Matthew 22:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 22:15
15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
Chapter Context
Matthew 22 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, sacrifice, discipleship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-46: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 22:15
15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
Analysis
Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. The verb παγιδεύσωσιν (pagideusōsin, 'to entangle' or 'ensnare') comes from παγίς (pagis), meaning trap or snare used for animals. The Pharisees deliberately plot to catch Jesus in verbal contradiction, seeking grounds for accusation. This occurs during Passion Week, Tuesday in the temple courts, following Jesus's devastating parables against the religious establishment (21:28-22:14).
Took counsel (συμβούλιον ἔλαβον/symboulion elabon) indicates formal deliberation, a calculated conspiracy rather than spontaneous opposition. Their goal is in his talk (ἐν λόγῳ/en logō)—to use Jesus's own words against Him. This mirrors Satan's strategy in Eden and the wilderness temptations, twisting words to create apparent dilemmas. The religious leaders' hostility has escalated from questioning Jesus's authority (21:23) to actively plotting His destruction.
Historical Context
This conspiracy occurred during Jesus's final week before crucifixion, likely Tuesday of Passion Week. The Pharisees had been Jesus's primary opponents throughout His Galilean ministry, challenged by His disregard for their oral traditions (Matthew 15:1-9) and His claim to forgive sins (9:3). Following the triumphal entry and temple cleansing, tensions reached crisis level. Jesus had publicly humiliated the religious establishment through parables depicting them as rebellious sons (21:28-32), murderous tenants (21:33-46), and wedding guests unworthy of the feast (22:1-14). The Pharisees recognized these parables targeted them (21:45), making their conspiracy urgent.
Reflection
- How do religious people today 'entangle' others in theological debates to avoid confronting their own hearts?
- What motivates plotting against God's truth—intellectual disagreement or threatened self-interest and power?
- How does conspiracy to trap Jesus in His words contrast with genuine truth-seeking dialogue?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 2:2