Matthew 22:35 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:35 mean?

Matthew 22:35 introduces a question put to Jesus by a man trained in Jewish religious law. The man’s purpose is to test Jesus, so the question is more than a simple request for information.

The man is “one of them,” referring to the Pharisees gathered in the previous verse. Matthew identifies him by his knowledge of the law, which prepares the reader for his question about the greatest commandment in verse 36.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:35

• “lawyer” — νομικός (nomikos): This word refers to someone skilled in law. Here, it points to a person familiar with the law given to Israel, rather than necessarily a lawyer in a modern courtroom.
• “tempting” — πειράζω (peirazō): This word can carry the sense of testing or trying someone. In this setting, the KJV’s “tempting” describes the man putting Jesus to a test through his question.

Why Matthew 22:35 matters

• The question comes from within a group. “One of them” connects the speaker to the gathered Pharisees, even though one man addresses Jesus.
• The verse sets up an encounter over interpretation of the law. The speaker’s training gives weight to the question that follows: “Which is the great commandment in the law?” (verse 36).
• Jesus’ answer belongs to the same exchange. In verses 37–40, he responds by naming love for God and love for one’s neighbor.