Matthew 17:25

25 "Yes," he said. But when they came into the house, Jesus spoke to Peter first." What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect taxes, from their children or from strangers?"

Matthew 17:25 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 17:25

He saith, yes
Without any hesitation, knowing it had been his master's practice; and therefore as he had done it, did not doubt but he would again:

and when he was come into the house;
that is, Peter, as both the Syriac and Persic versions express; when he was come into his own house, or at least into that where Christ was, in order to talk with him about this affair, the collectors had been speaking of to him, who seems to have been alone when they met with him; however, Christ was not with him:

Jesus prevented him;
saying what he intended to say, on that head; for he being the omniscient God, though not present, knew what question had been put to Peter, and what answer he had returned; and therefore, before Peter could lay the case before him, he puts this question to him;

saying, what thinkest thou, Simon?
How does it appear to thee, to thy reason and understanding? in what light dost thou consider this matter? what is thy judgment of it?

of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their
own children, or of strangers,
or others? What is the usual practice of earthly kings, whether of Judea, or of other countries? do their own children, sons, and heirs, such as are of their own family, pay? or is it only their subjects that are not of their family?

Matthew 17:25 In-Context

23 They will kill him. But he will be raised on the third day." And they were heartbroken.

24 When they came to Capernaum, the people who collected the half-shekel temple tax came to Peter and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?"

25 "Yes," he said. But when they came into the house, Jesus spoke to Peter first."What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect taxes, from their children or from strangers?"

26 "From strangers," he said. Jesus said to him, "Then the children don't have to pay.

27 But just so we don't offend them, go to the lake, throw out a fishing line and hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a shekel coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us."