King James Version
Matthew 17:26 in the King James Version says “Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.”
Matthew 17:26 · KJV
And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? tribute: called in the original, didrachma, being in value fifteen pence sterling; about thirty seven cents
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?
Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. a piece: or, a stater: it is half an ounce of silver, in value two shillings and six pence, sterling; about fifty five cents
KJV Study — Public Domain
“saith”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
“unto him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“Of”
G575"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
“strangers”
G245another's, i.e., not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile
“unto him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“Jesus”
G2424jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
“free”
G1658unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia
“the children”
G5207a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Matthew 17:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.