Matthew 22:15-18
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The Pharisees didn't just want to trick Jesus; they were actively plotting to "ensnare" him. This wasn't about a casual conversation, but a calculated plan to trap him in his own words and use them as ammunition against him.
Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Incensed by Jesus' previous parables which clearly condemned them, the Pharisees, along with the Herodians who supported Roman rule, huddled together to plot how to trap Jesus in his words. They devised a plan to ask him a question designed to force an answer that would either alienate the crowds or get him arrested by the Roman authorities, aiming to finally ensnare him and bring about his destruction.
Ever feel like you're walking into a conversation where someone has an agenda? The Pharisees weren't just asking a question; they were setting a trap.
The Pharisees' plan was to 'entangle' Jesus. This wasn't about seeking truth; it was about capturing him with his own words.
The Art of the Snare
This highlights a critical spiritual principle: deception often wears a mask of sincerity. Their outward show of deference hid a deadly intent.
Imagine two groups who absolutely despised each other suddenly teaming up. Why would they set aside their bitter rivalry?
The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to the Law, joined forces with the Herodians, who supported Herod's rule and thus Roman authority. These two groups were ideological enemies.
A Common Enemy
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Their deep animosity towards Jesus was so intense that it overrode their deep-seated hatred for each other. Their shared desire to see Jesus destroyed united them in this plot.
Jesus knew their hearts, but He also knew the immense power held within simple words. How did they aim to weaponize them?
The Pharisees weren't just trying to catch Jesus in any old saying; they were trying to 'entangle him in his talk.' They sought a specific kind of word, one that would incriminate him.
Words as Weapons
This shows that our words have consequences, and malicious intent can twist even the most innocent utterance into an accusation.
Understand the original words
Pharisaioi · Greek Noun
A prominent Jewish religious group known for their strict adherence to the law and traditions, who frequently opposed Jesus' teachings and authority.
pagideusōsin · Greek Verb
To trap, ensnare, or catch someone in a verbal challenge, usually done with malicious intent to discredit or cause the person to stumble.
didaskalos · Greek Noun
One who instructs, specifically regarding the Law of God and its interpretation; often used as a respectful title for Jesus, recognizing his authority as a source of divine truth.
alethēs · Greek Adjective
Conformity to reality, faithfulness, and integrity; in a biblical context, it refers to God's nature and the alignment of one's speech and actions with His absolute standard.
hodos · Greek Noun
The prescribed manner of life, conduct, or spiritual path that conforms to the will and revealed character of God.
kēnsos · Greek Noun
A formal tribute, levy, or tax imposed by a governing authority upon subjects. In a Roman context, it represented submission to the empire.
ponēria · Greek Noun
Evil intent, wickedness, or spitefulness; a settled disposition to cause harm or act against what is good and right.
peirazete · Greek Verb
To prove, examine, or solicit evidence; in a negative sense, it refers to attempting to trap or force someone into making an error or a sinful commitment.
hypokritai · Greek Noun
Originally referring to an actor on a stage, this term describes a person who plays a part or wears a mask, masking their true intentions with a pretense of righteousness.
c. 20 BC - AD 30
Pharisaic and Herodian Political Rivalry
The Pharisees, a religious sect emphasizing strict adherence to Jewish law, and the Herodians, supporters of Herod's dynasty and Roman rule, were often political rivals. This animosity made their alliance against Jesus particularly significant.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Public Ministry in Judea
Jesus taught and performed miracles throughout Judea, drawing large crowds and challenging the religious and political establishment. His popularity and radical teachings put him on a collision course with the ruling elites.
Passover Week, AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Final Week in Jerusalem
During his last week, Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly, cleansed the Temple, and taught in public. This drew intense scrutiny from the religious leaders who feared his influence and sought a way to arrest him.
Passover Week, AD 30-33
Pharisees and Herodians Plot Against Jesus
After Jesus' parables exposed their schemes, the Pharisees, along with the Herodians, met to devise a plan to trap Jesus in his words and secure his condemnation.
This passage shows a similar hostile intent, where Saul tries to trap David by offering his daughter in marriage, with the hidden motive of giving him up to the Philistines.
Psalm 31:4The psalmist writes about his enemies who have set a trap for him, reflecting the underlying theme of malicious plotting against an innocent person.
Jeremiah 20:10This verse describes how Jeremiah was slandered and plotted against by his adversaries who were listening for any misstep, mirroring the Pharisees' malicious intent.
John 7:1This passage indicates that Jesus deliberately avoided Judea because the religious leaders were looking for an opportunity to seize him, highlighting the constant threat he faced from those plotting against him.
Acts 23:12-15Here, a group of Jews conspires to trap Paul by asking the Sanhedrin to request his presence, planning to ambush and kill him on the way, demonstrating a pattern of lethal plots against God's messengers.
barnesMatthew 22:15: "Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk."
The Pharisees and Herodians endeavor to entangle Jesus - This narrative is also found in Mark 12:12-17 ; Luke 20:20-26 . Matthew 22:15 Then went the Pharisees - See the notes at Matthew 3:7. How they might entangle him - To entangle means to "ensnare," as birds are taken by a net. This is done secretly, by leading them within the compass of the net and then suddenly springing it over them. So to…
bensonMatthew 22:15: "Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk."
Matthew 22:15-17 . Then went the Pharisees — Greatly incensed by the two last parables delivered by our Lord; and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk — Gr. παγιδευσωσιν εν λογω , might entrap him in his discourse, so as to find something on which they might ground an accusation against him, and effect his destruction. And they sent out their disciples — Persons who had imbibed th…
The Pharisees didn't just want to trick Jesus; they were actively plotting to "ensnare" him. This wasn't about a casual conversation, but a calculated plan to trap him in his own words and use them as ammunition against him.
Incensed by Jesus' previous parables which clearly condemned them, the Pharisees, along with the Herodians who supported Roman rule, huddled together to plot how to trap Jesus in his words. They devised a plan to ask him a question designed to force an answer that would either alienate the crowds or get him arrested by the Roman authorities, aiming to finally ensnare him and bring about his destruction.
Incensed by Jesus' previous parables which clearly condemned them, the Pharisees, along with the Herodians who supported Roman rule, huddled together to plot how to trap Jesus in his words. They devised a plan to ask him a question designed to force an answer that would either alienate the crowds or get him arrested by the Roman authorities, aiming to finally ensnare him and bring about his destruction.
"Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care abou…" — The Pharisees didn't just want to trick Jesus; they were actively plotting to "ensnare" him. This wasn't about a casual conversation, but a calculated plan to trap him in his own words and use them…
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Last reviewed October 2026
