King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:35 Mean?

Matthew 22:35 in the King James Version says “Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,”

Matthew 22:35 · KJV

Context

33

And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.

34

But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together .

35

Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

36

Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him (καὶ ἐπηρώτησεν εἷς ἐξ αὐτῶν νομικὸς πειράζων αὐτόν/kai epērōtēsen heis ex autōn nomikos peirazōn auton). A νομικός (nomikos, lawyer or scribe) was an expert in Mosaic Law and rabbinic interpretation—professional theologian and legal scholar. Tempting (πειράζων/peirazōn) means testing with malicious intent, seeking to trap or expose fault. This is the same verb used of Satan tempting Jesus (Matthew 4:1), exposing the spiritual warfare dimension of this encounter.

The lawyer's question about the greatest commandment (verse 36) appears innocent but was designed to trap Jesus. If He elevated one command above others, He could be accused of diminishing Torah's authority or negating other commands. If He refused to prioritize, He'd appear indecisive or unable to answer, discrediting His authority as teacher. This pattern of hostile questioning disguised as sincere inquiry marks religious hypocrisy—using theological discussion as weapon rather than truth-seeking. Jesus transcends the trap by identifying love for God as foundational to all other commands.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism debated endlessly about legal priority. With 613 commandments in Torah (248 positive, 365 negative according to rabbinic counting), questions of hierarchy were inevitable. Which commands were 'heavy' (important) versus 'light' (less significant)? Could one principle summarize all others? This wasn't merely academic—determining priority affected practical decisions when commands appeared to conflict. The lawyer's question, though malicious in intent, addressed legitimate theological issue. Jesus's answer (citing Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18) was revolutionary in combining vertical love for God with horizontal love for neighbor as the comprehensive summary of Torah, showing all law flows from love.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does asking theological questions to trap or discredit others differ from genuinely seeking truth and wisdom?
  2. What does it reveal about someone's heart when they approach Scripture and Jesus's teaching with hostile suspicion rather than humble receptivity?
  3. In what ways might modern theological debates reflect the lawyer's spirit—seeking to win arguments rather than know God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“Then”

G2532

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

ἐπηρώτησεν2 of 10

“asked”

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

εἷς3 of 10

“one”

G1520

one

ἐξ4 of 10

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτόν,5 of 10

“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

νομικὸς6 of 10

“which was a lawyer”

G3544

according (or pertaining) to law, i.e., legal (ceremonially); as noun, an expert in the (mosaic) law

πειράζων7 of 10

“him a question tempting”

G3985

to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline

αὐτόν,8 of 10

“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

καὶ9 of 10

“Then”

G2532

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

λέγων10 of 10

“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

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 22:35 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 22:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 7:30Luke 10:25-37Luke 14:3Luke 11:45-46Luke 11:52Titus 3:13

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