Devine Scripture

Matthew 22:42

What does Matthew 22:42 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 22:42 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 22:42 means

Jesus asks the Pharisees, 'What think ye of the Christ? whose son is he?' This question challenges their understanding of the Messiah's identity, a central tenet of Jewish expectation. They correctly answer, 'The son of David,' acknowledging the promised Messiah would descend from King David, a truth affirmed by Old Testament prophecy (e.g., 2 Samuel 7:12-16). Their correct answer sets the stage for Jesus' follow-up question, which will expose the limitation of their understanding, pointing to His divine nature.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

What is your opinion of the Christ? whose son is he? They say to him, The Son of David.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

saying, `What do ye think concerning the Christ? of whom is he son?' They say to him, `Of David.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Saying: What think you of Christ? Whose son is he? They say to him: David's.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

saying, What think ye concerning the Christ? whose son is he? They say to him, David's.

Context

This verse details Jesus' direct question about the Messiah's identity, challenging the Pharisees' theological understanding. Their correct answer, 'The son of David,' confirms their basic knowledge of messianic prophecy but also provides the premise upon which Jesus will build His more profound question. This sets up the critical paradox that Jesus will use to reveal His true nature beyond mere Davidic descent.

v.41Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question,

v.42This passage

v.43He saith unto them, How then doth David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying,

Cross references

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

  • Acts 13:22

    And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; to whom also he bare witness and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who shall do all my will.

  • John 1:49

    Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel.

  • Luke 1:69

    And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David

  • Colossians 3:11

    where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

  • 1 Peter 2:4

    unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious,

  • Amos 9:11

    In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old;

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