King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:15 Mean?

Matthew 22:15 in the King James Version says “Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.”

Matthew 22:15 · KJV

Context

13

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

14

For many are called, but few are chosen.

15

Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.

16

And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

17

Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

Read Matthew 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. The verb παγιδεύσωσιν (pagideusōsin, 'to entangle' or 'ensnare') comes from παγίς (pagis), meaning trap or snare used for animals. The Pharisees deliberately plot to catch Jesus in verbal contradiction, seeking grounds for accusation. This occurs during Passion Week, Tuesday in the temple courts, following Jesus's devastating parables against the religious establishment (21:28-22:14).

Took counsel (συμβούλιον ἔλαβον/symboulion elabon) indicates formal deliberation, a calculated conspiracy rather than spontaneous opposition. Their goal is in his talk (ἐν λόγῳ/en logō)—to use Jesus's own words against Him. This mirrors Satan's strategy in Eden and the wilderness temptations, twisting words to create apparent dilemmas. The religious leaders' hostility has escalated from questioning Jesus's authority (21:23) to actively plotting His destruction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This conspiracy occurred during Jesus's final week before crucifixion, likely Tuesday of Passion Week. The Pharisees had been Jesus's primary opponents throughout His Galilean ministry, challenged by His disregard for their oral traditions (Matthew 15:1-9) and His claim to forgive sins (9:3). Following the triumphal entry and temple cleansing, tensions reached crisis level. Jesus had publicly humiliated the religious establishment through parables depicting them as rebellious sons (21:28-32), murderous tenants (21:33-46), and wedding guests unworthy of the feast (22:1-14). The Pharisees recognized these parables targeted them (21:45), making their conspiracy urgent.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do religious people today 'entangle' others in theological debates to avoid confronting their own hearts?
  2. What motivates plotting against God's truth—intellectual disagreement or threatened self-interest and power?
  3. How does conspiracy to trap Jesus in His words contrast with genuine truth-seeking dialogue?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Τότε1 of 11

“Then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

πορευθέντες2 of 11

“went”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

οἱ3 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Φαρισαῖοι4 of 11

“the Pharisees”

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

συμβούλιον5 of 11

“counsel”

G4824

advisement; specially, a deliberative body, i.e., the provincial assessors or lay-court

ἔλαβον6 of 11

“and took”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ὅπως7 of 11

“how”

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

αὐτὸν8 of 11

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

παγιδεύσωσιν9 of 11

“they might entangle”

G3802

to ensnare (figuratively)

ἐν10 of 11

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

λόγῳ11 of 11

“his talk”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 22:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 22:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 20:20-26Mark 12:13-17Psalms 2:2Psalms 56:5-7Psalms 59:3Psalms 57:6

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