What Does Matthew 17:27 Mean?

But so that we do not make them stumble, go to the sea and throw a hook, and lift up the first fish that rises; and when you have opened its mouth, you will find a coin. Take that and give it to them in exchange for me and for you.

Matthew 17:27 · SDV

Key words are shown with the Hebrew or Greek and what each word meant.

Selah Decoded Version The Selah Decoded Version renders what the Hebrew and Greek words meant to the people who first heard them.

This verse in the King James

King James wording

King James Version

Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

THE KEY

The word translated “offend” means to cause a stumble, so Jesus’ freedom includes refusing to make it an obstacle for others.

THE MEANING

Jesus is free of the temple tax, yet attentive to how that freedom affects others. The coin comes from the fish’s mouth and covers both his and Peter’s payment. Freedom remains real while its expression avoids laying a stumbling block in another’s path.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

Freedom requires proving itself by refusing every accommodation.

THE ROOT

σκανδαλίσωμεν

skandalisōmen

GROWS FROM

σκάνδαλ-

skandal-

Snare, trap, or stumbling block

“make them stumble” in this verse is skandalisōmen. English “offend” can sound like bruising someone’s feelings; this word pictures causing a stumble, as if setting a snare in someone’s path. The concern is making their way harder, while the coin lets Jesus and Peter meet the obligation without turning Jesus’ freedom into that obstacle.

ALSO GROWS

skandalon: Snare; stumbling block

σκάνδαλον

The family’s concrete image is a trap or obstruction, giving “offend” more weight than hurt feelings.

skandalizō: Cause someone to stumble; ensnare

σκανδαλίζω

This verb names the act Jesus wants to avoid: making another person stumble.

skandalismos: Stumbling; occasion of stumbling

σκανδαλισμός

This related noun describes the obstacle or occasion that can trip someone up.

THE PATTERN

Freedom can become a stumbling block when its expression trips another’s way.

And he shall be for a set-apart place; but for a stone of striking and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, for a trap and for a snare to those who settle in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 8:14 · SDVThe same obstacle image appears as a stone that trips those who encounter it.

So let us no longer judge one another, but judge this instead, that no one sets a stone to strike against, or a trap, in his brother's way.

Romans 14:13 · SDVThe image becomes a shared responsibility: avoid placing an obstacle in another’s path.

But watch, lest somehow this right of yours become a stone for the weak to stumble over.

1 Corinthians 8:9 · SDVHere, liberty itself can become the obstacle when its expression trips someone else.

THE THREAD

But he turned and said to Peter, Go behind me, Adversary. You are a snare to me, for you do not savor the things of God, but those of humankind.

Matthew 16:23 · SDV

Here Peter is called an “offence,” a stumbling block that tries to turn Jesus from his way. In this verse the same word family concerns preventing a stumble for others, showing both sides of the image: becoming an obstacle and choosing not to create one.

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