The Meaning of Matthew 22:16 Explained

Matthew 22:16

KJV: 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.

YLT: and they send to him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, 'Teacher, we have known that thou art true, and the way of God in truth thou dost teach, and thou art not caring for any one, for thou dost not look to the face of men;

Darby: And they send out to him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that thou art true and teachest the way of God in truth, and carest not for any one, for thou regardest not men's person;

ASV: And they send to him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, and carest not for any one: for thou regardest not the person of men.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does Matthew 22:16 Mean?

Context Summary

Matthew 22:15-22 - Duties To God And Society
This reading begins a marvelous cycle of interviews between our Lord and His questioners. First the Herodians, then the Sadducees, and finally the Pharisees were answered and silenced. What inimitable wisdom there was in His replies! How masterfully He turned the battle from the gate and slew them with their own swords!
Theoretically God was King in Israel. Were, then, the Jews justified in paying tribute to Caesar? If our Lord had said so, His enemies would have accused Him of treachery to the theocracy. If He had forbidden it, they would have accused Him of treachery to their Roman conquerors. Our Lord answered with marvelous wisdom. He tore aside the veil and revealed their hypocrisy. That coin indicated that the Romans were responsible for maintaining law and order. It was surely right that Caesar's dues should be paid. But it was equally right to give to God the souls that He had redeemed. Are we as careful in rendering to God our hearts and lives as we are in paying our taxes and serving the state? [source]

Chapter Summary: Matthew 22

1  The parable of the marriage of the king's son
9  The vocation of the Gentiles
12  The punishment of him who lacked a wedding garment
15  Tribute ought to be paid to Caesar
23  Jesus confutes the Sadducees for the resurrection;
34  answers which is the first and great commandment;
41  and puzzles the Pharisees by a question about the Messiah

Greek Commentary for Matthew 22:16

Their disciples [τους ματητας αυτων]
Students, pupils, of the Pharisees as in Mark 2:18. There were two Pharisaic theological seminaries in Jerusalem (Hillel, Shammai). [source]
The Herodians [των ερωιδιανων]
Not members of Herod‘s family or Herod‘s soldiers, but partisans or followers of Herod. The form in ιανος — ̇ianos is a Latin termination like that in Χριστιανος — Christianos (Acts 11:26). Mentioned also in Mark 3:6 combining with the Pharisees against Jesus.The person of men (προσωπον αντρωπων — prosōpon anthrōpōn). Literally, face of men. Paying regard to appearance is the sin of partiality condemned by James (James 2:1, James 2:9) when προσωπολημπσια προσωπολημπτειν — prosōpolēmpsia prosōpolēmptein are used, in imitation of the Hebrew idiom. This suave flattery to Jesus implied “that Jesus was a reckless simpleton” (Bruce). [source]
The person of men [προσωπον αντρωπων]
Literally, face of men. Paying regard to appearance is the sin of partiality condemned by James (James 2:1, James 2:9) when προσωπολημπσια προσωπολημπτειν — prosōpolēmpsia prosōpolēmptein are used, in imitation of the Hebrew idiom. This suave flattery to Jesus implied “that Jesus was a reckless simpleton” (Bruce). [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Matthew 22:16

