Bible Strands
Matthew 17:25
“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?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses Peter inside a house immediately after Peter confirms to tax collectors that Jesus pays the two-drachma tax. Jesus preempts Peter's entry to ask whether earthly kings collect customs from their own sons or from others.
The words — ναί (nai) means "Yes," and οἰκίαν (oikian) means "house," capturing Peter's affirmative reply and the specific location where Jesus interrupts him.
The thread — The taxation inquiry parallels Jesus' later teaching on rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's in Matthew 22:17–21.
Why it lands — The text states that kings do not tax their own sons, establishing that divine authority operates outside earthly fiscal systems. The passage requires the reader to accept God's provision without demanding institutional exemption or political leverage.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James 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?
Cross-references
- Matthew 22:21 “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
- Matthew 22:17 So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
- Matthew 22:19 Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius.
- Romans 13:6 This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work.
- 1 Samuel 17:25 Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.”
- Matthew 3:15 “Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.