King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:16 Mean?

Matthew 22:16 in the King James Version says “And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 22:16 · KJV


Context

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?

18

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage challenge your understanding of God's character?
  2. What practical application does this truth have in your daily walk?
  3. How should this verse shape your priorities and decisions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 35 words
καὶ1 of 35

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀποστέλλουσιν2 of 35

they sent out

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

αὐτῶν3 of 35

unto 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

τοὺς4 of 35
G3588

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

μαθητὰς5 of 35

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτῶν6 of 35

unto 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

μετὰ7 of 35

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν8 of 35
G3588

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

Ἡρῳδιανῶν9 of 35

the Herodians

G2265

herodians, i.e., partisans of herod

λέγοντες10 of 35

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Διδάσκαλε11 of 35

Master

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

οἴδαμεν12 of 35

we know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι13 of 35

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀληθὴς14 of 35

true

G227

true (as not concealing)

εἶ15 of 35

thou art

G1488

thou art

καὶ16 of 35

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν17 of 35
G3588

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

ὁδὸν18 of 35

the way

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

τοῦ19 of 35
G3588

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

θεοῦ20 of 35

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐν21 of 35

in

G1722

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

ἀληθείᾳ22 of 35

truth

G225

truth

διδάσκεις23 of 35

teachest

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

καὶ24 of 35

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐ25 of 35

neither

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μέλει26 of 35

carest

G3199

to be of interest to, i.e., to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters)

σοι27 of 35

thou

G4671

to thee

περὶ28 of 35

for

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

οὐδενός·29 of 35

any

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

οὐ30 of 35

neither

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γὰρ31 of 35

man for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

βλέπεις32 of 35

thou regardest

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

εἰς33 of 35

not

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

πρόσωπον34 of 35

the person

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

ἀνθρώπων35 of 35

of men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being


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 22:16 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 22:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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