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Matthew 17 · a question people ask

"Therefore the children are exempt" (17:26). Which children did Jesus mean?

In the text

Jesus asked, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?" (17:25). "Peter said to him, “From strangers.”" (17:26). Jesus said, "Therefore the children are exempt" (17:26), and went on, "But, lest we cause them to stumble" (17:27), and told Peter where he would find a coin to "give it to them for me and you" (17:27). Matthew gives the question, Peter's answer and Jesus's words, and doesn't explain the children beyond them. Christians read it in more than one way, and these notes don't choose.

The verses

“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.””
Matthew 17:25-27 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Matthew 17

Matthew 17: Get up, and don’t be afraid

Of the Gospels, only Matthew tells that Jesus "came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.”" (17:7). In the Greek the voice on the mountain begins with the very sentence of 3:17, then adds "Listen to him" (17:5). And the chapter ends with Jesus's words about the coin, never telling that it was found (17:27).

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions