Matthew 22:29 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:29 mean?

Matthew 22:29 records Jesus telling a group that they are mistaken because they do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. Jesus points out that their misunderstanding comes from not truly grasping what the Scriptures say or what God is able to do.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the Sadducees, a religious group who questioned Him about the resurrection because they did not believe in life after death. Jesus responds by saying their error is rooted in ignorance—both of the written Scriptures and of God's ability. This sets the stage for Jesus to explain how God's power and the Scriptures reveal truths beyond human assumptions.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:29

• ἐρρᾶτε (errate, from πλανᾶσθε / planasthe, G4105): This word means "you are mistaken" or "you go astray." It suggests not just a small error, but a wandering away from the truth, highlighting the seriousness of the Sadducees' misunderstanding.
• γραφὰς (graphas, G1124): This word means "the Scriptures." Jesus is specifically pointing to the sacred writings, showing that the answer to their question is already present if they truly understood these texts.
• δύναμιν (dynamin, G1411): This word means "power," referring to God's ability to act beyond normal human expectations. Jesus emphasizes that God's power is not limited by human reasoning or experience.

Why Matthew 22:29 matters

• Matthew 22:29 clarifies that misunderstanding spiritual truth often comes from not knowing the Scriptures deeply or underestimating God's power, not just from intellectual mistakes.
• This verse highlights Jesus' respect for the authority of Scripture and His insistence that real answers come from knowing both God's word and His capabilities.
• The verse sets up Jesus' teaching about the resurrection, showing that belief in God's power is essential to understanding what God can do, even when it challenges human logic.