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 17:25KJVWhat 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.