The Democrats seem to think the coin from the mouth of a fish is where we still get the $$ to pay taxes.

ping-o

The Usual Suspects aren't gonna like this....

Misleading translation. It's not "from their own people or foreigners whom they've conquered". It's simply "from their children or from other persons". Royal family members, then and now, are usually exempt from taxation, but even the Romans taxed Roman citizens. (And the word "citizen" in this translation is also unjustified).

From The Bible Gateway.

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New International Version (NIV)

Matthew 17

1

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

2

There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.

3

Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

4

Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."

5

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"

6

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.

7

But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid."

8

When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

9

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

10

The disciples asked him, "Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"

11

Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things.

12

But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands."

13

Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

14

When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him.

15

"Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water.

16

I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him."

17

"O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me."

18

Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.

19

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"

20

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, `Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.^[1] "

22

When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.

23

They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life." And the disciples were filled with grief.

24

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax^[2] ?"

25

"Yes, he does," he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes--from their own sons or from others?"

26

"From others," Peter answered. "Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him.

27

"But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."

1. [20] Some manuscripts you. [21] But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.
2. [24] Greek the two drachmas

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Matthew 17

1

Six days later Jesus took with Him ^<*1> Peter and ^[1] James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves.

2

And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.

3

And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.

4

Peter said to Jesus, ""Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, ^<*2> I will make three ^[2] tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.''

5

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, ^<*3> a voice out of the cloud said, ""^<*4> This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!''

6

When the disciples heard this, they fell ^[3] face down to the ground and were terrified.

7

And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, ""Get up, and ^<*5> do not be afraid.''

8

And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.

9

^<*6> As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, ""^<*7> Tell the vision to no one until ^<*8> the Son of Man has ^<*9> risen from the dead.''

10

And His disciples asked Him, ""Why then do the scribes say that ^<*10> Elijah must come first?''

11

And He answered and said, ""Elijah is coming and will restore all things;

12

but I say to you that Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him, but did ^[4] to him whatever they wished. So also ^<*11> the Son of Man is going to suffer ^[5] at their hands.''

13

Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.

14

^<*12> When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus, falling on his knees before Him and saying,

15

""^[6] Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a ^{[7] <*13>} lunatic and is very ill; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water.

16

""I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him.''

17

And Jesus answered and said, ""You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.''

18

And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured ^[8] at once.

19

Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ""Why could we not drive it out?''

20

And He said to them, ""Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, ^<*14> if you have faith ^[9] the size of ^<*15> a mustard seed, you will say to ^<*16> this mountain, "Move from here to there,' and it will move; and ^<*17> nothing will be impossible to you.

21

[""^{[10] <*18>} But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.'']

22

^<*19> And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, ""The Son of Man is going to be ^[11] delivered into the hands of men;

23

and ^<*20> they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.'' And they were deeply grieved.

24

When they came to Capernaum, those who collected ^<*21> the ^[12] two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, ""Does your teacher not pay ^<*22> the ^[13] two-drachma tax?''

25

He said, ""Yes.'' And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, ""What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect ^<*23> customs or ^<*24> poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?''

26

When Peter said, ""From strangers,'' Jesus said to him, ""Then the sons are ^[14] exempt.

27

""However, so that we do not ^{[15] <*25>} offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find ^[16] a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.'' 18

1. Or Jacob
2. Or sacred tents
3. Lit on their faces
4. Lit in him; or in his case
5. Lit by them
6. Or Sir
7. Or moonstruck; Gr seleniazo
8. Lit from that hour
9. Lit as
10. Early mss do not contain this v
11. Or betrayed
12. Equivalent to two denarii or two days' wages, paid as a temple tax
13. Or free
14. Lit cause them to stumble
15. Lit standard coin, which was a shekel

