Matthew 22:35 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:35 mean?

Matthew 22:35 describes how one of the Pharisees, who was an expert in Jewish law, asked Jesus a question with the intention of testing Him. The verse highlights that this was not a neutral or friendly inquiry, but a deliberate attempt to challenge or trap Jesus.

In this scene, Jesus is surrounded by religious leaders in Jerusalem during a series of debates. The "lawyer" mentioned here is someone skilled in interpreting the Jewish law, and his question is meant to put Jesus on the spot. The verse sets the stage for the famous question about the greatest commandment, showing the tension and motives of those questioning Jesus.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:35

• The word "lawyer" (νομικός, nomikos) refers to someone highly trained in the Jewish law, not a lawyer in the modern legal sense. This detail shows that the question comes from someone with authority and expertise.
• The word "tempting" (πειράζω, peirazō) is often understood as "testing" or "trying to trap." This makes it clear that the question was not sincere but was meant to catch Jesus in a mistake or contradiction.

Why Matthew 22:35 matters

• This verse clarifies that the question about the law was not asked out of genuine curiosity but as part of an ongoing effort to challenge Jesus' authority and teachings.
• Understanding the motives behind the question helps explain Jesus' careful and wise responses in the following verses.
• The verse connects to a larger theme in Matthew’s Gospel, where religious leaders repeatedly test Jesus, highlighting the growing conflict as He approaches the cross.