Mattityahu 22:18

18 But he, having known their rah (evil), said to them, Why do you test me, tzevuim?

Mattityahu 22:18 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 22:18

But Jesus perceived their wickedness
Luke says, "their craftiness"; and Mark says, "knowing their hypocrisy"; for there was, a mixture of malice, hypocrisy, and artfulness, in the scheme they had formed; but Christ being the omniscient God, saw the wickedness of their hearts, knew their hypocritical designs, and was well acquainted with all their artifice: he judged not according to the outward appearance of their affection for him, and opinion of him, of religion, righteousness, and holiness in themselves, and of a sincere desire to have their conscience satisfied about this matter; the snare they laid was visible to him, the mask they put on could not screen them from him, nor impose upon him:

and said, why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
as he might well call them, who feigned themselves just persons, pretended a great deal of respect for him, call him master, compliment him with the characters of a faithful, sincere, and disinterested preacher; yet by putting the above question, designed no other than to ensnare him, and bring him into disgrace or trouble.

Mattityahu 22:18 In-Context

16 And they are sending to Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach their talmidim with the Herodians, saying, Rabbi, we know that you are an ehrliche Yid (a good Jew) and of the Derech Hashem you give Divrei Torah in Emes, and you show no deference to flesh, for you are impartial toward Bnei Adam.

17 Therefore, tell us what to you seems right: is it mutar (permissible) to pay poll tax to Caesar or not?

18 But he, having known their rah (evil), said to them, Why do you test me, tzevuim?

19 Show me the coin of the poll tax. And they brought to Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach a denarius.

20 And Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach says to them, Whose image is this and whose title?