These accusers, a coalition of Pharisees and Herodians, aren't just asking a question; they're laying a trap by first showering Jesus with flattery. Their praise, "you are true and teach the way of God truthfully," isn't genuine admiration but a manipulative tactic designed to make him feel confident enough to stumble. They're essentially buttering him up before they ask their impossible question, hoping his character will be his undoing.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh off the heels of silencing the chief priests and elders with a parable, the Pharisees now plot to trap Jesus with a politically charged question. They team up with the Herodians, a group generally supportive of Roman rule, to pose a dilemma about paying taxes to Caesar, knowing that either answer could alienate either the Jewish people or the Roman authorities. They begin with a disingenuous compliment, praising Jesus as a truthful teacher who doesn't fear human opinion, hoping to disarm him before presenting their trap.
They start with praise, but it's a poisoned arrow. Ever felt complimented by someone you know doesn't have your best interests at heart?
The Pharisees and Herodians approach Jesus with a seemingly genuine compliment: "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." This isn't sincere admiration; it's a calculated tactic. They know Jesus is indeed truthful and impartial, and they use this knowledge to their advantage. Their goal isn't to learn from Him, but to trap Him. They're hoping His commitment to truth and impartiality will lead Him to say something that can be used against Him, either by the crowds or by the Roman authorities. This highlights a crucial spiritual principle: flattery, especially from those with hidden agendas, can be a dangerous distraction from truth. True discipleship means valuing the message over the messenger and being discerning about the source and intent of praise.
Remember Jesus' own words: 'Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves' (Matthew 7:15). This encounter shows that even truth-tellers can be ensnared if they're not discerning of the motives behind the words spoken to them.
Enemies can become allies when they find a common target. Who are the Herodians, and why are they working with the Pharisees?
This verse introduces an unlikely alliance: the Pharisees and the Herodians. The Pharisees were deeply religious conservatives, often opposing Roman rule and its influence. The Herodians, on the other hand, were political supporters of Herod's dynasty, which meant they were generally aligned with Roman authority and found it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar. These two groups usually despised each other! The Pharisees saw the Herodians as collaborators with the oppressive Roman regime, and the Herodians likely viewed the Pharisees as rigid, rebellious zealots. Yet, they unite against Jesus. Their shared hatred for Him, and their desire to see Him discredited or removed, is stronger than their ideological differences. This demonstrates how a common enemy can forge powerful, albeit temporary and unholy, alliances. It's a stark reminder that opposition to God's work can bring together the most disparate and opposing factions.
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Understand the original words
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.
The alliance of the Pharisees and Herodians highlights a desperate political maneuver. The Pharisees, typically opposed to Roman influence, team up with the Herodians, who supported it, to create a no-win situation for Jesus, demonstrating the intense political pressure of Roman occupation on Jewish society.
c. 40 BC
Herod the Great Becomes King
Herod the Great, with Roman backing, rises to power in Judea. This marks the beginning of a period of Roman political influence and the establishment of the Herodian dynasty, creating factions like the Herodians who supported Roman rule.
c. AD 26-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and challenging the religious and political establishment. His growing popularity and radical message create tension with the Pharisees and other groups.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Final Week in Jerusalem
Jesus arrives in Jerusalem for Passover, where he engages in significant confrontations with religious leaders. This week includes his triumphal entry, cleansing the Temple, and challenging the authorities with parables and questions.
Passover Week, c. AD 30-33
Alliance of Pharisees and Herodians
The Pharisees and Herodians, though often opposed, form a temporary alliance to trap Jesus. They are united by their shared opposition to Jesus and seek to discredit him politically.
This passage shows the same alliance between the Pharisees and Herodians, and their shared goal of 'entangling' Jesus in his words, highlighting the deceptive nature of their approach in Matthew 22:16.
John 7:12This verse describes the divided opinions about Jesus, with some calling him 'a deceiver' while others recognized him as 'a prophet,' mirroring the complex and often insincere praise Jesus received from His adversaries.
Romans 13:7This passage speaks directly to the theme of rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's, providing the divine perspective on the question Jesus skillfully navigated in Matthew 22:16-21.
1 Samuel 16:7This verse emphasizes God's perspective, 'Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart,' which directly contrasts with the outward flattery Jesus received and His ability to see their true intentions.
barnesMatthew 22:16: "And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men."
The Herodians - It is not certainly known who these were. It is probable that they took their name from Herod the Great. Perhaps they were first a political party, and were then distinguished for holding some of the special opinions of Herod. Dr. Prideaux thinks…
henryMatthew 22:15-22: "Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk."
22:15-22 The Pharisees sent their disciples with the Herodians, a party among the Jews, who were for full subjection to the Roman emperor. Though opposed to each other, they joined against Christ. What they said of Christ was right; whether they knew it or not, blessed be God we know it. Jesus Christ was a faithful Teacher, and a bold reprover. Christ saw their wickedness. Whatever mask the hy…
These accusers, a coalition of Pharisees and Herodians, aren't just asking a question; they're laying a trap by first showering Jesus with flattery. Their praise, "you are true and teach the way of God truthfully," isn't genuine admiration but a manipulative tactic designed to make him feel confident enough to stumble. They're essentially buttering him up before they ask their impossible question, hoping his character will be his undoing.
Fresh off the heels of silencing the chief priests and elders with a parable, the Pharisees now plot to trap Jesus with a politically charged question. They team up with the Herodians, a group generally supportive of Roman rule, to pose a dilemma about paying taxes to Caesar, knowing that either answer could alienate either the Jewish people or the Roman authorities. They begin with a disingenuous compliment, praising Jesus as a truthful teacher who doesn't fear human opinion, hoping to disarm him before presenting their trap.
Fresh off the heels of silencing the chief priests and elders with a parable, the Pharisees now plot to trap Jesus with a politically charged question. They team up with the Herodians, a group generally supportive of Roman rule, to pose a dilemma about paying taxes to Caesar, knowing that either answer could alienate either the Jewish people or the Roman authorities. They begin with a disingenuous compliment, praising Jesus as a truthful teacher who doesn't fear human opinion, hoping to disarm him before presenting their trap.
"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." — These accusers, a coalition of Pharisees and Herodians, aren't just asking a question; they're laying a trap by first showering Jesus with flattery. Their praise, "you are true and teach the way of G…
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Last reviewed October 2026
