Matthew 17:25

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

He saith {G3004}, Yes {G3483}. And {G2532} when {G3753} he was come {G1525} into {G1519} the house {G3614}, Jesus {G2424} prevented {G4399} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, What {G5101} thinkest {G1380} thou {G4671}, Simon {G4613}? of {G575} whom {G5101} do {G2983} the kings {G935} of the earth {G1093} take {G2983} custom {G5056} or {G2228} tribute {G2778}? of {G575} their own {G846} children {G5207}, or {G2228} of {G575} strangers {G245}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Of course he does," said Kefa. When he arrived home, Yeshua spoke first. "Shim`on, what's your opinion? The kings of the earth -- from whom do they collect duties and taxes? From their sons or from others?"

Berean Standard Bible

“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

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:25 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus's ministry where, upon entering a house in Capernaum, He preemptively addresses Peter regarding the temple tax. Through a probing question about earthly kings and their taxation practices, Jesus subtly but profoundly asserts His divine Sonship and inherent exemption from the tax levied for His Father's house. This interaction reveals Jesus's omniscience, His unique relationship with God, and His practical wisdom in choosing to avoid offense, setting the stage for the miraculous provision that follows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Peter's bold yet perhaps ill-informed affirmation to the temple tax collectors that Jesus would pay the annual half-shekel levy (Matthew 17:24). The broader context of Matthew 17 is rich with revelations of Jesus's identity: it begins with the [Transfiguration](/matthew/17-1-8 "Matthew 17:1-8 - The Transfiguration of Jesus"), where God the Father explicitly declares Jesus as His "beloved Son" (Matthew 17:5), and continues with Jesus's healing of a demon-possessed boy, highlighting the disciples' lack of faith (Matthew 17:14-20). The discussion about the temple tax, therefore, serves as a practical, real-world scenario that further underscores Jesus's divine authority and unique Sonship, directly connecting to the themes established earlier in the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The temple tax was an annual levy of a half-shekel (two drachmas), required of every Jewish male over 20 years old for the upkeep and services of the Jerusalem Temple, dating back to the time of the tabernacle (Exodus 30:13-16). This was distinct from the Roman imperial taxes. Capernaum, located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, was a significant center for Jesus's ministry and a customs station, making it a natural place for tax collectors to operate. The question of who was exempt from taxes was a common point of discussion, especially regarding royal families. Jesus's analogy draws on the well-understood principle that kings do not tax their own children, but rather "strangers" or subjects.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 17:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of [Jesus's Divine Sonship](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Declaration at Jesus's Baptism"), demonstrating His unique relationship with God as the "Son of the King" to whom the Temple belongs. Secondly, it highlights [Jesus's Omniscience and Authority](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People"), as He "prevented" Peter, knowing precisely what Peter was about to say before he uttered a word. This foreknowledge underscores His divine nature. Finally, the passage subtly introduces the theme of [avoiding offense](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Do Not Cause Others to Stumble"), as Jesus, despite His rightful exemption, chooses to pay the tax to prevent misunderstanding or stumbling, a principle He would later articulate more broadly (Matthew 17:27).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prevented (Greek, _prophthánō'_):** This word, often misunderstood in modern English, means "to get an earlier start of, i.e. anticipate." In the KJV, "prevented" carries its older English meaning of "to precede" or "to go before." Thus, Jesus did not stop Peter from speaking, but rather He spoke first, anticipating Peter's report of the tax collectors' demand. This highlights Jesus's supernatural knowledge and divine foresight.
* **thinkest (Greek, _dokéō'_):** This verb means "to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)." Jesus's use of "What thinkest thou, Simon?" is not merely a casual inquiry but a profound question designed to engage Peter's reasoning and lead him to a theological truth. It invites Peter to reflect on the implications of Jesus's identity in light of common earthly practices.
* **strangers (Greek, _allótrios'_):** Meaning "another's, i.e. not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile," this term stands in direct contrast to "their own children." In the context of the analogy, "strangers" refers to those who are subjects, not family members, and thus are liable for taxes. This distinction is crucial for Jesus's argument regarding His own exemption as the Son of God, contrasting Himself with those who are not "children" of the divine King.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He saith, Yes."**: This is Peter's response to the tax collectors' inquiry (from Matthew 17:24), affirming that Jesus pays the temple tax. It reflects Peter's immediate, perhaps impulsive, loyalty to Jesus, but also his lack of full comprehension of Jesus's divine status concerning the Temple.
* **"And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying,"**: As Peter enters the house, likely to inform Jesus about the tax demand, Jesus speaks first. The word "prevented" (as explained above) signifies Jesus's foreknowledge of the conversation Peter had just had outside. This action powerfully demonstrates Jesus's omniscience – He knew what Peter was about to say before Peter said it.
* **"What thinkest thou, Simon?"**: Jesus directly addresses Peter, using his given name, "Simon," perhaps to underscore the human perspective Peter often represented. This is a pedagogical question, designed not for information, but to prompt Peter to think critically about the underlying principle.
* **"of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute?"**: Jesus introduces an analogy from common earthly experience. He refers to "kings of the earth," establishing a parallel to God as the ultimate King. "Custom or tribute" refers to various forms of taxes or levies imposed by rulers, setting up the core issue of financial obligation.
* **"of their own children, or of strangers?"**: This is the crux of Jesus's rhetorical question. It highlights the universal principle that earthly kings do not impose taxes on their own children (heirs, family members) but on those who are outside their immediate household or family—the "strangers" or subjects. By posing this, Jesus implicitly positions Himself as the "child" of the ultimate King (God), to whom the Temple belongs, and therefore inherently exempt from its tax.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 17:25 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, where Jesus asks Peter a question ("What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?") not to elicit information, but to make a point and lead Peter to a deeper understanding. This question functions as a concise **Analogy** or a mini-parable, drawing a parallel between earthly kings and their children/subjects, and God as the heavenly King and His Son. This analogy powerfully conveys Jesus's divine Sonship and His inherent exemption from the temple tax. Furthermore, Jesus's action of "preventing" Peter demonstrates **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**, highlighting His divine omniscience and control over the situation. There's also a subtle layer of **Irony** in Jesus, the Son of God, who is rightfully exempt from the tax for His Father's house, choosing to pay it anyway to avoid causing offense, showcasing His humility and wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage is rich with theological implications, primarily centering on the profound truth of Jesus's divine Sonship and His inherent authority. By drawing an analogy between earthly kings and their children, Jesus implicitly declares Himself the Son of the ultimate King, God, to whom the Jerusalem Temple truly belongs. Therefore, He is inherently exempt from the tax collected for His Father's house. This is not merely a claim of exemption but a profound theological statement about His unique identity and relationship with the Father. Furthermore, Jesus's foreknowledge of Peter's thoughts and the situation underscores His divine omniscience, affirming His deity. His decision to pay the tax, despite His rightful exemption, demonstrates a profound principle of wisdom and humility, prioritizing the avoidance of offense over the assertion of His divine rights, a lesson highly relevant for believers.

