Matthew 9:4
And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἰδὼν
knowing
G1492
ἰδὼν
knowing
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 17
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
πονηρὰ
evil
G4190
πονηρὰ
evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
13 of 17
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 12:25And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:Luke 6:8But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.Psalms 139:2Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.Psalms 44:21Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.John 16:30Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.Luke 11:17But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.Acts 5:9Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.John 6:64But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.John 6:61When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
Historical Context
Jewish expectation held that the Messiah would possess supernatural knowledge and discernment (1 Kings 3:16-28 provided the model of Solomon's wisdom). Rabbis claimed no mind-reading abilities; if someone could perceive unspoken thoughts, it evidenced divine power or inspiration. Early Christians saw Jesus' omniscience as proof of deity (John 2:24-25, 21:17). This episode would have been particularly shocking because Jesus exposes religious leaders' secret thoughts, challenging their public piety with hidden corruption.
Questions for Reflection
- How should Jesus' knowledge of our thoughts shape our prayer life and inner thought patterns?
- What does this passage reveal about the relationship between thoughts and sin?
- How can we distinguish between honest questioning and evil skepticism toward God's work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' question—'Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?' (ινα τι ενθυμεισθε πονηρα εν ταις καρδιαις υμων)—demonstrates His omniscience. The verb ενθυμεομαι means 'to ponder, reflect, consider,' indicating deliberate thought rather than passing notion. Jesus identifies their thoughts as 'evil' (πονηρα/ponēra), not merely mistaken but morally corrupt. Their skepticism stems from hard hearts unwilling to recognize God's work. Jesus perceives not only their words but their innermost reasoning, fulfilling messianic expectation (Isaiah 11:3). This divine knowledge terrifies those hiding sin but comforts believers—Jesus knows our hearts fully and loves us still. The question is rhetorical, exposing their evil intent before answering with demonstration of authority.