Matthew 22:18

18 And when Jesus had known the wickedness of them, he said, Hypocrites, what tempt ye me?

Matthew 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.

Matthew 22:18 In-Context

16 And they send to him their disciples, with Herodians, and said [saying], Master, we know, that thou art soothfast, and thou teachest in truth the way of God, and thou carest not of any man [and there is no care, or charge, to thee of any man], for thou beholdest not the person of men.

17 Therefore say to us, what seemeth to thee. Is it leaveful that tribute be given to the emperor, either nay [+Is it leaveful that tribute be given to Caesar, rent, or nay]?

18 And when Jesus had known the wickedness of them, he said, Hypocrites, what tempt ye me?

19 Show ye to me the print of the money. And they brought to him a penny.

20 And Jesus said to them [And Jesus saith to them], Whose is this image, and the writing above?