Bible Strands
Matthew 22:18
But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the Pharisees and Herodians who just asked whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. He responds immediately after they pose their trap question about tribute.
The words — Γνοὺς (gnous) translates as "having known" and πονηρίαν (ponērian) means "malice" or "evil intent." These terms highlight Jesus’ immediate perception of their hostile purpose.
The thread — This pattern of divine perception appears in Luke 5:22 and John 2:25, where Jesus perceives hidden thoughts or human nature without needing external testimony. John 8:6 similarly notes opponents attempting to test Him for grounds of accusation.
Why it lands — The text records Jesus naming their hypocrisy and questioning their motive before addressing the tax coin. It requires the reader to recognize that divine insight precedes human deception and demands honest engagement rather than manipulative questioning.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
Cross-references
- Luke 5:22 Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus replied, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?
- John 2:25 He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.
- 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.
- Acts 5:9 “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied. “Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
- Revelation 2:23 Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
- Matthew 16:1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven.
- Matthew 19:3 Then some Pharisees came and tested Him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”
- Mark 2:8 At once Jesus knew in His spirit that they were thinking this way within themselves. “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” He asked.
- Mark 12:5 He sent still another, and this one they killed. He sent many others; some they beat and others they killed.
- Luke 9:47 But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him.