Matthew 22:33

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when the multitude {G3793} heard {G191} this, they were astonished {G1605} at {G1909} his {G846} doctrine {G1322}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the crowds heard how he taught, they were astounded;

Berean Standard Bible

When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.

American Standard Version

And when the multitudes heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 22:33 powerfully encapsulates the profound impact of Jesus' teaching on the gathered crowds in Jerusalem, particularly following His brilliant and unassailable refutation of the Sadducees' challenge regarding the resurrection. The verse highlights the overwhelming astonishment of the multitude at the divine authority and wisdom embedded within Jesus' "doctrine," underscoring His unique position as a teacher unlike any other.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of confrontational dialogues between Jesus and various Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem during the final week before His crucifixion. Prior to this, the Pharisees attempted to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar ([Matthew 22:15-22](/matthew/22-15-22 "Matthew 22:15-22 - Paying Taxes to Caesar")). Immediately preceding Matthew 22:33, the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, angels, and spirits, presented a hypothetical scenario about a woman married to seven brothers, aiming to discredit the concept of resurrection ([Matthew 22:23-28](/matthew/22-23-28 "Matthew 22:23-28 - The Sadducees' Question About the Resurrection")). Jesus' response was a masterful exposition of Scripture, directly quoting from the Pentateuch (which the Sadducees accepted as authoritative) to prove the reality of the resurrection, culminating in His declaration that God "is not the God of the dead, but of the living" ([Matthew 22:31-32](/matthew/22-31-32 "Matthew 22:31-32 - God of the Living")). The "this" that the multitude heard refers specifically to this decisive argument that silenced His opponents.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is likely the Temple courts in Jerusalem, a public space where rabbinic debates and teachings frequently occurred. The Sadducees were an aristocratic Jewish sect, primarily priests, who held political power and adhered strictly to the written Torah (Pentateuch) while rejecting oral traditions and beliefs not explicitly stated there, such as the resurrection of the dead. Their attempt to trap Jesus was not merely academic but a challenge to His authority and a defense of their theological position against the popular belief in resurrection (held by the Pharisees and common people). The "multitude" (Greek: *ochlos*) refers to the common people, who were often swayed by powerful teaching and were accustomed to listening to religious debates. Their astonishment indicates that Jesus' teaching transcended the typical rabbinic interpretations they were used to, demonstrating a divine insight and authority that was truly unprecedented.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 22:33 contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Divine Authority of Jesus**. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees who taught based on tradition and interpretation, Jesus taught with an inherent authority that captivated and astonished His listeners, as noted earlier in Matthew's Gospel after the Sermon on the Mount ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")). His "doctrine" was not mere human wisdom but divine revelation. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Triumph of Divine Truth over Human Error**. Jesus' unassailable logic, rooted in God's Word, exposed the flawed reasoning of the Sadducees, demonstrating that God's truth always prevails against human skepticism and theological error. Finally, the **Astonishment and Awe** motif is a recurring theme throughout the Gospels in response to Jesus' miracles, parables, and authoritative teaching, serving to validate His identity and mission. The crowd's reaction here mirrors similar responses to His power and wisdom, such as when He healed the paralytic ([Matthew 9:8](/matthew/9-8 "Matthew 9:8 - The Crowd's Amazement at Jesus' Healing Power")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **multitude (Greek, _óchlos'_):** From a derivative meaning "a vehicle," implying a throng or crowd as if "borne along." It refers to a large gathering of people, often the common populace or rabble, distinct from the religious elite. In this context, it emphasizes that Jesus' profound teaching resonated not just with His disciples but with the general public who witnessed His debate.
* **astonished (Greek, _ekplḗssō'_):** From *ek* (out of) and *plēssō* (to strike), meaning "to strike with astonishment." This word denotes a profound shock, amazement, or being utterly dumbfounded. It suggests that Jesus' teaching went far beyond their expectations, striking them with a sense of wonder and awe, indicating a supernatural quality to His words.
* **doctrine (Greek, _didachḗ'_):** From *didáskō* (to teach), referring to instruction, teaching, or a body of precepts. It encompasses both the act of teaching and the content of what is taught. Here, it refers to the substance and manner of Jesus' authoritative instruction, which was perceived as uniquely powerful and insightful compared to the teachings of contemporary religious leaders.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the multitude heard [this],"**: This clause establishes the immediate audience and their engagement. The "this" refers directly to Jesus' preceding argument with the Sadducees, where He definitively proved the resurrection from the very Scriptures they claimed to uphold. The multitude, comprised of common people, were attentive witnesses to this theological masterclass.
* **"they were astonished at his doctrine."**: This is the core reaction and observation. The word "astonished" (ekplḗssō) conveys a powerful, almost overwhelming sense of awe and wonder. It signifies that Jesus' teaching (didachḗ)—its content, its clarity, its authority, and its ability to silence formidable opponents—was profoundly impactful and unlike anything they had ever encountered. Their astonishment was a testament to the divine wisdom emanating from Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 22:33 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. **Emphasis** is placed on "his doctrine," highlighting the unique and authoritative nature of Jesus' teaching as the source of the crowd's astonishment. This contrasts sharply with the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees, which were often seen as derivative or lacking inherent power. **Hyperbole** might be implied in the depth of the crowd's astonishment; while literally astonished, the term *ekplēssō* suggests an extreme, almost overwhelming reaction, underscoring the extraordinary nature of Jesus' wisdom. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** between the Sadducees' flawed, human-centric reasoning and Jesus' divinely inspired, irrefutable truth. The crowd's reaction serves as a narrative device to validate Jesus' authority and wisdom in the face of His opponents' attempts to discredit Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The astonishment of the multitude at Jesus' doctrine underscores the profound truth that divine wisdom transcends human understanding and religious tradition. Jesus' teaching was not merely intellectual discourse but a revelation of God's very nature and plan, carrying inherent authority that resonated deeply with those who heard it. This moment highlights the power of God's Word, spoken through His Son, to silence opposition, illuminate truth, and evoke a response of awe and wonder from humanity. It affirms Jesus as the ultimate teacher, whose words possess life-giving power and eternal significance.

