νόμισμα (nomisma)
nomisma
coin
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun nomisma refers to a current coin or legal tender, specifically currency established by official usage and law. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Matthew 22:19, where Jesus asks for the coin used for paying the temple tax. This singular occurrence highlights its function as recognized state money rather than generic wealth.
Its root connects to nomos, meaning law or custom, indicating that the value of the coin rests on societal and governmental sanction. The term distinguishes authorized currency from other forms of payment, emphasizing the legal authority behind the metal. This specific usage underscores the intersection of civic duty and religious obligation in first-century Judea.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nomisma refers to a coin that carries official value, stamped with authority and recognized by law. In Matthew 22:19, Jesus asks for this specific currency to answer a question about paying taxes. The coin itself bore the image of Caesar, representing earthly power and civic duty.
This detail reminds us that our lives often involve navigating between different loyalties. We live in the world, using its systems and resources, while keeping our hearts fixed on God. Recognizing the difference between what belongs to the state and what belongs to God helps us live with clarity and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- coin1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νόμισμα1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 22:19
Show me the tax money.” They brought to him a denarius.
This verse identifies the specific coin Jesus requested, grounding the abstract concept of legal tender in a concrete historical moment.