1. Matt 17:1-8: <IT>Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36<RM>
2. Matt 26:37; Mark 5:37; 13:3
3. Mark 9:5; Luke 9:33
4. Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22; 2 Pet 1:17f
5. Is 42:1; Matt 3:17; 12:18
6. Matt 14:27
7. Matt 17:9-13: <IT>Mark 9:9-13<RM>
8. Matt 8:4
9. Matt 8:20; 17:12, 22
10. Matt 16:21
11. Mal 4:5; Matt 11:14; 16:14
12. Matt 8:20; 17:9, 22
13. Matt 17:14-19: <IT>Mark 9:14-28<RM>; Matt 17:14-18: <IT>Luke 9:37-42<RM>
14. Matt 4:24
15. Matt 21:21f; Mark 11:23f; Luke 17:6
16. Matt 13:31; Luke 17:6
17. Matt 17:9; 1 Cor 13:2
18. Mark 9:23; John 11:40
19. Mark 9:29
20. Matt 17:22, 23: <IT>Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:44, 45<RM>
21. Matt 16:21; 17:9
22. Ex 30:13; 38:26
23. Rom 13:7
24. Matt 22:17, 19
25. Matt 5:29, 30; 18:6, 8, 9; Mark 9:42, 43, 45, 47; Luke 17:2; John 6:61; 1 Cor 8:13

New Living Translation (NLT)


Matthew 17


The Transfiguration

¹Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. ²As the men watched, Jesus' appearance changed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothing became dazzling white. ³Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. ⁴Peter blurted out, "Lord, this is wonderful! If you want me to, I'll make three shrines,^[1] one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
⁵But even as he said it, a bright cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him. Listen to him." ⁶The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.
⁷Jesus came over and touched them. "Get up," he said, "don't be afraid." ⁸And when they looked, they saw only Jesus with them. ⁹As they descended the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen until I, the Son of Man, have been raised from the dead."
¹⁰His disciples asked, "Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes^[2] ?"
¹¹Jesus replied, "Elijah is indeed coming first to set everything in order. ¹²But I tell you, he has already come, but he wasn't recognized, and he was badly mistreated. And soon the Son of Man will also suffer at their hands." ¹³Then the disciples realized he had been speaking of John the Baptist.


Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy

¹⁴When they arrived at the foot of the mountain, a huge crowd was waiting for them. A man came and knelt before Jesus and said, ¹⁵"Lord, have mercy on my son, because he has seizures and suffers terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. ¹⁶So I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn't heal him."
¹⁷Jesus replied, "You stubborn, faithless people! How long must I be with you until you believe? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." ¹⁸Then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment the boy was well.
¹⁹Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, "Why couldn't we cast out that demon?"
²⁰"You didn't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible."^[3]


Jesus Again Predicts His Death

²²One day after they had returned to Galilee, Jesus told them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed. ²³He will be killed, but three days later he will be raised from the dead." And the disciples' hearts were filled with grief.


Payment of the Temple Tax

²⁴On their arrival in Capernaum, the tax collectors for the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, "Doesn't your teacher pay the Temple tax?"
²⁵"Of course he does," Peter replied. Then he went into the house to talk to Jesus about it.
But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, "What do you think, Peter^[4] ? Do kings tax their own people or the foreigners they have conquered?"
²⁶"They tax the foreigners," Peter replied.
"Well, then," Jesus said, "the citizens are free! ²⁷However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a coin. Take the coin and pay the tax for both of us."

1. 17:4 Or shelters; Greek reads tabernacles.
2. 17:10 Greek that Elijah must come first.
3. 17:20 Some manuscripts add verse 21, But this kind of demon won't leave unless you have prayed and fasted.
4. 17:25 Greek Simon.

King James Version (KJV)

Matthew 17

1

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

2

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

3

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

4

Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

6

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

7

And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

8

And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

9

And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

10

And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

11

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

12

But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

13

Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

14

And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

15

Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

16

And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

17

Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

18

And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

19

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

20

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

21

Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

22

And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:

23

And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

24

And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

25

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?

26

Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

27

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.

New King James Version (NKJV)


Matthew 17


The Transfiguration of Christ
¹ Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; ²and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. ³And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. ⁴Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us^[1] make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
⁵While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" ⁶And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. ⁷But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid." ⁸When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
⁹Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead."
¹⁰And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
¹¹Jesus answered and said to them, "Indeed, Elijah is coming first^[2] and will restore all things. ¹²But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands." ¹³Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.


A Boy Is Healed
^{* 14} And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, ¹⁵"Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic^[3] and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. ¹⁶So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him."
¹⁷Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me." ¹⁸And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.
¹⁹Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"
²⁰So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief;^[4] for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. ²¹However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."^[5]


Jesus Again Predicts His Death and Resurrection
^{* 22} Now while they were staying^[6] in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, ²³and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up." And they were exceedingly sorrowful.


