New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 22:15

Render Unto Caesar

Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words. Matthew 22:15 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 22:15, in plain English

The Pharisees leave and plot together to trap Jesus with His own words.

Why it's here

They've been outmaneuvered in public debate, so now they're strategizing behind closed doors.

Who's speaking

The narrator reveals the Pharisees shifting from debate to scheming.

Where it sits in the story

They can't win the argument, so they try to set a trap. If they can't refute Him, they'll frame Him.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The Pharisees withdraw and plot (symboulion elabon) to trap Jesus in His own words (pagideusōsin, 'ensnare') — shifting from parables to political entrapment.

Language and setting

The verb pagideuō means 'to set a trap' (from pagis, 'snare'); the Pharisees move from theological debate to political conspiracy.

Voice

The narrator describes the Pharisees' strategic withdrawal and plotting.

Significance

Having been shamed by three parables, the Pharisees regroup and devise a plan to destroy Jesus through His own words.

In context

Matthew 22:13–17

13Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

14For many are called, but few are chosen.”

15Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words.

16They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.

17So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

Read all of Matthew 22 — A wedding banquet, a trick question about taxes, and the greatest commandment — Jesus outmaneuvers every trap set for him.

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