Devine Scripture

Matthew 22:15

What does Matthew 22:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 22:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 22:15 means

Immediately after Jesus' parables of judgment, the Pharisees reconvene, not to understand His teaching, but to devise a scheme to 'ensnare him in his talk.' Their goal is to trap Jesus with His own words, forcing Him to say something that could be used against Him either by the Roman authorities or by the Jewish people. This reveals their hardened opposition and their reliance on cunning rather than genuine inquiry, highlighting their spiritual animosity and their desire to discredit Him publicly.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in his talk.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in his talk.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then the Pharisees went and had a meeting to see how they might make use of his words to take him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then the Pharisees having gone, took counsel how they might ensnare him in words,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then the Pharisees going, consulted among themselves how to insnare him in his speech.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then went the Pharisees and held a council how they might ensnare him in speaking.

Context

This verse marks a hostile shift in the narrative, following Jesus’ concluding statement of the wedding feast parable. The Pharisees, feeling increasingly threatened by Jesus' teachings and authority, now directly plot against Him. This sets the stage for a series of adversarial questions designed to trap Jesus and undermine His credibility with both Roman and Jewish authorities.

v.14For many are called, but few chosen.

v.15This passage

v.16And they send to him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, and carest not for any one: for thou regardest not the person of men.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 29:21

    that make a man an offender in his cause, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just with a thing of nought.

  • Psalms 57:6

    They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down: They have digged a pit before me; They are fallen into the midst thereof themselves. [Selah

  • Hebrews 12:3

    For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.

  • Luke 20:20

    And they watched him, and sent forth spies, who feigned themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of his speech, so as to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor.

  • Psalms 41:6

    And if he come to see me, he speaketh falsehood; His heart gathereth iniquity to itself: When he goeth abroad, he telleth it.

  • Luke 11:53

    And when he was come out from thence, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press upon him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things;

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