Peter and His Master Pay Their Taxes
²⁴ When they had come to Capernaum,^[7] those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?"
²⁵He said, "Yes."
And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?"
²⁶Peter said to Him, "From strangers."
Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free. ²⁷Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money;^[8] take that and give it to them for Me and you."

1. 17:4 NU-Text reads I will.
2. 17:11 NU-Text omits first.
3. 17:15 Literally moonstruck
4. 17:20 NU-Text reads little faith.
5. 17:21 NU-Text omits this verse.
6. 17:22 NU-Text reads gathering together.
7. 17:24 NU-Text reads Capharnaum (here and elsewhere).
8. 17:27 Greek stater, the exact amount to pay the temple tax (didrachma) for two

Revised Standard Version (RSV)

Matthew 17

1

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart.

2

And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light.

3

And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Eli'jah, talking with him.

4

And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah."

5

He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."

6

When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe.

7

But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear."

8

And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

9

And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead."

10

And the disciples asked him, "Then why do the scribes say that first Eli'jah must come?"

11

He replied, "Eli'jah does come, and he is to restore all things;

12

but I tell you that Eli'jah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of man will suffer at their hands."

13

Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

14

And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and kneeling before him said,

15

"Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.

16

And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him."

17

And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me."

18

And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly.

19

Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"

20

He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you."

21

22

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men,

23

and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day." And they were greatly distressed.

24

When they came to Caper'na-um, the collectors of the half-shekel tax went up to Peter and said, "Does not your teacher pay the tax?"

25

He said, "Yes." And when he came home, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their sons or from others?"

26

And when he said, "From others," Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free.

27

However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook, and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel; take that and give it to them for me and for yourself."

21st Century King James Version (KJ21)

Matthew 17

1

And after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up onto a high mountain apart.

2

And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light.

3

And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah, talking with Him.

4

Then answered Peter and said unto Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If Thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles: one for Thee and one for Moses and one for Elijah."

5

While he yet spoke, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. And behold, a voice out of the cloud, said, "THIS IS MY BELOVED SON IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED. HEAR YE HIM!"

6

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were sore afraid.

7

And Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and be not afraid."

8

And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

9

And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, "Tell the vision to no man until the Son of Man be risen again from the dead."

10

And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Why then say the scribes that Elijah must first come?"

11

And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Elijah truly shall first come and restore all things.

12

But I say unto you that Elijah is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they pleased. Likewise shall also the Son of Man suffer by them."

13

Then the disciples understood that He spoke unto them of John the Baptist.

14

And when they had come to the multitude, there came to Him a certain man, kneeling down to Him and saying,

15

"Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is lunatic and sorely vexed; for ofttimes he falleth into the fire and oft into the water.

16

And I brought him to Thy disciples, and they could not cure him."

17

Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to Me."

18

And Jesus rebuked the devil, and he departed out of him, and the child was cured from that very hour.

19

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart and said, "Why could we not cast him out?"

20

And Jesus said unto them, "Because of your unbelief; for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, `Remove hence to yonder place,' and it shall remove. And nothing shall be impossible unto you.

21

However this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

22

And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, "The Son of Man shall be betrayed into the hands of men.

23

And they shall kill Him, and the third day He shall be raised again." And they were exceeding sorry.

24

And when they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the tribute money came to Peter and said, "Doth not your master pay tribute?"

25

He said, "Yes." And when he had come into the house, Jesus preceded him, saying, "What thinkest thou, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? From their own children, or from strangers?"

26

Peter said unto Him, "From strangers." Jesus said unto him, "Then are the children free.

27

Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea and cast a 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."

NIV formatted (New Testament) (NIV-IBS)


Matthew 17


The Transfiguration

¹After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ²There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. ³Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
⁴Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."
⁵While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"
⁶When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. ⁷But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." ⁸When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
⁹As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
¹⁰The disciples asked him, "Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"
¹¹Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. ¹²But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." ¹³Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

The Healing of a Boy With a Demon

¹⁴When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. ¹⁵"Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. ¹⁶I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him."
¹⁷"O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." ¹⁸Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.
¹⁹Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
²⁰He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."^[1]
22When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. ²³They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life." And the disciples were filled with grief.

