Matthew 22:18

18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?

Matthew 22:18 in Other Translations

18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said,Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites?

18 But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me?

18 Jesus knew they were up to no good. He said, "Why are you playing these games with me? Why are you trying to trap me?

18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites?

18 Jesus recognized their evil plan, so he asked, "Why do you test me, you hypocrites?

18 But perceiving their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing Me, hypocrites?

18 But Jesus knew their evil plans. He said, "You pretenders! Why are you trying to trap me?

Matthew 22:18 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 22:18

But Jesus perceived their wickedness
Luke says, "their craftiness"; and Mark says, "knowing their hypocrisy"; for there was, a mixture of malice, hypocrisy, and artfulness, in the scheme they had formed; but Christ being the omniscient God, saw the wickedness of their hearts, knew their hypocritical designs, and was well acquainted with all their artifice: he judged not according to the outward appearance of their affection for him, and opinion of him, of religion, righteousness, and holiness in themselves, and of a sincere desire to have their conscience satisfied about this matter; the snare they laid was visible to him, the mask they put on could not screen them from him, nor impose upon him:

and said, why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
as he might well call them, who feigned themselves just persons, pretended a great deal of respect for him, call him master, compliment him with the characters of a faithful, sincere, and disinterested preacher; yet by putting the above question, designed no other than to ensnare him, and bring him into disgrace or trouble.

Matthew 22:18 In-Context

16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are.

17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”

18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?

19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius,

20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”