Devine Scripture

Matthew 17:25

What does Matthew 17:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 17:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 17:25 means

Peter affirms that Jesus does pay the tax. Then, before Peter can even enter the house and report the interaction, Jesus supernaturally anticipates his query. Jesus then asks Peter a leading question about earthly kings: do they collect taxes from their own sons or from foreign subjects? This question guides Peter to the theological truth about Jesus' identity as the Son of God and His exemption from the temple tax.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

He saith, Yea. And when he came into the house, Jesus spake first to him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? the kings of the earth, from whom do they receive toll or tribute? from their sons, or from strangers?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

He saith, Yea. And when he came into the house, Jesus spake first to him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? the kings of the earth, from whom do they receive toll or tribute? from their sons, or from strangers?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

He says, Yes. And when he came into the house, Jesus said to him, What is your opinion, Simon? from whom do the kings of the earth get payment or tax? from their sons or from other people?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And when he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, `What thinkest thou, Simon? the kings of the earth--from whom do they receive custom or poll-tax? from their sons or from the strangers?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said: Of strangers. Jesus said to him: Then the children are free.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

He says, Yes. And when he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, What dost thou think, Simon? the kings of the earth, from whom do they receive custom or tribute? from their own sons or from strangers?

Context

This verse initiates Jesus' teaching on the temple tax, beginning with Peter's affirmative answer and then Jesus' pre-emptive question. It immediately follows the collectors' query to Peter. Jesus' question about earthly kings establishes a clear analogy, preparing Peter to understand a deeper spiritual truth about His divine sonship and the temple's true nature.

v.24And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received the half-shekel came to Peter, and said, Doth not your teacher pay the half-shekel?

v.25This passage

v.26And when he said, From strangers, Jesus said unto him, Therefore the sons are free.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 22:19

    Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a denarius.

  • Matthew 22:17

    Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

  • Matthew 3:15

    But Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffereth him.

  • 1 Samuel 17:25

    And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel.

  • Romans 13:6

    For for this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God’s service, attending continually upon this very thing.

  • Matthew 22:21

    They say unto him, Cæsar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

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