Devine Scripture

Matthew 22:34

What does Matthew 22:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 22:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 22:34 means

Upon hearing that Jesus had 'put the Sadducees to silence'—meaning He had decisively defeated their arguments—the Pharisees, who believed in the resurrection, gathered themselves together. While they might have privately appreciated Jesus' theological victory over their rivals, their primary motivation here remains hostile. They are not coming to learn, but to find a new way to challenge and entrap Him, revealing their persistent opposition and determination to undermine His authority.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, gathered themselves together.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, gathered themselves together.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the Pharisees, hearing how the mouths of the Sadducees had been stopped, came together;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the Pharisees, having heard that he did silence the Sadducees, were gathered together unto him;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But the Pharisees, hearing that he had silenced the Sadducees, came together.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But the Pharisees, having heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, were gathered together.

Context

This verse marks the return of the Pharisees, motivated by Jesus' latest victory over the Sadducees, to resume their adversarial questioning. Their gathering signifies a renewed attempt to challenge Jesus, underscoring the ongoing spiritual conflict. This sets the stage for a different kind of trap—a theological one—testing Jesus' understanding of the Jewish Law.

v.33And when the multitudes heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.

v.34This passage

v.35And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, trying him:

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 25:3

    For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them:

  • Mark 12:28

    And one of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together, and knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, What commandment is the first of all?

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