Matthew 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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀποστέλλουσιν
they sent out
G649
ἀποστέλλουσιν
they sent out
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
2 of 35
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
αὐτῶν
unto him
G846
αὐτῶν
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 35
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
unto him
G846
αὐτῶν
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 35
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
7 of 35
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 35
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
οἴδαμεν
we know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
we know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
12 of 35
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
13 of 35
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸν
the way
G3598
ὁδὸν
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
18 of 35
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
20 of 35
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μέλει
carest
G3199
μέλει
carest
Strong's:
G3199
Word #:
26 of 35
to be of interest to, i.e., to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters)
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
28 of 35
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
οὐδενός·
any
G3762
οὐδενός·
any
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
29 of 35
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
γὰρ
man for
G1063
γὰρ
man for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
31 of 35
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
εἰς
not
G1519
εἰς
not
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
33 of 35
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Mark 3:6And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.Mark 8:15And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.Mark 12:14And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?Luke 20:21And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.John 18:37Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.John 7:18He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
Historical Context
The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage challenge your understanding of God's character?
- What practical application does this truth have in your daily walk?
- How should this verse shape your priorities and decisions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.