Devine Scripture

Matthew 22:18

What does Matthew 22:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 22:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 22:18 means

Despite their elaborate deception, Jesus immediately 'perceived their wickedness' and called them 'hypocrites.' His divine discernment saw through their feigned respect and recognized their insidious motives—they were not seeking truth but trying to entrap Him. By exposing their hypocrisy, Jesus not only rebukes their deceit but also demonstrates His superhuman insight, showing that He cannot be fooled by superficial appearances or manipulative tactics. This immediately disarms their charade.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Jesus saw their trick and said, Oh false ones, why are you attempting to put me in the wrong?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus having known their wickedness, said, `Why me do ye tempt, hypocrites?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Jesus knowing their wickedness, said: Why do you tempt me, ye hypocrites?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said, Why tempt ye me, hypocrites?

Context

This verse reveals Jesus’ immediate discernment of the Pharisees' wicked intentions, directly preceding His answer to their trap question. His piercing rebuke of 'hypocrites' strips away their pretense and sets the tone for His response, showing that He is fully aware of their scheme. This pivotal moment demonstrates His spiritual authority and wisdom, preparing the reader for His brilliant counter-argument.

v.17Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not?

v.18This passage

v.19Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a denarius.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 16:1

    And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and trying him asked him to show them a sign from heaven.

  • John 2:25

    and because he needed not that any one should bear witness concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.

  • Matthew 19:3

    And there came unto him Pharisees, trying him, and saying, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

  • Luke 20:23

    But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them,

  • Mark 2:8

    And straightway Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, saith unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

  • Acts 5:9

    But Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to try the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them that have buried thy husband are at the door, and they shall carry thee out.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 22

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 22.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 22:18.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary