And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

MATTHEW 22:16KJV
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Matthew 22:16 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:16 mean?

Matthew 22:16 describes how some disciples of the Pharisees, along with supporters of Herod (the Herodians), approach Jesus and flatter him by saying they know he is truthful, teaches God’s way honestly, and does not show favoritism to anyone. Their words are meant to set Jesus up for a difficult question, not to genuinely praise him.

In this scene, religious and political groups who normally disagreed join forces to challenge Jesus. They call him “Master” (teacher) and claim to recognize his integrity and fairness, but their real motive is to trap him in his words. The verse sets the stage for the question about paying taxes to Caesar, highlighting both the tension and the insincerity of Jesus’s opponents.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:16

  • διδάσκαλε (didaskale, "Master" or "Teacher"): This word shows the respectful title they use for Jesus, even though their respect is not genuine.
  • ἀληθής (alēthēs, "true"): The Greek word here means someone who is truthful or genuine, emphasizing the reputation Jesus had for honesty.
  • ὁδὸν τοῦ θεοῦ (hodon tou theou, "way of God"): This phrase refers to the path or manner of life God desires, showing that Jesus is seen as someone who teaches about God’s will.
  • οὐ γὰρ βλέπεις εἰς πρόσωπον ἀνθρώπων (ou gar blepeis eis prosōpon anthrōpōn, "for thou regardest not the person of men"): Literally, "you do not look at the face of people," meaning Jesus does not judge by outward appearance or social status, but treats everyone equally.

Why Matthew 22:16 matters

  • This verse reveals the strategy of Jesus’s opponents, who use flattery to disguise their true intentions and try to catch him off guard.
  • The description of Jesus as someone who teaches God’s way truthfully and shows no partiality highlights the qualities that made him respected, even by those who opposed him.
  • Understanding this setup helps make sense of the challenge that follows about paying taxes, and shows the political and religious pressures Jesus faced.

Where else these words appear

“Herodians” Greek G2265 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Mark 12:13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.

“carest” Greek G3199 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
  • John 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

“true” Greek G227 · used in 25 verses

  • Mark 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
  • John 8:16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

“Master” Greek G1320 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
  • Mark 12:19 Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?