Matthew 17:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Peter {G4074} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Of {G575} strangers {G245}. Jesus {G2424} saith {G5346} unto him {G846}, Then {G686} are {G1526} the children {G5207} free {G1658}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"From others," he answered. "Then," said Yeshua, "The sons are exempt.

Berean Standard Bible

“From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus declared.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:26 captures a pivotal exchange between Jesus and Peter concerning the temple tax, where Jesus masterfully uses an earthly analogy to reveal His unique divine Sonship and, by extension, the spiritual freedom of those who are truly God's children. This brief dialogue underscores Jesus' inherent authority over the Temple, His identity as the Son of God, and His willingness to accommodate human customs for the sake of avoiding offense, all while affirming the profound liberty granted to believers through their relationship with the Father.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant section of Matthew's Gospel following the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8) and the healing of the demon-possessed boy (Matthew 17:14-20). The immediate context begins in [Matthew 17:24](/matthew/17-24 "Matthew 17:24 - The Temple Tax Question"), where the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax approach Peter in Capernaum, asking if Jesus pays the tax. Before Peter can respond, Jesus initiates a private conversation with him, posing a rhetorical question about earthly kings and their tax policies. Peter's answer, "Of strangers," sets the stage for Jesus' profound declaration in [Matthew 17:26](/matthew/17-26 "Matthew 17:26 - The Children Are Free"), which is then followed by Jesus' miraculous provision of the tax money from the fish's mouth in [Matthew 17:27](/matthew/17-27 "Matthew 17:27 - The Miraculous Provision"). This entire episode highlights Jesus' divine authority and foresight, even as He navigates earthly obligations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "two-drachma tax" (didrachma) was an annual temple tax required of every Jewish male twenty years or older, originally established in [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Atonement Money") as an atonement offering for the upkeep of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple in Jerusalem. This tax was a deeply ingrained religious obligation, symbolizing a Jewish man's covenant relationship with God and his participation in the community. Kings typically collected taxes or tribute from their subjects, not from their own children or household members, who were considered part of the royal family and thus exempt. Jesus' question draws on this common understanding, making a clear distinction between those who are "children" of the king (exempt) and "strangers" (subject to tax). The Temple itself was considered God's house, and the tax was for its maintenance, making Jesus' claim of exemption particularly significant.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 17:26](/matthew/17-26 "Matthew 17:26 - The Children Are Free") contributes significantly to several major themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the **Divine Sonship of Jesus**. As the Son of God, Jesus is inherently free from paying tribute to His Father's house, the Temple. This builds upon Peter's earlier confession in [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession of Christ") that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God." Secondly, the verse introduces the concept of **Spiritual Freedom for Believers**. By extension, those who are united with Christ and adopted into God's family are also considered "children" and thus share in a spiritual liberty that transcends earthly obligations, particularly those tied to the Old Covenant's ceremonial law. This idea of Christian liberty is a foundational aspect of New Testament theology, as seen in [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ"). Lastly, the passage subtly demonstrates **Jesus' Authority and Humility**. Despite His inherent freedom and divine authority, Jesus chooses to pay the tax "lest we should offend them" ([Matthew 17:27](/matthew/17-27 "Matthew 17:27 - The Miraculous Provision")), showcasing His wisdom, willingness to avoid unnecessary stumbling blocks, and His ultimate submission to His Father's will, even when it involves earthly accommodation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **strangers (Greek, _allótrios'_):** From the Greek G245, meaning "another's, i.e. not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile." In this context, Peter's response "Of strangers" correctly identifies those who are outside the immediate family or household of the king, from whom taxes are rightfully collected. This sets up the contrast with those who are "children" and therefore exempt.
* **children (Greek, _huiós'_):** From the Greek G5207, meaning "a 'son' (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship." Jesus uses this term to refer to the sons of the king, implying an inherent familial relationship that grants exemption from tribute. The profound implication is that Jesus Himself is the ultimate "Son" of God, and thus, the Temple tax, being for His Father's house, does not apply to Him.
* **free (Greek, _eleútheros'_):** From the Greek G1658, meaning "unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e. (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or liability)." This word signifies not merely political freedom but a deeper, inherent liberty or exemption from obligation due to one's status. Jesus' declaration that "the children are free" directly asserts His exemption from the temple tax due to His divine Sonship, and by extension, the spiritual freedom of those who are God's children through Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Peter saith unto him, Of strangers."**: Peter's immediate and correct response to Jesus' rhetorical question about earthly kings collecting taxes. He understands that kings collect taxes from those who are not part of their immediate family or household, i.e., "strangers" or subjects. This answer sets up Jesus' profound follow-up statement by affirming the premise of the analogy.
* **"Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free."**: Jesus' climactic declaration, drawing the spiritual conclusion from Peter's earthly analogy. If earthly kings' children are free from taxes, how much more is the Son of God free from paying a tax to His own Father's house (the Temple)? This statement is a powerful, implicit claim of Jesus' divine Sonship and His inherent authority over the Temple. Furthermore, by including Peter ("lest we should offend them," Matthew 17:27), Jesus extends this freedom to His disciples, implying that those who are "children" of God through Him also share in this spiritual exemption.

