Chapter
Verse

Matthew 17:25

ESV He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?”
NIV Yes, he does,' he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. 'What do you think, Simon?' he asked. 'From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes--from their own children or from others?'
NASB He *said, 'Yes.' And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, 'What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?'
CSB "Yes," he said.When he went into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes? From their sons or from strangers? "
NLT Yes, he does,' Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, 'What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered? '
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?

What does Matthew 17:25 mean?

Jesus and the disciples have arrived in Capernaum, Jesus' place of official residence (Matthew 4:13). Peter has been approached by some collectors of the temple tax. This was not a Roman tax. Jewish men, 20 years and older, were required by the law of Moses to contribute two drachmas, or half a shekel, to the temple once a year (Exodus 30:13–16). These collectors have asked Peter if his teacher Jesus plans to pay the tax. That might have been a rhetorical question, which really meant "your master needs to pay the tax."

Peter now replies that Jesus plans to pay the tax. Peter then enters the house where Jesus is, perhaps to ask Jesus for the money or where to get the money. Before Peter can speak, though, Jesus begins to ask Peter about it. Did Peter answer yes too quickly, assuming Jesus would pay the tax when He did not plan to do so?

Jesus calls Peter by his original name, Simon, and asks about a specific issue: Do kings collect taxes from their own children, or from others? Peter will give the obvious answer to the question. Kings do not collect taxes from their own sons. Jesus concludes His point in the following verse.
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