Matthew 17:26

Study note

Setting — Jesus questions Peter inside a house about how earthly kings collect customs and taxes. Peter answers that they collect from others, prompting Jesus to declare that sons are exempt.

The words — The Greek term ἀλλοτρίων (allotriōn) literally means “strangers” or “those belonging to another,” establishing a contrast with familial lineage. Jesus uses this distinction to state that royal sons do not owe the tax.

The thread — The exemption principle echoes Exodus 22:29 regarding firstborn redemption and is applied theologically in Galatians 4:7 where believers are identified as sons rather than slaves. The immediate context in Matthew 17:27 then instructs payment anyway to avoid offense.

Why it lands — The text states a legal exemption before commanding voluntary compliance to prevent unnecessary conflict. It requires the reader to hold theological truth and practical concession without merging them into a single rule.

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.