Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.

MATTHEW 22:15KJV
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Matthew 22:15 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:15 mean?

Matthew 22:15 describes how the Pharisees, a group of Jewish religious leaders, gathered together to plan a way to trap Jesus by getting him to say something they could use against him. The verse shows that their intention was not honest questioning, but a deliberate attempt to catch Jesus in his words.

In this moment, the Pharisees are not speaking directly to Jesus, but are meeting among themselves to strategize. This happens during a time of growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities in Jerusalem. The verse sets the stage for the following encounter, where they will try to challenge Jesus with tricky questions.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:15

  • The word "entangle" is from the Greek παγιδεύσωσιν (pagideusōsin), which means to ensnare or trap, like catching an animal. This highlights that the Pharisees were not seeking truth, but looking for a way to catch Jesus off guard.
  • The word "counsel" comes from the Greek συμβούλιον (symboulion), which means a deliberate plan or consultation. This shows that their actions were carefully thought out, not impulsive.

Why Matthew 22:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Pharisees’ motives were hostile and calculated, not simply curious or confused about Jesus’ teachings.
  • Understanding their intent helps explain the confrontational tone of the questions that follow in the chapter.
  • The verse connects to a broader theme in the Gospel of Matthew, where religious leaders repeatedly try to undermine Jesus’ authority through schemes rather than open dialogue.

Where else these words appear

“counsel” Greek G4824 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 12:14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Matthew 27:7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
  • Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

“how” Greek G3704 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 5:23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
  • Acts 23:15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

“Pharisees” Greek G5330 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Mark 2:24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
  • Luke 16:14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

“went” Greek G4198 · used in 147 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 9:53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
  • Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.