Matthew 21:32 In the way of righteousness [εν οδωι δικαιοσυνης]
In the path of righteousness. Compare the two ways in Matthew 7:13, Matthew 7:14 and “the way of God” (Matthew 22:16). [source]
Mark 12:14 Shall we give or shall we not give? [δωμεν η μη δωμεν]
Mark alone repeats the question in this sharp form. The deliberative subjunctive, aorist tense active voice. For the discussion of the palaver and flattery of this group of theological students see Matthew 22:16-22. [source]
Mark 3:6 And straightway with the Herodians took council [ευτυς μετα των ηρωιδιανων]
The Pharisees could stand no more. So out they stalked at once in a rage of madness (Luke 6:11) and outside of the synagogue took counsel (συμβουλιον εποιησαν — sumboulion epoiēsan) or gave counsel (συμβουλιον εδιδουν — sumboulion edidoun as some MSS. have it, imperfect tense, offered counsel as their solution of the problem) with their bitter enemies, the Herodians, on the sabbath day still “how they might destroy him” (οπως αυτον απολεσωσιν — hopōs auton apolesōsin), a striking illustration of the alternatives of Jesus a few moments before, “to save life or to kill.” This is the first mention of the Herodians or adherents of Herod Antipas and the Herod family rather than the Romans. The Pharisees would welcome the help of their rivals to destroy Jesus. In the presence of Jesus they unite their forces as in Mark 8:15; Mark 12:13; Matthew 22:16. [source]
Luke 20:21 Rightly [ορτως]
Matthew (Matthew 22:16) notes that these “spies” were “disciples” (students) of the Pharisees and Mark (Mark 12:13) adds that the Herodians are also involved in the plot. These bright theologues are full of palaver and flattery and openly endorse the teaching of Jesus as part of their scheme. [source]
John 10:13 Because he is a hireling [οτι μιστωτος εστιν]
And only that, without the shepherd heart that loves the sheep. Reason given for the conduct of the hireling after the parenthesis about the wolf. And careth not for the sheep Literally, “and it is no care to him about the sheep.” This use of the impersonal μελει — melei (present active indicative) is quite common, as in Matthew 22:16. But God does care (1 Peter 5:7). [source]
Acts 11:26 They were gathered together with the church [συναχτηναι εν τηι εκκλησιαι]
First aorist passive infinitive of συναγω — sunagō old verb, probably here to meet together as in Matthew 28:12. In Acts 14:27 the verb is used of gathering together the church, but here εν τηι εκκλησιαι — en tēi ekklēsiāi excludes that idea. Barnabas met together “in the church” (note first use of the word for the disciples at Antioch). This peculiar phrase accents the leadership and co-operation of Barnabas and Saul in teaching And that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch (χρηματισαι τε πρωτως εν Αντιοχειαι τους ματητας Χριστιανους — chrēmatisai te prōtōs en Antiocheiāi tous mathētas Christianous). This first active infinitive χρηματισαι — chrēmatisai is also a subject of εγενετο — egeneto and is added as a separate item by the use of τε — te rather than και — kai For the word itself in the sense of divine command, see note on Matthew 2:12, note on Matthew 2:22; note on Luke 2:26; and note on Acts 10:22. Here and in Romans 7:3 it means to be called or named (assuming a name from one‘s business, χρημα — chrēma from χραομαι — chraomai to use or to do business). Polybius uses it in this sense as here. Τους ματητας — Tous mathētas (the disciples) is in the accusative of general reference with the infinitive. Χριστιανους — Christianous (Christians) is simply predicate accusative. This word is made after the pattern of εροδιανυς — Herodianus (Matthew 22:16, ερωιδιανοι — Herōidianoi followers of Herod), Χαεσαριανυς — Caesarianus a follower of Caesar (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 377, gives papyri examples of the genitive Καισαρος — Kaisaros meaning also “belonging to Caesar” like the common adjective Χαεσαριανυς — Caesarianus). It is made thus like a Latin adjective, though it is a Greek word, and it refers to the Hebrew belief in a Messiah (Page). The name was evidently given to the followers of Christ by the Gentiles to distinguish them from the Jews since they were Greeks, not Grecian Jews. The Jews would not call them Christians because of their