm

Tribute to Caesar.
... But Jesus perceived their craftiness, and said, "Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites?
Show me the tribute money.". And they brought unto him a denarius. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/tribute to caesar.htm

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
... the meanness and hypocrisy in their question, thereby emphasizing the important
fact that he did not dodge, but answered it.] 19 Show me the tribute money. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cix jewish rulers seek to.htm

The Stater in the Fish. (Matt. , xvii. , 27. )
... Nor did he work a miracle to procure the tribute"money, but directed
Peter to make use of the means which his trade supplied. ...
/.../section 191 the stater in.htm

Tribute-money (2 Occurrences)
Tribute-money. Tribute-coin, Tribute-money. Tribute-service .
Multi-Version Concordance Tribute-money (2 Occurrences). ...
/t/tribute-money.htm - 7k

Tribute (67 Occurrences)
... The "tributemoney" shown to our Lord (Matthew 22:19) was the denarius, bearing
Caesar's superscription. ... See also TAX, TAXING. Frank E. Hirsch. TRIBUTEMONEY. ...
/t/tribute.htm - 32k

Penny (14 Occurrences)
... This was the "tributemoney" with reference to which our Lord said, "Whose image
and superscription is this?" When they answered, "Caesar's," he replied ...
/p/penny.htm - 12k

Money (284 Occurrences)
... chrema, "price," is rendered money in Acts 4:37; Acts 8:18, 20; 24:26:00; kerma,
"piece," ie piece of money (John 2:15); didrachmon, "tributemoney" (Matthew 17 ...
/m/money.htm - 69k

Obedience (61 Occurrences)
... us to fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15); the synagogue worship (Luke 4:16,
"as his custom was"); the incident of the tributemoney: "Therefore the sons ...
/o/obedience.htm - 43k

Gemariah (5 Occurrences)
... (2.) The son of Hilkiah, who accompanied Shaphan with the tribute-money from Zedekiah
to Nebuchadnezzar, and was the bearer at the same time of a letter from ...
/g/gemariah.htm - 9k

Fishing (4 Occurrences)
... bread (Matthew 14:19; 15:36). It was in the mouth of a fish that the
tribute-money was found (Matthew 17:27). And he "ate a piece ...
/f/fishing.htm - 13k

Taxes (19 Occurrences)
... phoros) on property (Luke 20:22; 23:2); the poll-tax (kensos, "tribute, " Matthew
17:25; 22:17; Mark 12:14); and the temple-tax ("tributemoney" = two drachmas ...
/t/taxes.htm - 14k

Tribute-service (1 Occurrence)
Tribute-service. Tribute-money, Tribute-service. Tribute-silver . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (DBY). Tribute-money, Tribute-service. Tribute-silver . ...
/t/tribute-service.htm - 6k

Tribute-coin (1 Occurrence)
Tribute-coin. Tribute, Tribute-coin. Tribute-money . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Tribute, Tribute-coin. Tribute-money . Reference Bible.
/t/tribute-coin.htm - 6k

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