Matthew 17:22-27 Does your master not pay the half-shekel?

Bachelor’s Tax, Published by Puck Magazine (founded in 1871), Puck was published from 1871 until 1918, © Wikimedia / Christian Art

Gospel Reading

One day when they were together in Galilee, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘The Son of Man is going to be handed over into the power of men; they will put him to death, and on the third day he will be raised to life again.’ And a great sadness came over them. When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the half-shekel came to Peter and said, ‘Does your master not pay the half-shekel?’ ‘Oh yes’ he replied, and went into the house. But before he could speak, Jesus said, ‘Simon, what is your opinion? From whom do the kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their sons or from foreigners?’ And when he replied, ‘From foreigners’, Jesus said, ‘Well then, the sons are exempt. However, so as not to offend these people, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that bites, open its mouth and there you will find a shekel; take it and give it to them for me and for you.’

Reflection on the political cartoon

In today’s Gospel reading, found only in the Gospel According to Matthew, we hear about the half-shekel tax,  the tax paid by Israelites and Levites to support the upkeep of the Temple; traditionally, Jewish priests did not have to pay it. During Jesus’ time, Jews were required to pay taxes to the Jewish Temple and the Roman authorities. Matthew records two instances that highlight Jesus’ perspective on these taxes. The first is in today’s reading. The second is found in Matthew 22:15-22, where the Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus with the question, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” In both situations, Jesus emphasises that our ultimate allegiance is to God’s kingdom, and we should devote our resources to serving God. At the same time, he acknowledges our duty to fulfil our obligations to earthly governments, including paying taxes, which are essential for the orderly functioning of society. Speaking of taxes, a friend recently showed me an interesting print illustrating the Bachelor’s Tax. I hadn’t heard of this before. It was a tax initially introduced by Emperor Augustus in 9 AD to encourage marriage. Various countries, at various stages, have adopted similar laws since then. Even today, many countries adjust tax rates based on marital status, often implicitly imposing a form of bachelor tax. In the print, published by Puck Magazine in the 1910s, we see bachelors paying their tax in the top left section, while the bottom right section depicts married men collecting their bonuses. One particularly amusing detail shows a wife walking away with her husband’s money, adding a humorous touch to the social commentary of the time.

by Father Patrick van der Vorst