⭐WEB · Matthew 17:26
What does Matthew 17:26 mean?
"Peter said to him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Therefore the children are exempt."
— Matthew 17:26 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up.” They were exceedingly sorry.
When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the didrachma?”
He said, “Yes.” When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?”
Peter said to him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Therefore the children are exempt.
But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you.”
Explanation
This verse is part of a short exchange in Matthew 17:24-27 concerning the temple tax, and it only makes sense in that fuller context. Tax collectors had asked Peter whether Jesus paid the annual temple tax (a half-shekel required of Jewish men, based on Exodus 30:13), and Peter said yes. When Peter came into the house
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