* [Mark 1:22](/mark/1-22 "Mark 1:22 - Jesus' Teaching Authority")
* [Luke 4:32](/luke/4-32 "Luke 4:32 - Astonishment at His Word")
* [John 7:46](/john/7-46 "John 7:46 - Never Spoke Like This Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:33 serves as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of Jesus' words. Just as the multitude was astonished by His doctrine, so too should we approach His teachings with reverence, awe, and a deep desire for understanding. In a world saturated with opinions and conflicting ideologies, Jesus' doctrine stands as the unwavering standard of truth, offering clarity, wisdom, and eternal life. Our spiritual growth is directly linked to our engagement with His words, allowing them to challenge our assumptions, refine our character, and guide our actions. This verse calls us to move beyond superficial listening to a profound encounter with the living Word, allowing His truth to astonish, humble, and ultimately transform us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of Jesus' teaching most astonish or challenge you today?**
* **How does Jesus' authority in teaching compare to other sources of wisdom you encounter?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more deeply engage with and apply Jesus' doctrine in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Sadducees unable to refute Jesus' teaching on the resurrection?**

Answer: The Sadducees were unable to refute Jesus' teaching because He based His argument on the very Scriptures they held as authoritative—the Pentateuch (Torah). They denied the resurrection because they believed it was not explicitly taught in the Torah, and they rejected later Jewish traditions that affirmed it. Jesus, however, masterfully used the passage in [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "Exodus 3:6 - God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob"), where God identifies Himself to Moses as "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Jesus argued that God is the God of the living, not the dead, implying that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob must still be alive for God to be their God. This irrefutable logic, drawn from their own accepted Scripture, exposed the flaw in their theology and silenced them, demonstrating Jesus' unparalleled understanding of God's Word and His divine wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:33, with the multitude's astonishment at Jesus' "doctrine," points directly to Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God and the embodiment of divine wisdom. His teaching was not merely human instruction but the very Word of God made flesh, fulfilling the prophetic expectation of a prophet like Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - A Prophet Like Moses")). The profound impact of His words, which silenced His opponents and astonished the crowds, prefigures His role as the Lamb of God whose sacrifice would bring ultimate salvation, and the King whose words establish an eternal kingdom. As the Logos, the Word of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), Jesus' doctrine is not just a set of precepts but a living, active force, sharper than any two-edged sword ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")). His teaching leads to eternal life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")), offering grace and truth that far surpass any human wisdom or religious tradition. Thus, the astonishment of the multitude is a foreshadowing of the world's eventual recognition of Jesus as Lord, whose every word carries the weight of divine authority and offers the path to redemption.

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 7:46

The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

Matthew 22:22

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

Mark 6:2

And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing [him] were astonished, saying, From whence hath this [man] these things? and what wisdom [is] this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

Luke 20:39

¶ Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

Luke 20:40

And after that they durst not ask him any [question at all].

Luke 2:47

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

Mark 12:17

And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.