Matthew 22:18

KJV

But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, [ye] hypocrites?

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} perceived {G1097} their {G846} wickedness {G4189}, and said {G2036}, Why {G5101} tempt ye {G3985} me {G3165}, ye hypocrites {G5273}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua, however, knowing their malicious intent, said, "You hypocrites! Why are you trying to trap me?

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 22:18 presents a profound moment where Jesus, with divine insight, pierces through the deceptive facade of the Jewish religious leaders. He not only perceives their malicious intent to ensnare Him but also directly confronts their spiritual insincerity, exposing their true character as "hypocrites" in a powerful display of omniscience and authoritative truth. This verse encapsulates the escalating conflict between divine truth and human pretense, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent teachings and ultimate confrontation with the religious establishment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of intense confrontations between Jesus and various Jewish religious factions—the Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, and lawyers—during His final week in Jerusalem, as recorded in [Matthew 21-23](/matthew/21 "Matthew 21-23 - Jesus' Final Confrontations in Jerusalem"). Specifically, [Matthew 22:18](/matthew/22-18 "Matthew 22:18 - Jesus Perceives Their Wickedness") is Jesus' direct response to a cunning trap set by the Pharisees and Herodians, who had conspired to "entangle him in his talk" ([Matthew 22:15](/matthew/22-15 "Matthew 22:15 - The Plot to Entrap Jesus")). Their question about paying taxes to Caesar ([Matthew 22:17](/matthew/22-17 "Matthew 22:17 - The Tax Question")) was designed to force Jesus into a dilemma: either alienate the Jewish populace by endorsing Roman taxation or commit sedition against Rome. Jesus' immediate perception of their underlying malice and His sharp retort demonstrate His wisdom and spiritual authority, thwarting their scheme and turning their trap back on them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, a city under Roman occupation, during the Passover week—a time of heightened religious and political tension. The Jewish people deeply resented Roman rule and the tribute taxes imposed by Caesar. The Pharisees were a prominent religious sect focused on strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, often opposing Roman influence. The Herodians, conversely, were a political faction loyal to King Herod and, by extension, to Rome. These two groups were typically adversaries, but their shared animosity towards Jesus forged an unlikely alliance. Their question about taxes was a highly charged political and religious issue, designed to exploit the deep divisions within Jewish society and to corner Jesus regardless of His answer, either as a Roman collaborator or a rebellious zealot. Jesus' response, therefore, was not merely a theological statement but a profound engagement with the complex socio-political realities of His time.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 22:18](/matthew/22-18 "Matthew 22:18 - Jesus Perceives Their Wickedness") contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **divine omniscience and authority of Jesus**. His ability to "perceive their wickedness" reveals His supernatural insight into the human heart, distinguishing Him from any mere human teacher. Secondly, the verse highlights the pervasive theme of **hypocrisy**, particularly among religious leaders. Jesus frequently condemned those who prioritized outward show over genuine inner piety, as seen in His extensive denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Jesus Denounces the Scribes and Pharisees"). Thirdly, it illustrates the **conflict between light and darkness**, truth and deception. Jesus, as the embodiment of truth, directly confronts the malicious and deceptive schemes of His adversaries, demonstrating His victory over their attempts to undermine His ministry. This encounter also foreshadows the escalating opposition that would ultimately lead to His crucifixion, a testament to the spiritual warfare inherent in His mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perceived (Greek, _ginṓskō_):** This verb signifies a deep, experiential, and intuitive knowledge, not merely a superficial observation or intellectual deduction. Jesus didn't just 'figure out' their plot; He 'knew' their inner evil, their malicious intent, and the depravity of their hearts. It implies a comprehensive understanding of their motives and character, indicative of His divine nature.
* **Wickedness (Greek, _ponēría_):** This term denotes inherent evil, depravity, malice, and malevolence. It is more than just a bad idea or a mistake; it points to a deep-seated disposition towards evil and harmful actions. In this context, it refers to their deliberate, cunning, and malicious plot to entrap Jesus, revealing the corrupt nature of their hearts.
* **Hypocrites (Greek, _hypokritḗs_):** Literally meaning "an actor" or "one who wears a mask" in ancient Greek theater, this word perfectly describes the religious leaders' pretense. They presented themselves as pious seekers of truth, concerned with religious and national matters, but their true motives were rooted in envy, malice, and a desire to destroy Jesus. Jesus' use of this term exposes their spiritual insincerity and the stark contrast between their outward religious performance and their inner moral corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jesus perceived their wickedness,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes Jesus' supernatural discernment. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) highlights the contrast between the leaders' hidden intentions and Jesus' immediate, penetrating insight. He did not need to ask follow-up questions or engage in a lengthy debate to understand their true agenda; His perception went straight to the core of their malicious intent. This underscores His divine knowledge, a recurring theme in the Gospels.
* **"and said,"**: This simple phrase introduces Jesus' direct and authoritative response. It implies an immediate, unhesitating confrontation, demonstrating His control over the situation rather than being caught off guard by their cunning question. His words are not a guess but a pronouncement based on perfect knowledge.
* **"‹Why tempt ye me,"**: Jesus' question is rhetorical and accusatory. The word "tempt" (G3985, _peirázō_) here carries the strong connotation of attempting to test with malicious intent, to ensnare, or to lead into sin. Jesus exposes their true motive: not to seek genuine wisdom or guidance, but to set a trap for Him, to find grounds for His arrest or discredit Him in the eyes of the people. He reveals that He is fully aware of their manipulative game.
* **"ye hypocrites?›"**: This is Jesus' scathing and direct indictment of their character. By calling them "hypocrites," Jesus strips away their facade of piety and sincerity. He reveals them as actors, playing a role of righteousness while harboring evil intentions. This accusation cuts to the heart of their spiritual corruption, exposing their lack of genuine faith and their reliance on outward appearances.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 22:18 is rich with several literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning. The most prominent is **Irony**: the very individuals who present themselves as righteous guardians of the Law are exposed by Jesus as "hypocrites" filled with "wickedness." They attempt to trap Jesus with a clever question, but it is their own deceit that is ultimately revealed and condemned. This creates a powerful reversal, where the supposed wise are shown to be foolish in their attempts to outwit divine wisdom. Another device is **Direct Address** or **Apostrophe**, as Jesus directly confronts His adversaries with a piercing question and a scathing label ("Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?"). This direct confrontation shatters their pretense and highlights Jesus' authority and fearlessness in the face of opposition. Furthermore, the passage employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the escalating conflict between Jesus and the religious establishment that will ultimately lead to His passion and crucifixion. The malice and deception evident in this encounter are indicative of the deeper spiritual battle that Jesus is engaged in, a battle against the forces of darkness and human sinfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse profoundly highlights God's perfect knowledge and discernment of the human heart, a theological truth echoed throughout Scripture. Jesus' ability to "perceive their wickedness" is a manifestation of His divine omniscience, demonstrating that no thought, motive, or hidden agenda is concealed from Him. This challenges the superficiality of outward religious observance, emphasizing that true faith requires inner integrity and sincerity before God. The confrontation with hypocrisy underscores the divine demand for authenticity and the futility of attempting to deceive God or others with a pious facade. It reveals that God is not impressed by external show but looks deeply into the heart, exposing the true nature of intentions, whether good or evil.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God looks at the heart")
* [Proverbs 16:2](/proverbs/16-2 "Proverbs 16:2 - The Lord weighs the motives")
* [Luke 12:1](/luke/12-1 "Luke 12:1 - Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:18 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination, urging believers to move beyond superficial religiosity to a place of genuine faith and integrity before God. Jesus' piercing insight into the hearts of the Pharisees and Herodians reminds us that our outward actions, no matter how pious, are meaningless if our inner motives are corrupt or insincere. This verse challenges us to consider what truly motivates our spiritual practices, our service, and our interactions with others. Are we seeking to honor God, or are we driven by a desire for human approval, self-righteousness, or hidden agendas? The call to authenticity is paramount: God desires truth in the inward parts, not merely a performance. We are encouraged to pray for spiritual discernment, not to judge others, but to better understand the spiritual realities at play in our world and to guard our own hearts against the subtle temptations of pretense and self-deception. Ultimately, this passage is a powerful invitation to cultivate a heart that is fully devoted and transparent before the One who sees all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be presenting a façade, either to God or to others, rather than living in genuine authenticity?**
* **What are the true motivations behind my religious or spiritual practices? Am I seeking God's approval or human applause?**
* **How can I cultivate a more sincere and transparent heart before God, allowing Him to expose and purify any hidden "wickedness" or hypocrisy within me?**

