Matthew 22:18 - But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites?
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What does "Matthew 22:18" mean?
This verse, Matthew 22:18, is a crucial part of a larger narrative where religious leaders are trying to trap Jesus. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"But Jesus perceived their wickedness..." This highlights Jesus's divine insight. He wasn't fooled by their outward appearances or seemingly sincere questions. He saw their true motives. "Perceived" implies a deep understanding that went beyond surface level. He knew they weren't seeking genuine understanding but rather a way to discredit him.
"...and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites?" This is Jesus's direct and scathing response.
"Why do you test me?" This accuses them of trying to trick him, to bait him into saying something they could use against him. Testing in this context isn't about seeking knowledge or truth but about trying to find fault.
"You hypocrites!" This is the most powerful part of the verse. He calls them "hypocrites" because they outwardly appear pious and righteous but inwardly harbor malicious intentions. They pretend to be seeking guidance while secretly plotting his downfall. They are not acting in good faith, and Jesus exposes their deceit.
In essence, the verse means:
Jesus, knowing the true wicked intentions of the religious leaders who were trying to trap him with a loaded question, rebuked them for their insincerity and hypocrisy. He understood that their questions were not genuine inquiries but rather attempts to manipulate and discredit him.
The context is important:
This verse occurs in the context of the Pharisees and Herodians asking Jesus whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:15-22). This was a trap because:
If Jesus said yes to paying taxes, he would alienate his followers who resented Roman rule.
If Jesus said no, he could be accused of sedition and rebellion against Rome.
Jesus's famous response, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," brilliantly avoided the trap. However, before giving that answer, he first exposes their wicked intentions with the verse in question.
Matthew 22:18 - But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites?
What does "Matthew 22:18" mean?
This verse, Matthew 22:18, is a crucial part of a larger narrative where religious leaders are trying to trap Jesus. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"But Jesus perceived their wickedness..." This highlights Jesus's divine insight. He wasn't fooled by their outward appearances or seemingly sincere questions. He saw their true motives. "Perceived" implies a deep understanding that went beyond surface level. He knew they weren't seeking genuine understanding but rather a way to discredit him.
"...and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites?" This is Jesus's direct and scathing response.
"Why do you test me?" This accuses them of trying to trick him, to bait him into saying something they could use against him. Testing in this context isn't about seeking knowledge or truth but about trying to find fault.
"You hypocrites!" This is the most powerful part of the verse. He calls them "hypocrites" because they outwardly appear pious and righteous but inwardly harbor malicious intentions. They pretend to be seeking guidance while secretly plotting his downfall. They are not acting in good faith, and Jesus exposes their deceit.
In essence, the verse means:
Jesus, knowing the true wicked intentions of the religious leaders who were trying to trap him with a loaded question, rebuked them for their insincerity and hypocrisy. He understood that their questions were not genuine inquiries but rather attempts to manipulate and discredit him.
The context is important:
This verse occurs in the context of the Pharisees and Herodians asking Jesus whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:15-22). This was a trap because:
If Jesus said yes to paying taxes, he would alienate his followers who resented Roman rule.
If Jesus said no, he could be accused of sedition and rebellion against Rome.
Jesus's famous response, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," brilliantly avoided the trap. However, before giving that answer, he first exposes their wicked intentions with the verse in question.