Matthew 22:22

KJV

When they had heard [these words], they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G2532} they had heard {G191} these words, they marvelled {G2296}, and {G2532} left {G863} him {G846}, and went their way {G565}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On hearing this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.

Berean Standard Bible

And when they heard this, they were amazed. So they left Him and went away.

American Standard Version

And when they heard it, they marvelled, and left him, and went away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 22:22 captures the profound astonishment and defeat of the Pharisees and Herodians following Jesus' masterful response to their entrapment question regarding tribute to Caesar. Having witnessed His unparalleled wisdom, which deftly navigated their political and religious snare, they were left speechless and without recourse, choosing to abandon their efforts and depart. This verse underscores Jesus' divine authority and the futility of human schemes against divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 22:22 concludes a pivotal encounter in Jerusalem during Passion Week, following a series of parables (the Two Sons, the Wicked Tenants, the Wedding Feast) that illustrate Israel's rejection of God's invitation and the coming judgment. Immediately preceding this verse, the Pharisees, in league with the Herodians (a surprising alliance given their usual animosity, highlighting their desperation to discredit Jesus), attempt to ensnare Jesus with a politically charged question: "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" [Matthew 22:17](/matthew/22-17 "Matthew 22:17 - The Question of Taxes"). Their intent was to force Jesus into a dilemma: endorse Roman rule and alienate the Jewish populace, or denounce it and face accusations of sedition. Jesus' profound and unexpected reply, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" [Matthew 22:21](/matthew/22-21 "Matthew 22:21 - Jesus' Answer on Taxes"), completely disarmed them, leading directly to their reaction described in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Judea under Roman occupation, a period marked by deep resentment among the Jewish populace towards Roman rule and its taxation. The denarius, the coin used for the tribute tax, bore the image of Caesar and the inscription "Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus," which was considered idolatrous by many devout Jews. The Pharisees were a religious party focused on strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, often opposing Roman influence. The Herodians were a political faction supporting the Herodian dynasty, which was aligned with Rome. Their joint effort to trap Jesus underscores the extreme political and religious tension of the time. Jesus' answer was revolutionary, distinguishing between civil obligations and ultimate spiritual allegiance, a concept that challenged prevailing notions of both Jewish nationalism and Roman supremacy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Incomparable Wisdom and Authority**, demonstrating His divine insight that transcends human cunning and worldly dilemmas. His ability to silence His adversaries, as seen here and in other encounters (e.g., with the Sadducees in [Matthew 22:23-33](/matthew/22-23-33 "Matthew 22:23-33 - The Sadducees and the Resurrection")), consistently proves His unique status as the Son of God. Secondly, it illustrates the **Defeat of Opposition** against God's Messiah. The religious leaders' repeated attempts to trap or discredit Jesus invariably fail, serving to further validate His claims and expose their own spiritual blindness and malice. This pattern of opposition and divine triumph is a recurring motif throughout Jesus' ministry, culminating in His ultimate victory over death. Finally, the verse subtly points to the **Sovereignty of God** even amidst human rebellion. Despite the elaborate schemes of men, God's plan for His Son cannot be thwarted, and Jesus' words carry an undeniable authority that even His enemies are forced to acknowledge.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This primary verb signifies not merely the physical act of hearing, but often implies understanding, heeding, or giving audience. In this context, it suggests that the Pharisees and Herodians not only heard Jesus' words but also grasped their profound implications and the inescapable logic of His argument. Their "hearing" was intellectual and comprehensive, leading directly to their astonishment.
* **marvelled (Greek, _thaumázō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "wonder," this verb conveys a strong sense of astonishment, amazement, or wonder, often implying a mixture of admiration and awe. It's not a casual surprise but a deep, overwhelming impression. For Jesus' adversaries, this marveling indicates that His wisdom exceeded their expectations and completely thwarted their well-laid trap, leaving them genuinely stunned by His sagacity.
* **left (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb has a broad range of meanings, including "to send forth," "to forgive," "to forsake," "to let go," or "to leave." In this instance, it denotes their act of abandoning their attempt to ensnare Jesus. They "left him" in the sense of ceasing their interrogation and relinquishing their malicious intent, acknowledging their failure to trap Him. It signifies a decisive cessation of their engagement.
* **went their way (Greek, _apérchomai'_):** This compound verb means "to go off," "to depart," or "to pass away." It emphasizes their complete withdrawal from the scene and from their confrontation with Jesus. Their departure signifies not just a physical movement but also an admission of defeat; they had nothing further to say or do in the face of such unassailable wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When they had heard these words":** This clause establishes the immediate cause of their reaction. The "words" refer specifically to Jesus' profound and succinct answer in [Matthew 22:21](/matthew/22-21 "Matthew 22:21 - Jesus' Answer on Taxes") regarding rendering to Caesar and to God. Their hearing was not superficial; it was a full comprehension of the wisdom and unassailability of Jesus' reply, which completely dismantled their carefully constructed trap.
* **"they marvelled":** This is the core reaction. The Greek term for "marvelled" (ἐθαύμασαν, _ethaumasan_) denotes a deep sense of astonishment and wonder. It indicates that Jesus' answer was not merely clever but profoundly insightful, revealing a wisdom far beyond their human capacity or expectation. Their marveling was an involuntary acknowledgment of His intellectual and spiritual superiority.
* **"and left him":** This phrase signifies their abandonment of the confrontation. Having been utterly disarmed by Jesus' wisdom, they had no further questions or accusations to pose. They ceased their efforts to trap Him, recognizing the futility of continuing their line of questioning. This act of "leaving" is a testament to their defeat.
* **"and went their way":** This final clause emphasizes their complete departure from the scene. It signifies not just a physical movement but also a retreat from their failed attempt to discredit Jesus. They had been silenced and had no recourse but to withdraw, signifying the end of this particular challenge to Jesus' authority.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 22:22 effectively employs **Dramatic Contrast** and **Irony**. The **Dramatic Contrast** is evident in the stark difference between the religious leaders' cunning, malicious intent to trap Jesus and Jesus' calm, profound, and unassailable wisdom. They arrive with a carefully crafted dilemma, expecting to corner Him, but are instead utterly confounded. The **Irony** lies in their attempt to discredit Jesus, which inadvertently serves to highlight His divine wisdom and authority even more powerfully. Their astonishment and retreat become a public testimony to His unique insight, achieving the opposite of their intended outcome. This scene also functions as a form of **Characterization**, further revealing the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of the religious leaders, who, despite witnessing divine wisdom, refuse to acknowledge Jesus' true identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 22:22 powerfully illustrates the unassailable wisdom of God embodied in Jesus Christ, demonstrating that no human scheme, however cunningly devised, can ultimately trap or thwart divine truth. The leaders' astonishment is a testament to Jesus' unique authority and insight, which transcends worldly political and religious categories. This encounter underscores the principle that God's ways are higher than human ways, and His wisdom will always prevail over the folly and malice of man. It also highlights the inherent conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, where the former operates on principles of truth and divine authority, while the latter often relies on deception and power plays.

* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Foolishness is Wiser")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:22 offers profound lessons for believers today, particularly in how we navigate complex issues and respond to opposition. Jesus' example teaches us that true wisdom comes from God, enabling us to transcend human dilemmas and offer answers that are both truthful and disarming. In a world fraught with polarizing debates and attempts to ensnare believers in no-win situations, we are called to rely on divine wisdom rather than human cleverness or aggressive argumentation. Just as Jesus' calm and authoritative truth silenced His adversaries, so too can the power of God's Word, spoken in love and clarity, diffuse hostile situations and expose the futility of unrighteous motives. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep understanding of biblical principles, trusting that God will provide the necessary insight to navigate life's challenges, confident that His truth will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' response to the Pharisees and Herodians challenge my own approach to complex or controversial issues?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on human cunning or worldly strategies rather than seeking and trusting in God's wisdom?**
* **How can I better embody the "unassailable wisdom" of Christ when faced with opposition or attempts to discredit my faith?**
* **What does the "marveling" of Jesus' enemies teach me about the impact of divine truth, even on those who oppose it?**

### FAQ

**What was the "trap" the Pharisees and Herodians set for Jesus?**

Answer: The trap was a politically and religiously charged question designed to force Jesus into an impossible dilemma. They asked if it was lawful to pay the Roman poll tax (tribute) to Caesar [Matthew 22:17](/matthew/22-17 "Matthew 22:17 - The Question of Taxes"). If Jesus said "yes," He would alienate the Jewish people who resented Roman occupation and taxation, appearing to endorse Roman rule. If He said "no," He would be accused of sedition against Rome, potentially leading to His arrest by Roman authorities. Jesus' brilliant reply, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" [Matthew 22:21](/matthew/22-21 "Matthew 22:21 - Jesus' Answer on Taxes"), completely disarmed them, leaving them astonished and defeated.

**Why did they "marvel" at Jesus' words?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "marvelled" (G2296, _thaumázō_) indicates profound astonishment and wonder, not just mild surprise. They marveled because Jesus' answer was not only unexpected but also perfectly balanced and unassailable. He didn't fall into either side of their trap. Instead, He articulated a timeless principle that distinguished between civil obligations and ultimate spiritual allegiance, demonstrating a wisdom far beyond their comprehension or their ability to counter. His insight exposed the malicious intent behind their question and left them without any further argument.

**What does it mean that they "left him, and went their way"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies their complete defeat and withdrawal. "Left him" (G863, _aphíēmi_) means they abandoned their attempt to ensnare Him; they ceased their interrogation. "Went their way" (G565, _apérchomai_) indicates their physical departure from the scene. Together, these actions convey that they had been utterly silenced, had no further questions or accusations, and recognized the futility of continuing their opposition in that moment. It was an admission of their failure to trap Jesus.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:22, where Jesus' adversaries marvel and retreat, profoundly reveals His Christ-centered fulfillment as the embodiment of divine wisdom and the ultimate Victor over all opposition. The astonishment of the Pharisees and Herodians is a prefigurement of the universal acknowledgment of Jesus' supreme authority, a truth consistently affirmed in the New Testament. Their inability to trap Him underscores that no human scheme or earthly power can thwart God's redemptive plan, which is perfectly executed through Christ. Jesus, as the "wisdom of God" [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Wisdom of God"), demonstrates that His kingdom operates on principles far superior to worldly politics or religious legalism. This scene foreshadows His ultimate triumph over all principalities and powers, culminating in His resurrection and ascension, where He is declared Lord over all [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation"). The defeated departure of His enemies here points to the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father [Romans 14:11](/romans/14-11 "Romans 14:11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"). He is the King whose wisdom silences all opposition and whose authority is eternally unchallengeable.

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

Mark 12:12

And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Acts 6:10

And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

Proverbs 26:4

¶ Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

Proverbs 26:5

Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Matthew 22:33

And when the multitude heard [this], they were astonished at his doctrine.

Matthew 22:46

And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any [man] from that day forth ask him any more [questions].