#### Literary Devices
The exchange in Matthew 17:26 employs several significant literary devices. Jesus uses a **Rhetorical Question** in the preceding verse ([Matthew 17:25](/matthew/17-25 "Matthew 17:25 - Jesus' Question to Peter")) to Peter, not seeking information but guiding Peter to the correct conclusion. This leads to a powerful **Analogy** between earthly kings and their children/strangers, and God and His Son/others. The analogy serves to illuminate a profound spiritual truth using a relatable, everyday scenario. Furthermore, Jesus makes an **Implicit Claim** of His divine Sonship. By identifying Himself and His disciples as "the children" who are "free" from the temple tax, Jesus subtly but unequivocally asserts His unique relationship with God as the Father, and thus His inherent authority over the Temple. There is also an element of **Symbolism**, where the temple tax itself, a physical obligation to an earthly structure, is transcended by the spiritual reality of Jesus' divine identity and the spiritual freedom He brings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 17:26 profoundly connects to the broader theological themes of divine sonship, spiritual freedom, and the nature of the New Covenant. Jesus' declaration of freedom from the temple tax is not merely an assertion of His unique status as the Son of God, but also a prophetic statement about the spiritual liberty available to all who become children of God through faith in Him. The Old Covenant's ceremonial laws and obligations, including the temple tax, find their ultimate fulfillment and transcendence in Christ. Believers, adopted into God's family through Christ, are no longer slaves to sin or the law but are heirs of God, sharing in the freedom of the Son. This freedom, however, is not a license for lawlessness but a call to live by the Spirit, demonstrating wisdom and love in our interactions with the world, as Jesus Himself exemplified by choosing to pay the tax to avoid offense.

* [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - True Freedom in Christ")
* [Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons")
* [Romans 8:14-17](/romans/8-14-17 "Romans 8:14-17 - Children of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 17:26 offers believers a powerful reminder of their exalted identity and spiritual standing in Christ. We are not "strangers" to God, but adopted "children," heirs of His kingdom, and recipients of profound spiritual freedom. This truth should shape our perspective on earthly obligations and our daily walk. While we are called to be responsible citizens, paying taxes and respecting authorities ([Romans 13:7](/romans/13-7 "Romans 13:7 - Respect for Governing Authorities")), our ultimate allegiance and identity reside in our relationship with God through Christ. This spiritual freedom means we are no longer bound by the fear of judgment or the burden of earning salvation through works, but are free to serve God out of love and gratitude. It also teaches us the wisdom and humility of Christ: even though we are free, we should be willing to accommodate and avoid causing unnecessary offense or stumbling blocks to others, demonstrating grace and understanding in our interactions with the world. Our freedom in Christ is for the purpose of loving God and serving others, not for self-indulgence or causing division.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding your identity as a "child" of God impact your daily life and your view of earthly responsibilities?**
* **In what ways does the spiritual freedom you have in Christ manifest in your life, and how can you live more fully in that freedom?**
* **When might it be wise to exercise humility and accommodate others, even when you are "free" from an obligation, as Jesus did?**
* **How can the truth of Jesus' divine Sonship strengthen your faith and trust in His authority?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus pay the temple tax if He declared Himself and His disciples to be "free"?**

Answer: Jesus' declaration in [Matthew 17:26](/matthew/17-26 "Matthew 17:26 - The Children Are Free") clearly states His inherent freedom from the temple tax due to His divine Sonship. However, He instructs Peter to pay the tax for both of them in [Matthew 17:27](/matthew/17-27 "Matthew 17:27 - The Miraculous Provision") "lest we should offend them." This act demonstrates Jesus' profound wisdom, humility, and pastoral sensitivity. He chose to avoid causing unnecessary offense or misunderstanding among the Jewish people, who might have perceived His refusal to pay as a rejection of the Temple or the Law. By paying, Jesus prioritized the avoidance of a stumbling block over asserting His rightful exemption, setting an example for believers to live wisely and considerately within their cultural contexts, even when they possess spiritual liberty ([1 Corinthians 8:9](/1_corinthians/8-9 "1 Corinthians 8:9 - Do Not Cause Others to Stumble")). It also subtly showcases His divine power through the miraculous provision of the coin, affirming His authority even as He accommodates earthly requirements.

**What does "the children are free" mean for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, "the children are free" signifies profound spiritual liberty and a new identity in Christ. As those adopted into God's family through faith in Jesus, we are no longer slaves to sin, the law, or fear, but are sons and daughters of God ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). This freedom means we are not bound by the Old Covenant's ceremonial laws or the need to earn salvation through works, as Christ has fulfilled the law and paid the ultimate price for our redemption ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Freedom in Christ")). Our freedom is a gift of grace, enabling us to serve God out of love rather than obligation. It calls us to live by the Spirit, exercising our liberty responsibly and lovingly, always considering how our actions might impact others and bring glory to God ([Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Freedom for Service")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 17:26 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the true and only begotten Son of God. His declaration, "Then are the children free," is first and foremost an assertion of His unique divine identity and inherent authority over the very institution (the Temple) that represented God's dwelling on earth. As the Son, He is the rightful heir and Lord of all, transcending any earthly obligation or tax. Yet, in profound humility and love, this Son who is "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Supremacy of Christ")), chose to pay the tax, not out of necessity for Himself, but to avoid offense and to identify with humanity, ultimately leading to His greater act of submission on the cross. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ has secured true freedom for all who believe. He has "set us free from the law of sin and death" ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from Sin and Death")) and granted us adoption into God's family, making us "children" who share in His own freedom and inheritance ([Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons")). Thus, the freedom Jesus speaks of in Matthew 17:26 is not merely an exemption from a tax, but a profound spiritual liberation from the bondage of sin and legalism, accomplished solely through His redemptive work on our behalf.

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.