Matthew 22:46 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:46 mean?

Matthew 22:46 describes how, after Jesus answered the religious leaders’ questions and posed a challenging question of his own, no one was able to respond to him or dared to question him any further from that day on. This verse shows the end of a public debate where Jesus’ wisdom silenced his opponents.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking in the temple courts to a group of religious leaders—Pharisees, Sadducees, and others—who had been trying to trap him with difficult questions. After Jesus turns the tables by asking them about the identity of the Messiah, the leaders find themselves unable to answer. The verse highlights a turning point: the leaders stop challenging Jesus publicly because they realize they cannot outwit him.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:46

• The word "answer" comes from ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrinomai), which means to reply or respond. The use of this word emphasizes that the leaders were completely unable to offer any response, not even a single word.
• The phrase "durst...ask" uses ἐπιζητέω (epizēteō), here meaning to dare or have the courage to ask. This shows that it was not just inability, but also a sense of fear or respect that kept them from questioning Jesus further.

Why Matthew 22:46 matters

• Matthew 22:46 clears up any idea that Jesus’ opponents had legitimate answers or arguments left; the verse makes it clear that his wisdom left them speechless.
• This verse marks a shift in the Gospel narrative: after this, Jesus is no longer publicly challenged by the religious leaders, which sets the stage for the events leading to his arrest.
• The verse highlights the authority and insight of Jesus, showing that even the most learned leaders could not overcome his teaching.