Matthew 22:16-17
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This verse reveals that Jesus’ enemies, the Pharisees and Herodians, were willing to set aside their deep-seated animosity towards each other and form an unholy alliance. Their combined hatred for Jesus was so intense that it temporarily eclipsed their opposing political and religious views, showing the twisted lengths they would go to trap him.
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?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh off being thwarted by Jesus' parable, the Pharisees hatch a new plot, enlisting the Herodians – a political faction that supported Roman rule – to help them trap him. They approach Jesus with seemingly sincere praise and a question about paying taxes to Caesar, a politically charged issue designed to make him either alienate the crowds or betray himself to Rome. Their flattery is a carefully crafted mask, and their alliance with the Herodians highlights how desperate they are to get rid of Jesus, no matter who they have to team up with.
Why would religious leaders, who actively sought to discredit Jesus, start by praising Him? This isn't genuine admiration; it's a calculated move.
These adversaries, the Pharisees and Herodians, were not interested in Jesus's character for its own sake. Their words, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion," were a sophisticated trap.
The Pharisees and Herodians were political and religious rivals. What could possibly unite them against Jesus?
This verse introduces a fascinating coalition: the Pharisees and the Herodians. These groups typically detested each other:
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Their common enemy, Jesus, and the threat He posed to both their established orders, forced them into an 'unholy alliance.' They set aside their significant differences for a single, shared purpose: to catch Jesus in His words.
Even His enemies had to admit Jesus was bold and impartial. What does this say about His character?
Despite their wicked intentions, the Pharisees and Herodians acknowledge a core truth about Jesus: He was fearless and impartial in His teaching.
Ironically, their attempt to use His integrity against Him only serves to confirm His unshakeable character.
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.
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.
This encounter reveals the tense political climate of Judea under Roman occupation, where deeply divided Jewish factions like the Pharisees and Herodians could unite only in their opposition to Jesus, highlighting the threat they perceived in his teachings and influence.
c. 4 BCE
Death of Herod the Great
Herod the Great, a powerful client king of Rome, dies. His kingdom is divided among his sons, leading to political instability and increased Roman oversight in Judea. This sets the stage for the complex political landscape Jesus navigated.
c. 20s AD
Rise of the Herodians
Following Herod the Great's death, a political faction known as the Herodians emerges. They generally support the Herodian dynasty and, by extension, Roman rule, often clashing with more nationalistic Jewish groups like the Pharisees.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry in Judea
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching and challenging religious and political authorities. His growing popularity and his teachings on the Kingdom of God attract both followers and intense opposition.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Pharisees and Herodians Plot Against Jesus
The Pharisees, seeking to discredit Jesus, form an uneasy alliance with the Herodians, a group typically opposed to them. This alliance forms specifically to find a way to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar.
This passage describes a similar setup where spies were sent to Jesus, feigning honesty to catch him in his words, mirroring the deceptive flattery used in Matthew 22:16.
John 3:2Nicodemus also addresses Jesus as 'Rabbi' and acknowledges his divine teaching, showing a parallel in how people recognized Jesus' authority, though here it's from a place of sincere inquiry rather than malicious intent.
Romans 13:7This verse speaks directly to the concept of giving 'what is due to whom' for taxes, tribute, and respect, which is the very core of the question Jesus was asked and the underlying issue of submission to Roman authority.
1 Samuel 16:7This verse highlights God's perspective on judgment, stating that God looks at the heart, not outward appearances, which directly contrasts with the superficiality and manipulative intent of Jesus' questioners who falsely praise his impartiality.
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…
This verse reveals that Jesus’ enemies, the Pharisees and Herodians, were willing to set aside their deep-seated animosity towards each other and form an unholy alliance. Their combined hatred for Jesus was so intense that it temporarily eclipsed their opposing political and religious views, showing the twisted lengths they would go to trap him.
Fresh off being thwarted by Jesus' parable, the Pharisees hatch a new plot, enlisting the Herodians – a political faction that supported Roman rule – to help them trap him. They approach Jesus with seemingly sincere praise and a question about paying taxes to Caesar, a politically charged issue designed to make him either alienate the crowds or betray himself to Rome. Their flattery is a carefully crafted mask, and their alliance with the Herodians highlights how desperate they are to get rid of Jesus, no matter who they have to team up with.
Fresh off being thwarted by Jesus' parable, the Pharisees hatch a new plot, enlisting the Herodians – a political faction that supported Roman rule – to help them trap him. They approach Jesus with seemingly sincere praise and a question about paying taxes to Caesar, a politically charged issue designed to make him either alienate the crowds or betray himself to Rome. Their flattery is a carefully crafted mask, and their alliance with the Herodians highlights how desperate they are to get rid of Jesus, no matter who they have to team up with.
"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, th…" — This verse reveals that Jesus’ enemies, the Pharisees and Herodians, were willing to set aside their deep-seated animosity towards each other and form an unholy alliance. Their combined hatred for Je…
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Last reviewed October 2026
