Devine Scripture

Matthew 22:41

What does Matthew 22:41 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 22:41 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 22:41 means

While the Pharisees are still gathered, perhaps still pondering His answer about the greatest commandment, Jesus now takes the initiative. Instead of merely answering their questions, He asks them a question. This shift in dynamic demonstrates His authority and turns the tables, putting His adversaries on the defensive. He moves from being tested to testing them, preparing to reveal a deeper truth about His identity that they consistently fail to grasp.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now while the Pharisees were together, Jesus put a question to them, saying,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the Pharisees having been gathered together, Jesus did question them,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the Pharisees being gathered together, Jesus asked them,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the Pharisees being gathered together, Jesus demanded of them,

Context

This verse marks a significant reversal in the ongoing confrontations: Jesus, having successfully answered the Pharisees' questions, now poses a question *to* them. This shift in initiative demonstrates His authority and sets the stage for a question about the Messiah's identity, which will prove to be their ultimate stumbling block. This moment of transition highlights Jesus taking control of the discourse.

v.40On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets.

v.41This passage

v.42saying, What think ye of the Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 22:15

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

  • Mark 12:35

    And Jesus answered and said, as he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that the Christ is the son of David?

  • Matthew 22:34

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

  • Luke 20:41

    And he said unto them, How say they that the Christ is David’s son?

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