Matthew 17:25

Verse

“Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?”

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?

Bible in Basic English

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?

Douay-Rheims 1899

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

Free Bible Version

“Yes, of course,” Peter replied. When he returned to where they were staying, Jesus anticipated the issue. “What do you think, Simon?” Jesus asked him. “Do the kings of this world collect their taxes and duties from their own sons or from others?”

Geneva Bible 1599

He sayd, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Iesus preuented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? Of whome doe the Kings of the earth take tribute, or polle money? of their children, or of strangers?

King James (Authorized) Version

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?

One Unity Resource Bible

He said, “Yes.” When he came into the house, Yeshua [Salvation] anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simeon [Hearing]? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?”

Translation for Translators

He answered them, “Yes, he does pay it.” When we came into the house where Jesus was saying, before Peter began to talk about paying taxes, Jesus said to him, “Simon, from whom do you think rulers collect revenue or taxes? Do they collect taxes from the citizens of their own country, or from citizens of countries they have conquered?”

Unlocked Literal Bible

He said, “Yes.” When Peter came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first and said, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect tolls or taxes? From their sons or from others?”

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

He said, “Yes.” When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?”

Young's Literal Translation

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?'

Context

The Temple Tax

²⁴After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?” ²⁵“Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?”

Sermons

Jesus Pays His and Peter's Temple Tax Matthew 17:24-27

David Servant

Summary

In Matthew 17:25, Peter was asked by tax collectors if Jesus paid the temple tax. This incident reveals Jesus' divine knowledge and authority, as He preemptively addresses Peter about the matter. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach about His unique relationship as the Son of God, emphasizing His exemption from the temple tax but choosing to pay it to avoid causing offense. This event showcases Jesus' wisdom in navigating societal expectations while also affirming His identity as the Son of God.

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

He saith, yes--that is, "To be sure He does"; as if eager to remove even the suspicion of the contrary. If Peter knew--as surely he did--that there was at this time no money in the bag, this reply must be regarded as a great act of faith in his Master. And when he was come into the house--Peter's. Jesus prevented him--anticipated him; according to the old sense of the word "prevent." saying, What thinkest thou, Simon?--using his family name for familiarity. of whom do the kings of the earth take custom--meaning custom on goods exported or imported. or tribute--meaning the poll-tax, payable to the Romans by everyone whose name was in the census. This, therefore, it will be observed, was strictly a civil tax. of their own children, or of strangers--This cannot mean "foreigners," from whom sovereigns certainly do not raise taxes, but those who are not of their own family, that is, their subjects.