* [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")
* [John 2:24-25](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People")
* [1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Do Not Cause Others to Stumble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 17:25 offers profound insights into Jesus's character and provides valuable lessons for our own lives as believers. Firstly, Jesus's omniscience, demonstrated by His "preventing" Peter, assures us that He knows our circumstances, our needs, and even our unspoken thoughts. This should cultivate a deep sense of trust and peace, knowing that we are fully known and understood by our sovereign Lord. Secondly, the passage highlights our identity in Christ. Just as Jesus is the Son of the King, through faith, we are adopted as children of God (Galatians 4:7). This identity grants us spiritual privileges and a unique relationship with our Heavenly Father, reminding us that our ultimate citizenship is heavenly, even as we navigate earthly responsibilities. Finally, Jesus's decision to pay the tax, despite His divine right to exemption, is a powerful example of humility and wisdom. It teaches us the importance of considering the impact of our actions on others, especially those who may be weak in faith or prone to misunderstanding. Sometimes, exercising our rights or freedoms might cause unnecessary offense or stumbling blocks. In such cases, Christ's example encourages us to yield, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others and the advancement of the Gospel over our personal prerogatives (Romans 14:21).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's omniscience in this passage encourage you in your walk with Him?**
* **In what ways does understanding your identity as a "child" of the Heavenly King impact your perspective on earthly obligations and authorities?**
* **Can you identify areas in your life where you might need to follow Jesus's example of humility and wisdom, choosing to avoid offense even when you have a right to do otherwise?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus ask Peter a question He already knew the answer to?**

Answer: Jesus's question was a **rhetorical question**, designed not to gain information, but to teach Peter a profound spiritual truth. By engaging Peter in an analogy about earthly kings and their children, Jesus led him to infer the answer himself. This pedagogical method allowed Peter to connect the dots between the common practice of taxation and Jesus's own divine identity as the Son of God, who is inherently exempt from the tax for His Father's house. It was a way of prompting Peter to think critically about who Jesus truly was, building on Peter's earlier confession in [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession of Christ").

**What does "Jesus prevented him" mean in modern English?**

Answer: In 17th-century English, when the KJV was translated, the word "prevented" (from the Greek _prophthánō_) meant "to precede" or "to anticipate." Therefore, "Jesus prevented him" means that Jesus spoke to Peter before Peter could speak to Him. This demonstrates Jesus's divine foreknowledge and omniscience, as He knew what Peter was about to say or ask before Peter even uttered a word. It does not mean Jesus stopped Peter from doing something, but rather that He got ahead of him in conversation.

**Why did Jesus pay the temple tax if He was exempt?**

Answer: Jesus's decision to pay the temple tax, despite His divine exemption as the Son of God, was a deliberate act of wisdom and humility. As He states in [Matthew 17:27](/matthew/17-27 "Matthew 17:27 - The Miraculous Coin"), He paid it "lest we should offend them." This highlights Jesus's commitment to avoiding unnecessary stumbling blocks or misunderstandings, especially for those who might misinterpret His actions or claims. It demonstrates His pastoral heart, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others over the assertion of His own rights. This aligns with broader biblical principles of not causing others to stumble, as taught by the Apostle Paul in [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Put a Stumbling Block Before Others").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 17:25, though seemingly a simple narrative about a tax, profoundly reveals the Christ. Jesus's preemptive knowledge of Peter's conversation and His subsequent rhetorical question unequivocally declare His divine Sonship. He is not merely a prophet or a teacher, but the very Son of the King of kings, to whom the earthly Temple, the house of God, truly belongs. His inherent exemption from the temple tax underscores His unique, preeminent relationship with the Father, a truth echoed throughout the New Testament, affirming Him as the [heir of all things](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God's Son, the Heir of All Things") and the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God"). Yet, despite His supreme authority and rightful exemption, Jesus chooses to pay the tax "lest we should offend them" (Matthew 17:27). This act foreshadows His ultimate mission: to humble Himself, not clinging to His divine prerogatives, but taking on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8). He, the sinless Son, would ultimately pay the ultimate "tribute"—the price for humanity's sin—through His sacrifice on the cross, not because He was obligated, but out of love and a desire to remove the greatest stumbling block between humanity and God (Mark 10:45). Thus, this passage, even in its mundane setting, points to the profound humility, sovereign authority, and redemptive purpose of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 22:21

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

Romans 13:6

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Romans 13:7

¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Matthew 22:19

Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

Matthew 22:17

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

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.

Matthew 3:15

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.