Matthew 22:18
New International Version
But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?

New Living Translation
But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me?

English Standard Version
But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites?

Berean Standard Bible
But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?

Berean Literal Bible
But having known their malice, Jesus said, "Hypocrites, why do you test Me?

King James Bible
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

New King James Version
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?

New American Standard Bible
But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites?

NASB 1995
But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites?

NASB 1977
But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites?

Legacy Standard Bible
But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites?

Amplified Bible
But Jesus, aware of their malice, asked, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites?

Christian Standard Bible
Perceiving their malicious intent, Jesus said, “Why are you testing me, hypocrites?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But perceiving their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing Me, hypocrites?

American Standard Version
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites?

Contemporary English Version
Jesus knew their evil thoughts and said, "Why are you trying to test me? You show-offs!

English Revised Version
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus recognized their evil plan, so he asked, "Why do you test me, you hypocrites?

Good News Translation
Jesus, however, was aware of their evil plan, and so he said, "You hypocrites! Why are you trying to trap me?

International Standard Version
Recognizing their wickedness, Jesus asked, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?

Majority Standard Bible
But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?

NET Bible
But Jesus realized their evil intentions and said, "Hypocrites! Why are you testing me?

New Heart English Bible
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test me, you hypocrites?

Webster's Bible Translation
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

Weymouth New Testament
Perceiving their wickedness, Jesus replied, "Why are you hypocrites trying to ensnare me?

World English Bible
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jesus having known their wickedness, said, “Why do you tempt Me, hypocrites?

Berean Literal Bible
But having known their malice, Jesus said, "Hypocrites, why do you test Me?

Young's Literal Translation
And Jesus having known their wickedness, said, 'Why me do ye tempt, hypocrites?

Smith's Literal Translation
But Jesus, having known their evil, said, Why tempt ye me, hypocrites?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But Jesus knowing their wickedness, said: Why do you tempt me, ye hypocrites?

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said: “Why do you test me, you hypocrites?

New American Bible
Knowing their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?

New Revised Standard Version
But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But Jesus knew their evil, and said, Why do you tempt me, O hypocrites?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Yeshua knew their evil and he said, “Why are you testing me, you accepters of persons?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said to them: "Why do you tempt me, hypocrites?

Godbey New Testament
And Jesus knowing their wickedness, said, Why tempt ye me, O ye hypocrites?

Haweis New Testament
But Jesus knew their wicked design, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

Mace New Testament
but Jesus perceiving their malice, said, why, hypocrites, would you insnare me?

Weymouth New Testament
Perceiving their wickedness, Jesus replied, "Why are you hypocrites trying to ensnare me?

Worrell New Testament
But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said, "Why are ye tempting Me, hypocrites?

Worsley New Testament
But Jesus knew their malice, and said, Why do ye tempt me, ye hypocrites?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paying Taxes to Caesar
17So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 18But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me? 19Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius.…

Cross References
Mark 12:15
But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect.”

Luke 20:23
But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them,

John 2:24-25
But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.

Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. / Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

John 8:6
They said this to test Him, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger.

Matthew 9:4
But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?

Matthew 12:25
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.

John 6:64
However, there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him.)

Acts 5:3
Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land?

1 Corinthians 3:20
And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

Psalm 139:2
You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar.

Jeremiah 17:10
I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

Proverbs 15:11
Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!

Proverbs 21:2
All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.


Treasury of Scripture

But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt you me, you hypocrites?

perceived.

Mark 2:8
And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

Luke 5:22
But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

Luke 9:47
And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

Why.

Matthew 16:1-4
The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven…

Matthew 19:3
The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

Mark 12:5
And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.

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Attempting Aware Ensnare Evil Hypocrites Intent Jesus Malice Ones Perceived Perceiving Tempt Test Testing Trap Trial Trick Trying Wickedness Wrong
Matthew 22
1. The parable of the marriage of the king's son.
9. The vocation of the Gentiles.
12. The punishment of him who lacked a wedding garment.
15. Tribute ought to be paid to Caesar.
23. Jesus confutes the Sadducees for the resurrection;
34. answers which is the first and great commandment;
41. and puzzles the Pharisees by a question about the Messiah.