### FAQ
**What was the "wickedness" Jesus perceived in the religious leaders?**

Answer: The "wickedness" (Greek: _ponēría_) Jesus perceived was not merely a mistake or a difference of opinion, but a deep-seated malice and a deliberate, cunning plot to ensnare Him. Their question about paying taxes to Caesar ([Matthew 22:17](/matthew/22-17 "Matthew 22:17 - The Tax Question")) was a trap designed to force Jesus into a lose-lose situation: if He advocated for paying taxes, He would alienate the Jewish populace who resented Roman rule; if He opposed it, He could be accused of sedition against Rome. Their intention was not to seek truth or wisdom from Jesus, but to find grounds to discredit, arrest, or condemn Him, revealing a heart full of envy, hatred, and a desire for His downfall. Jesus saw beyond their feigned piety and recognized the evil intent of their hearts.

**Why did Jesus call them "hypocrites"?**

Answer: Jesus called them "hypocrites" (Greek: _hypokritḗs_) because they were acting a part, wearing a mask of piety and sincerity while harboring malicious intentions. They approached Jesus with a seemingly respectful and earnest question, feigning a desire for truth ("Teacher, we know that you are true..." [Matthew 22:16](/matthew/22-16 "Matthew 22:16 - The Flattery of the Pharisees")). However, their true motive was to trap and destroy Him. Jesus' accusation exposed the stark contrast between their outward appearance of religiosity and their inner corruption and deceit. He frequently used this term to denounce those who outwardly conformed to religious practices but lacked genuine inner righteousness and love for God and neighbor, as extensively detailed in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Jesus Denounces the Scribes and Pharisees").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:18 powerfully reveals Jesus as the ultimate discerner of hearts, the one before whom all pretense crumbles. His ability to "perceive their wickedness" is not merely an impressive human insight, but a profound manifestation of His divine nature, echoing the truth that "nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" ([Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All things are naked and open before God")). This passage foreshadows Jesus' role as the righteous judge, who sees beyond outward appearances to the true condition of the soul, a theme reiterated in His warnings about those who outwardly profess faith but lack true obedience ([Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not everyone who says 'Lord, Lord'")). Furthermore, the confrontation with the "hypocrites" highlights the very sinfulness that necessitated His coming. Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not only to expose human depravity, including hypocrisy, but to offer the ultimate remedy for it through His atoning sacrifice. His perfect knowledge and righteous judgment are not merely for condemnation, but to call humanity to repentance and to offer genuine transformation, enabling believers to live with integrity and truth before God, through the power of His Spirit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 2:25

And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

John 8:6

This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard them not].

Luke 5:22

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

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?

Acts 5:9

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband [are] at the door, and shall carry thee out.

Luke 9:47

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

Revelation 2:23

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.