Matthew 22:35

Authorized King James Version

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Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

Original Language Analysis

καὶ Then G2532
καὶ Then
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπηρώτησεν asked G1905
ἐπηρώτησεν asked
Strong's: G1905
Word #: 2 of 10
to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek
εἷς one G1520
εἷς one
Strong's: G1520
Word #: 3 of 10
one
ἐξ of G1537
ἐξ of
Strong's: G1537
Word #: 4 of 10
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτόν, him G846
αὐτόν, him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 5 of 10
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
νομικὸς which was a lawyer G3544
νομικὸς which was a lawyer
Strong's: G3544
Word #: 6 of 10
according (or pertaining) to law, i.e., legal (ceremonially); as noun, an expert in the (mosaic) law
πειράζων him a question tempting G3985
πειράζων him a question tempting
Strong's: G3985
Word #: 7 of 10
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
αὐτόν, him G846
αὐτόν, him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 8 of 10
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
καὶ Then G2532
καὶ Then
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 9 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγων saying G3004
λέγων saying
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 10 of 10
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Analysis & Commentary

Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him (καὶ ἐπηρώτησεν εἷς ἐξ αὐτῶν νομικὸς πειράζων αὐτόν/kai epērōtēsen heis ex autōn nomikos peirazōn auton). A νομικός (nomikos, lawyer or scribe) was an expert in Mosaic Law and rabbinic interpretation—professional theologian and legal scholar. Tempting (πειράζων/peirazōn) means testing with malicious intent, seeking to trap or expose fault. This is the same verb used of Satan tempting Jesus (Matthew 4:1), exposing the spiritual warfare dimension of this encounter.

The lawyer's question about the greatest commandment (verse 36) appears innocent but was designed to trap Jesus. If He elevated one command above others, He could be accused of diminishing Torah's authority or negating other commands. If He refused to prioritize, He'd appear indecisive or unable to answer, discrediting His authority as teacher. This pattern of hostile questioning disguised as sincere inquiry marks religious hypocrisy—using theological discussion as weapon rather than truth-seeking. Jesus transcends the trap by identifying love for God as foundational to all other commands.

Historical Context

First-century Judaism debated endlessly about legal priority. With 613 commandments in Torah (248 positive, 365 negative according to rabbinic counting), questions of hierarchy were inevitable. Which commands were 'heavy' (important) versus 'light' (less significant)? Could one principle summarize all others? This wasn't merely academic—determining priority affected practical decisions when commands appeared to conflict. The lawyer's question, though malicious in intent, addressed legitimate theological issue. Jesus's answer (citing Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18) was revolutionary in combining vertical love for God with horizontal love for neighbor as the comprehensive summary of Torah, showing all law flows from love.

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