He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

MATTHEW 17:25KJV
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Matthew 17:25 (KJV)

What does Matthew 17:25 mean?

Matthew 17:25 shows Jesus questioning Peter about whether earthly kings collect taxes from their own children or from others, highlighting a distinction between insiders and outsiders. Jesus uses this question to prompt Peter to think about who is truly obligated to pay such taxes.

In this scene, Peter has just answered tax collectors who asked if Jesus pays the temple tax. When Peter enters the house, Jesus speaks first, asking Peter whether kings tax their own sons or strangers. The question sets up a teaching moment about Jesus’ identity and the obligations of those who belong to God’s family, especially in the context of temple duties.

The Greek behind Matthew 17:25

  • προέφθασεν (proephthasen, "prevented"): The Greek word here means "to anticipate" or "to speak before someone else does." This shows that Jesus knew what was on Peter’s mind and addressed it before Peter could bring it up, highlighting Jesus’ awareness and initiative.
  • τέλη (telē, "custom") and κῆνσος (kēnsos, "tribute"): These words refer to different types of taxes—one a general customs tax, the other a tribute or poll tax. Jesus’ use of both terms broadens the question to all kinds of taxes, not just the temple tax, making the lesson more general about rights and obligations.
  • υἱοί (huioi, "children/sons") and ἀλλότριοι (allotrioi, "strangers/others"): The contrast between "sons" and "strangers" in the Greek emphasizes the difference in status—those who are part of the king’s family versus outsiders. This distinction is key to understanding Jesus’ point about who should be exempt.

Why Matthew 17:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus is making a point about his unique relationship to God and the temple, suggesting he is like a king’s son who would not be required to pay the temple tax.
  • The question Jesus asks Peter helps set up the teaching that followers of Jesus, as children of God, have a different standing when it comes to religious obligations.
  • Understanding the context of this verse helps explain why, in the following verses, Jesus still chooses to pay the tax—not out of obligation, but to avoid causing offense.

Where else these words appear

“tribute” Greek G2778 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
  • Matthew 22:19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
  • Mark 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

“strangers” Greek G245 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 17:26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
  • Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
  • 1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

“Yes” Greek G3483 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

“custom” Greek G5056 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
  • Romans 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
  • Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.