The Temple Tax

²⁴After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax^[2] ?"
²⁵"Yes, he does," he replied.
When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes--from their own sons or from others?"
²⁶"From others," Peter answered.
²⁷"Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."

1. 17:20 Some manuscripts you. 21 But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.
2. 17:24 Greek the two drachmas

Worldwide English (New Testament) (WE)

Matthew 17

1

Six days after this, Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John with him. He led them up a hill by themselves.

2

Jesus was changed in front of them. His face was bright like the sun. His clothes were white, like light.

3

Then they saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus.

4

Peter said to Jesus, `Lord, this is a good place for us. If you want, we will make three places here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.'

5

While he was saying this, a bright cloud came over them. A voice in the cloud said, `This is my dear Son. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him.'

6

When the disciples heard it, they bowed their faces to the ground. They were very much afraid.

7

But Jesus came and touched them. He said, `Get up. Do not fear.'

8

When they looked up, they saw no one but Jesus.

9

When they came down the hill, Jesus said to them, `Do not tell anyone what you saw. Do not tell it until after the Son of Man has been raised from death.'

10

The disciples asked him, `Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?'

11

Jesus answered, `Elijah does come. He will get everything ready.

12

I tell you that Elijah has come already. The people did not know him. And they did to him just what they wanted to do. So also the Son of Man will be troubled by them.'

13

Then the disciples knew that he was talking about John the Baptizer.

14

They came to the people. A man came and kneeled in front of Jesus.

15

He said, `Sir, help my son. A bad spirit is in him and he has much trouble. Often he falls into the fire, and often he falls into the water.

16

I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.'

17

Jesus said, `You people today do not believe. You have turned away from God. How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.'

18

Jesus talked to the bad spirit and he came out of the boy. The boy was healed.

19

Then the disciples came to Jesus alone. They asked him, `Why could we not drive the bad spirit out?'

20

Jesus said to them, `Because you do not believe enough. I tell you the truth. If your strength to believe were as much as a little mustard seed, you could say to this hill, "Go, move over to that place!" And it would move. Nothing is too hard for you to do.

21

But this kind of bad spirit does not come out of a person unless people ask God and fast [do not eat food for a time].'

22

They were travelling in Galilee. Jesus said to his disciples, `The Son of Man will be given over to men.

23

,

24

They will kill him. But he will be raised on the third day.' This troubled the disciples very much.

25

They came to Capernaum. There the men who were collecting the tax for the temple came to Peter. They asked him, `Does not your teacher pay the tax for the temple?'

26

Peter said, `Yes, he does.' When he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him about it first. He said, `Simon, what do you think? From whom do kings on earth take taxes? Do they take them from their own people or from other people?'

27

Peter said, `From other people.' Jesus said, `Then the sons do not pay a tax.

28

But we must not make them think something wrong about us. So go to the sea. Throw a fish-hook into the water. Take the first fish you catch. Open its mouth and you will see a piece of money. Take it and pay them the tax for you and me.'

Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

Matthew 17

1

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, and James, and John his brother, and doth bring them up to a high mount by themselves,

2

and he was transfigured before them, and his face shone as the sun, and his garments did become white as the light,

3

and lo, appear to them did Moses and Elijah, talking together with him.

4

And Peter answering said to Jesus, `Sir, it is good to us to be here; if thou wilt, we may make here three booths -- for thee one, and for Moses one, and one for Elijah.'

5

While he is yet speaking, lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying, `This is My Son, -- the Beloved, in whom I did delight; hear him.'

6

And the disciples having heard, did fall upon their face, and were exceedingly afraid,

7

and Jesus having come near, touched them, and said, `Rise, be not afraid,'

8

and having lifted up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus only.

9

And as they are coming down from the mount, Jesus charged them, saying, `Say to no one the vision, till the Son of Man out of the dead may rise.'

10

And his disciples questioned him, saying, `Why then do the scribes say that Elijah it behoveth to come first?'

11

And Jesus answering said to them, `Elijah doth indeed come first, and shall restore all things,

12

and I say to you -- Elijah did already come, and they did not know him, but did with him whatever they would, so also the Son of Man is about to suffer by them.'

