But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?
Parallel translations
- WEB But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites?
- KJV But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
- BSB But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?
- NASB But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites?
- NLT But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Jesus perceives their malice and calls them hypocrites. He sees through their pretended sincerity.
Overview
Jesus immediately discerns the wicked intent behind the flattering question, displaying His insight into the human heart. By naming them hypocrites, He exposes the gap between their pious words and their murderous aim. His response models truthful boldness in the face of manipulative opposition.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 12
- John 8:6They said this testing him, that they might have something to accuse him of. But Jesus stooped down, and wrote on the ground with his finger.
- Luke 5:22But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, “Why are you reasoning so in your hearts?
- John 2:25and because he didn’t need for anyone to testify concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.
- Acts 5:9But Peter asked her, “How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”
- Rev 2:23I will kill her children with Death, and all the assemblies will know that I am he who searches the minds and hearts. I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.
- Matt 19:3Pharisees came to him, testing him, and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”
- Matt 16:1–4The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven.
- Mark 2:8Immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason these things in your hearts?
- Luke 10:25Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
- Luke 20:23But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test me?
- Luke 9:47Jesus, perceiving the reasoning of their hearts, took a little child, and set him by his side,
- Mark 12:5Again he sent another; and they killed him; and many others, beating some, and killing some.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King — son of David, son of Abraham — the new Moses and true Israel in whom every prophecy reaches 'that it might be fulfilled.'
How Matthew 22:18 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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