Then the Pharisees went outThe Pharisees were a prominent religious group in first-century Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the Law and His teachings. This phrase indicates a deliberate action, suggesting a premeditated plan to confront Jesus. The Pharisees' departure signifies their intent to separate themselves from the crowd and strategize against Jesus, highlighting their opposition to His ministry.
and conspired
The term "conspired" implies a secretive and deceitful plan. This reflects the growing hostility towards Jesus from the religious leaders. The Pharisees' actions are not just spontaneous but are part of a calculated effort to undermine Jesus' authority. This conspiracy is indicative of the broader rejection Jesus faced from the religious establishment, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah being despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3).
to trap Jesus
The goal of the Pharisees was to ensnare Jesus in a legal or theological error. This reflects their inability to accept His teachings and their desire to discredit Him publicly. The use of the word "trap" suggests a malicious intent, akin to setting a snare for an animal. This is consistent with other instances in the Gospels where religious leaders sought to catch Jesus in His words (e.g.,Matthew 16:1,Mark 12:13).
in His words
The focus on Jesus' words underscores the power and authority of His teaching. The Pharisees recognized that Jesus' words had a profound impact on the people, often challenging their own authority and interpretations of the Law. By attempting to trap Him in His words, they hoped to find grounds to accuse Him of blasphemy or sedition. This reflects the broader theme in the Gospels of Jesus' words being a source of life and truth (John 6:63,John 14:6), yet also a point of contention for those who opposed Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PhariseesA religious and political group in ancient Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law of Moses and traditions. They often opposed Jesus, seeking to challenge His authority and teachings.
2.
JesusThe central figure of Christianity, believed to be the Son of God and the Messiah. In this passage, He is the target of the Pharisees' plot.
3.
PlottingThe Pharisees' deliberate plan to entrap Jesus in His speech, aiming to discredit Him or find grounds for accusation.
Teaching Points
The Nature of OppositionThe Pharisees' actions remind us that opposition to truth often comes from those who feel threatened by it. As followers of Christ, we should expect and be prepared for similar challenges.
Wisdom in SpeechJesus' ability to navigate the Pharisees' trap with wisdom teaches us the importance of seeking divine guidance in our words and actions, especially when faced with adversaries.
Integrity Under PressureDespite the Pharisees' attempts to trap Him, Jesus remained steadfast and truthful. We are called to maintain our integrity and faithfulness to God's Word, even when under pressure.
Discernment of MotivesUnderstanding the motives behind others' actions can help us respond appropriately. Jesus discerned the Pharisees' intentions, and we too should seek discernment through prayer and the Holy Spirit.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 22:15?
2.How can we discern when others are trying to trap us like Jesus?
3.What does Matthew 22:15 teach about responding to deceit with wisdom?
4.How does Jesus' response connect to Proverbs 26:4-5 about answering fools?
5.How can we apply Jesus' example of wisdom in our daily interactions?
6.What strategies can we use to uphold truth when faced with deceitful questions?
7.Why did the Pharisees plot to trap Jesus in Matthew 22:15?
8.How does Matthew 22:15 reflect the tension between Jesus and religious leaders?
9.What historical context explains the Pharisees' actions in Matthew 22:15?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 22?
11.Matthew 22:15–22: Does Jesus’s instruction to “render to Caesar” conflict with other biblical commands to serve God alone?
12.What did Jesus mean by "Render to Caesar"?
13.What does 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice' mean?
14.What is the Bible's stance on paying taxes?What Does Matthew 22:15 Mean
Then the Pharisees went out• Moments earlier, Jesus had delivered the Parable of the Wedding Banquet, exposing hardened hearts (Matthew 22:1-14). The religious leaders sensed the story was aimed squarely at them, just as they had after the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:45-46).
• Instead of repenting, they withdrew to regroup—much like inMark 3:6, where the Pharisees joined forces with the Herodians to plot against Him.
• Their physical departure underscores a spiritual distancing: they remove themselves from the light of truth and step into calculated darkness.
and conspired• “Conspired” signals deliberate, secret strategy.Psalm 2:1-2 paints the picture: “Why do the nations rage…and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed?”
•Acts 4:25-27 later cites that psalm to show how earthly powers band together against Christ, affirming that this conspiracy in Matthew is part of a broader pattern foretold in Scripture.
• The leaders’ scheming contrasts sharply withProverbs 3:5-6, calling believers to trust, not plot.
to trap Jesus• Their objective is entrapment, not enlightenment.Luke 20:20 records them sending spies “pretending to be sincere” to catch Him.
• Previous attempts failed:
– Accusing Him of Sabbath violations (Matthew 12:1-14).
– Demanding a sign (Matthew 16:1).
– Challenging His authority (Matthew 21:23-27).
• Each failure only hardens their resolve, illustratingRomans 1:21—darkened hearts escalate rebellion when truth confronts them.
in His words• They aim to use His own speech against Him, mirroring the tactic inJohn 8:6 where they hoped His answer about the adulterous woman would incriminate Him.
• Next, they pose the tax question (Matthew 22:16-22), trying to pit Him between Rome and Israel.
• Yet “the Word became flesh” (John 1:1-14) cannot be snared by words; His flawless responses fulfillIsaiah 11:2-4, where the Spirit of wisdom rests upon Messiah.
• Ultimately, their plotting fulfills God’s redemptive timeline (Acts 2:23), proving that even human schemes serve divine purposes.
summaryThe verse shows religious leaders retreating from conviction, secretly scheming to corner Jesus through clever questioning. Their conspiracy echoes Old Testament prophecy and highlights the ongoing clash between hardened unbelief and incarnate Truth. While they hope to twist His words, every attempt only reveals His perfect wisdom and hastens the unfolding plan of salvation.
(15)
How they might entangle him.--Literally,
ensnare. The phrase is identical in meaning with our colloquial "set a trap." The plot implies that they did not dare to take measures openly against Him as long as popular feeling was at the same level.
Verses 15-22. -
Second attack: The question concerning the tribute to Caesar. (
Mark 12:13-17;
Luke 20:20-26.)
Verse 15. -
Then went the Pharisees. After they had heard the parables, and were for the time silenced, they departed from the public courts of the temple, and betook themselves to the hall of the Sanhedrin, that they might plot some stratagem against Jesus.
How they might entangle (
παγιδεύσωσιν)
him in his talk. The verb (not elsewhere found in the New Testament) means "to lay a snare for" an object. The Pharisees did not dare to use open violence, but they now endeavoured by insidious questions to make him compromise himself either with the Romans, their political masters, or with the national and patriotic party.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
ThenΤότε(Tote)Adverb
Strong's 5119:Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.theοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.PhariseesΦαρισαῖοι(Pharisaioi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5330:Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.went outπορευθέντες(poreuthentes)Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4198:To travel, journey, go, die.[and] plottedἔλαβον(elabon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2983:(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.to trapπαγιδεύσωσιν(pagideusōsin)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3802:To ensnare, entrap, entangle. From pagis; to ensnare.[Jesus]αὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.His words.λόγῳ(logō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went and took counsel (Matt. Mat Mt) 