13

Then understood the disciples that concerning John the Baptist he spake to them.

14

And when they came unto the multitude, there came to him a man, kneeling down to him,

15

and saying, `Sir, deal kindly with my son, for he is lunatic, and doth suffer miserably, for often he doth fall into the fire, and often into the water,

16

and I brought him near to thy disciples, and they were not able to heal him.'

17

And Jesus answering said, `O generation, unstedfast and perverse, till when shall I be with you? till when shall I bear you? bring him to me hither;'

18

and Jesus rebuked him, and the demon went out of him, and the lad was healed from that hour.

19

Then the disciples having come to Jesus by himself, said, `Wherefore were we not able to cast him out?'

20

And Jesus said to them, `Through your want of faith; for verily I say to you, if ye may have faith as a grain of mustard, ye shall say to this mount, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible to you,

21

and this kind doth not go forth except in prayer and fasting.'

22

And while they are living in Galilee, Jesus said to them, `The Son of Man is about to be delivered up to the hands of men,

23

and they shall kill him, and the third day he shall rise,' and they were exceeding sorry.

24

And they having come to Capernaum, those receiving the didrachms came near to Peter, and said, `Your teacher -- doth he not pay the didrachms?' He saith, `Yes.'

25

And when he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, `What thinkest thou, Simon? the kings of the earth -- from whom do they receive custom or poll-tax? from their sons or from the strangers?'

26

Peter saith to him, `From the strangers.' Jesus said to him, `Then are the sons free;

27

but, that we may not cause them to stumble, having gone to the sea, cast a hook, and the fish that hath come up first take thou up, and having opened its mouth, thou shalt find a stater, that having taken, give to them for me and thee.'

Darby Translation (DARBY)

Matthew 17

1

And after six days Jesus takes with [him] Peter, and James, and John his brother, and brings them up into a high mountain apart.

2

And he was transfigured before them. And his face shone as the sun, and his garments became white as the light;

3

and lo, Moses and Elias appeared to them talking with him.

4

And Peter answering said to Jesus, Lord, it is good we should be here. If thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles: for thee one, and for Moses one, and one for Elias.

5

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying, *This* is my beloved Son, in whom I have found my delight: hear him.

6

And the disciples hearing [it] fell upon their faces, and were greatly terrified.

7

And Jesus coming to [them] touched them, and said, Rise up, and be not terrified.

8

And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus alone.

9

And as they descended from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no one, until the Son of man be risen up from among [the] dead.

10

And [his] disciples demanded of him saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first have come?

11

And he answering said to them, Elias indeed comes first and will restore all things.

12

But I say unto you that Elias has already come, and they have not known him, but have done unto him whatever they would. Thus also the Son of man is about to suffer from them.

13

Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the baptist.

14

And when they came to the crowd, a man came to him, falling on his knees before him, and saying,

15

Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is lunatic, and suffers sorely; for often he falls into the fire and often into the water.

16

And I brought him to thy disciples, and they were not able to heal him.

17

And Jesus answering said, O unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to me.

18

And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon went out from him, and the boy was healed from that hour.

19

Then the disciples, coming to Jesus apart, said [to him], Why were not *we* able to cast him out?

20

And he says to them, Because of your unbelief; for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard [seed], ye shall say to this mountain, Be transported hence there, and it shall transport itself; and nothing shall be impossible to you.

21

But this kind does not go out but by prayer and fasting.

22

And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said to them, The Son of man is about to be delivered up into [the] hands of men,

23

and they shall kill him; and the third day he shall be raised up. And they were greatly grieved.

24

And when they came to Capernaum, those who received the didrachmas came to Peter and said, Does your teacher not pay the didrachmas?

25

He says, Yes. And when he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, What dost thou think, Simon? the kings of the earth, from whom do they receive custom or tribute? from their own sons or from strangers?

26

Peter says to him, From strangers. Jesus said to him, Then are the sons free.

27

But that we may not be an offence to them, go to the sea and cast a hook, and take the first fish that comes up, and when thou hast opened its mouth thou wilt find a stater; take that and give it to them for me and thee.

