Matthew 17:26
What does Matthew 17:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 17:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 17:26 means
When Peter correctly answers that kings collect taxes from "strangers" (foreign subjects) and not from their "sons," Jesus declares, "Therefore the sons are free." This statement directly implies Jesus' divine sonship, indicating that as the Son of God, He is inherently exempt from the temple tax, which was levied for His Father's house. This reveals His unique relationship with God and His inherent royal authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when he said, From strangers, Jesus said unto him, Therefore the sons are free.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when he said, From strangers, Jesus said unto him, Therefore the sons are free.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when he said, From other people, Jesus said to him, Then are the sons free.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Peter saith to him, `From the strangers.' Jesus said to him, `Then are the sons free;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But that we may not scandalize them, go to the sea, and cast in a hook: and that fish which shall first come up, take: and when thou hast opened it's mouth, thou shalt find a stater: take that, and give it to them for me and thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Peter says to him, From strangers. Jesus said to him, Then are the sons free.
Context
This verse presents the logical conclusion derived from Jesus' previous question, immediately following Peter's correct answer. Jesus explicitly states the implication of the analogy, declaring the "sons" free from the tax. This declaration establishes the core theological point: Jesus, as the Son of God, has no obligation to pay the temple tax, setting the stage for His next instruction.
v.25He 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?
v.26This passage
v.27But, lest we cause them to stumble, go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a shekel: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
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