Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

MATTHEW 17:26KJV
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Matthew 17:26 (KJV)

What does Matthew 17:26 mean?

Matthew 17:26 shows Jesus telling Peter that if taxes are collected from “strangers” (outsiders), then the “children” (those who belong to the king’s household) are considered free and do not have to pay. Jesus uses this to make a point about who is obligated to pay the temple tax.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to Peter after Peter is asked whether Jesus pays the temple tax. Peter answers that taxes are taken from outsiders, not from the king’s own family. Jesus then explains that, by this logic, those who are “children” (meaning those who belong to God) are exempt. This sets up Jesus’ teaching about his unique relationship to God and hints at the freedom of those who belong to God’s family.

The Greek behind Matthew 17:26

  • “strangers” (ἀλλοτρίων, allotriōn): This word means people who are not part of the family or household—outsiders. Jesus’ use of this word highlights the difference between those who are “children” and those who are not.
  • “children” (υἱοί, huioi): This word means “sons” or “children,” often used to describe family members or heirs. Here, it points to a special relationship with the king (or, by analogy, with God).
  • “free” (ἐλεύθεροι, eleutheroi): This word means “free” or “not obligated.” Jesus is saying that those who are part of the king’s family are not required to pay what is asked of outsiders.

Why Matthew 17:26 matters

  • Matthew 17:26 clarifies that Jesus sees himself—and by extension, his followers—as having a unique relationship to God, like children to a father, not as outsiders.
  • The verse helps explain why Jesus would be exempt from the temple tax, setting up the lesson that follows about humility and not causing offense.
  • Understanding the distinction between “strangers” and “children” in this context sheds light on how Jesus viewed the obligations of religious law for those who belong to God’s household.

Where else these words appear

“strangers” Greek G245 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 17:25 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?
  • 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.

“free” Greek G1658 · used in 23 verses

  • John 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
  • 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?
  • Galatians 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

“Then” Greek G686 · used in 51 verses

  • Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
  • Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

“saith” Greek G5346 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • Luke 22:70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
  • Acts 23:17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.