I would point out that the liberal elitists' power base does not pay taxes. They are protected as family.

And when the libs get the upper hand, they do treat responsible conservatives as conquered enemies.

This mess is in the nature of political struggles--which is the point which the Lord was making in order to set up a more important point (which has not even been discussed on this thread, BTW).

So, even if there are exegetical questions surrounding the language, and even if the oddity which I have pointed out is not the bottom-line point of the text, the inspired text does have a lot of obvious wisdom.

Mat.24 And when they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the tribute money came to Peter and said, "Doth not your master pay tribute?" 25 He said, "Yes." And when he had come into the house, Jesus preceded him, saying, "What thinkest thou, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? From their own children, or from strangers?" 26 Peter said unto Him, "From strangers." Jesus said unto him, "Then are the children free. 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea and cast a 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."

Is this scripture about more than the temple tax? It seems maybe Jesus is doing a deeper teaching than is first seen...does anyone have an opinion? Could Jesus have been talking about His subjects?

Is this scripture about more than the temple tax? It seems maybe Jesus is doing a deeper teaching than is first seen...does anyone have an opinion? Could Jesus have been talking about His subjects?

Getting dangerously close to saying no tithing...

Good post. Gives me a chance to use THIS item I did as a radio commentary back in '94.

A remarkable essay appeared in the August 31st (1994) edition of the Wall Street Journal. Entitled "A Higher Authority on Taxes", it was a unique assessment of the then just passed Clinton tax package. The author, Rabbi Lapin, does something the "dominant media culture" would have hammered a Christian for doing. The Rabbi states his conclusion in the very first paragraph:
"The plan won't work because it contradicts specific and timeless principles expressed in the Bible". </font color=red>

WHOA!!

He then rather methodically recites the Biblical laws of taxation, telling the reader that the Bible is the key to understanding the historically valid principle which states that, regardless of the level of taxation, folks will so arrange their affairs as to hold the national average government tax take UNDER approximately 19.5%! It's the same 19.5% the Egyptians paid to Pharaoh over 3,500 years ago -- and for the same reasons. And it's the same 19.5% a recent study indicates is STILL CURRENT!!

People have always resisted what they believe to be confiscatory taxation rates.

What does Scriptures have to say about OUR current tax rates? Quoting from Rabbi Lapin's essay:
"Evidently, even the cruel scenario depicted by Samuel (earlier in the piece) could not envision a legitimate king claiming more than 10% of his own people's produce (1st Samuel 8:15). A king would impose higher taxes only upon his conquered enemies. "Sure enough, in Joshua 17:13, the idea is put forth that heavy taxation is to be imposed only upon people for whom you do not care much." </font color=red>

The Rabbi concludes with this timely warning to us all:
"Finally, consider Proverbs 12:24. It declares that 'the hands of the diligent shall produce wealth but the lazy will be subject to taxation.' According to the 11th century sage, Rabbi Solomon Yitzchaki, these words warn that excessive taxation hinders productivity and comes to pass only through the laziness and indifference of citizens who decline to resist the oppression. </font color=red>

In other words, resisting a government's instinct to tax requires vigilance and energy. As the prophet Samuel warned, if we fail to exert the necessary vigilance and energy, we shall have only ourselves to blame for the consequences."

THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR: IF GOVERNMENT WISHES TO REMAIN AT ITS CURRENT SIZE OR EXPAND (TWO THOROUGHLY DETESTABLE OPTIONS!), IT SHOULD LOWER TAX RATES IN ORDER TO GROW THE GDP SO THAT ITS 19.5% "TAKE" (AS BY FORCE!) REPRESENTS A LARGER ABSOLUTE NUMBER!

DICK GEPHARDT/TOM DASCHLE -- CALL YOUR OFFICES (if you can find someone to dial the phone for you)!

Getting dangerously close to saying no tithing...

I suspect a spiritual truth here ...but I want someone else to kick in on it..

If you are right about the tithing thing..alot of Pastors will get nervous *grin*

Getting dangerously close to saying no tithing...

Actually, I think He is saying tithing is inappropriate.

The most generous churches I have ever been associated with all repudiated tithing precisely because it was an Old Covenant tax rather than a more clearly unfettered expression of love.