But Jesus knew
The phrase "But Jesus knew" underscores the divine omniscience of Jesus Christ. The Greek word for "knew" is "γινώσκω" (ginōskō), which implies a deep, intimate knowledge. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but is rooted in His divine nature. Jesus, being fully God and fully man, possesses the ability to discern the hearts and minds of individuals. This insight is consistent with the biblical portrayal of God as one who "searches the heart" (Jeremiah 17:10). In this context, Jesus' awareness of the Pharisees' intentions highlights His authority and wisdom, setting the stage for His response.

their evil intent
The term "evil intent" reveals the malicious motives of the Pharisees and Herodians. The Greek word for "evil" is "πονηρία" (ponēria), which denotes wickedness or moral corruption. This phrase indicates that their question was not genuine but was designed to trap Jesus. Historically, the Pharisees and Herodians were often at odds, yet they united in their opposition to Jesus, demonstrating the extent of their hostility. This collaboration against Christ is a testament to the spiritual blindness and hardness of heart that can arise from pride and self-righteousness.

and said
The phrase "and said" introduces Jesus' response, which is both direct and discerning. The Greek word "εἶπεν" (eipen) is used here, emphasizing the authoritative nature of His speech. Jesus' words are not merely reactive but are a deliberate and strategic engagement with His opponents. This reflects the biblical principle that wisdom and truth are powerful tools in confronting deceit and malice.

'You hypocrites
The term "hypocrites" is derived from the Greek word "ὑποκριτής" (hypokritēs), originally referring to an actor or one who wears a mask. In a spiritual sense, it denotes someone who pretends to be something they are not. Jesus' use of this term is a direct indictment of the Pharisees and Herodians, exposing their duplicity. They outwardly appeared righteous and concerned with the law, yet their hearts were far from God. This accusation is a call to authenticity and integrity, reminding believers of the importance of aligning one's inner life with outward actions.

why are you testing Me?
The question "why are you testing Me?" reveals the futility of their attempt to ensnare Jesus. The Greek word for "testing" is "πειράζω" (peirazō), which can mean to tempt or to try. This word is often used in the context of testing one's character or faith. Jesus' question exposes the Pharisees' lack of understanding of His divine nature and mission. Historically, this reflects the broader narrative of Israel's testing of God throughout the Old Testament, such as in the wilderness (Exodus 17:2). Jesus' rhetorical question serves as a reminder of His sovereignty and the ultimate futility of opposing God's will. It challenges believers to examine their own motives and to approach Christ with sincerity and faith.

(18) Ye hypocrites.--The special form of the hypocrisy was that the questioners had come, not avowedly as disputants, but as "just men" (Luke 20:20) perplexed in conscience and seeking guidance as from One whom they really honoured.

Verse 18. - Wickedness. The malice and hypocrisy which prompted the inquiry. Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? They were hypocrites because they falsely assumed the guise of conscientious men, who had no sinister motive, and desired merely to hear the decision of a much-esteemed Rabbi. Christ's words proved in a moment that he saw through them, understood the meaning of the temptation to which they had subjected him - how they were trying to involve him in a political difficulty, from which they deemed no escape was possible. The character which they had fiatteringly. given to Jesus (ver. 16) he here fully responds to.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

was aware
Γνοὺς (Gnous)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

of their
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.

evil motives.
πονηρίαν (ponērian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4189: Wickedness, iniquities. From poneros; depravity, i.e., malice; plural plots, sins.

“You hypocrites!”
ὑποκριταί (hypokritai)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5273: From hupokrinomai; an actor under an assumed character, i.e. a dissembler

He said.
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Why
Τί (Ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

are you testing
πειράζετε (peirazete)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3985: To try, tempt, test. From peira; to test, i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.

Me?
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness and said (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 22:17
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