own use of Χριστος — Christos the Messiah. The Jews termed them Galileans or Nazarenes. The followers of Christ called themselves disciples (learners), believers, brethren, saints, those of the Way. The three uses of Christian in the N.T. are from the heathen standpoint (here), Acts 26:28 (a term of contempt in the mouth of Agrippa), and 1 Peter 4:16 (persecution from the Roman government). It is a clear distinction from both Jews and Gentiles and it is not strange that it came into use first here in Antioch when the large Greek church gave occasion for it. Later Ignatius was bishop in Antioch and was given to the lions in Rome, and John Chrysostom preached here his wonderful sermons. [source]
Acts 11:26 And that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch [χρηματισαι τε πρωτως εν Αντιοχειαι τους ματητας Χριστιανους]
This first active infinitive χρηματισαι — chrēmatisai is also a subject of εγενετο — egeneto and is added as a separate item by the use of τε — te rather than και — kai For the word itself in the sense of divine command, see note on Matthew 2:12, note on Matthew 2:22; note on Luke 2:26; and note on Acts 10:22. Here and in Romans 7:3 it means to be called or named (assuming a name from one‘s business, χρημα — chrēma from χραομαι — chraomai to use or to do business). Polybius uses it in this sense as here. Τους ματητας — Tous mathētas (the disciples) is in the accusative of general reference with the infinitive. Χριστιανους — Christianous (Christians) is simply predicate accusative. This word is made after the pattern of εροδιανυς — Herodianus (Matthew 22:16, ερωιδιανοι — Herōidianoi followers of Herod), Χαεσαριανυς — Caesarianus a follower of Caesar (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 377, gives papyri examples of the genitive Καισαρος — Kaisaros meaning also “belonging to Caesar” like the common adjective Χαεσαριανυς — Caesarianus). It is made thus like a Latin adjective, though it is a Greek word, and it refers to the Hebrew belief in a Messiah (Page). The name was evidently given to the followers of Christ by the Gentiles to distinguish them from the Jews since they were Greeks, not Grecian Jews. The Jews would not call them Christians because of their own use of Χριστος — Christos the Messiah. The Jews termed them Galileans or Nazarenes. The followers of Christ called themselves disciples (learners), believers, brethren, saints, those of the Way. The three uses of Christian in the N.T. are from the heathen standpoint (here), Acts 26:28 (a term of contempt in the mouth of Agrippa), and 1 Peter 4:16 (persecution from the Roman government). It is a clear distinction from both Jews and Gentiles and it is not strange that it came into use first here in Antioch when the large Greek church gave occasion for it. Later Ignatius was bishop in Antioch and was given to the lions in Rome, and John Chrysostom preached here his wonderful sermons. [source]
Galatians 2:6 God accepteth no man's person []
Or more strictly, accepteth not the person of man. Parenthetical. Λαμβάνειν πρόσωπον toreceive or accept the face is a Hebraism. See on James 2:1. In O.T. both in a good and a bad sense; to be gracious, and to show favor from personal or partisan motives. In N.T. only here and Luke 20:21, both in a bad sense. Similar Hebraistic expressions are βλέπειν εἰς πρόσωπον tolook at the face, Matthew 22:16: θαυμάζειν πρόσωπα toadmire the countenances, Judges 1:16: καυχᾶσθαι ἐν προσώπῳ toglory in the face, 2 Corinthians 5:12. [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:9 From the presence [ἀπὸ προσώπου]
Or face. Ἁπὸ fromhas simply the sense of separation. Not from the time of the Lord's appearing, nor by reason of the glory of his presence. Πρόσωπον is variously translated in A.V. Mostly face: also presence, Acts 3:13, Acts 3:19; Acts 5:41: person, Matthew 22:16; Luke 20:21; Galatians 2:6: appearance, 2 Corinthians 5:12; 2 Corinthians 10:1: fashion, James 1:11. The formula ἀπὸ προσώπου or τοῦ προσώπου occurs Acts 3:19; Acts 5:41; Acts 7:45; Revelation 6:16; Revelation 12:14; Revelation 20:11. In lxx, Genesis 3:8; Genesis 4:14, Genesis 4:16; Exodus 14:25, and frequently. [source]
Jude 1:16 Complainers [μεμπσιμοιροι]
Rare word (Isocrates, Aristotle, Plutarch) from μεμπομαι — memphomai to complain and μοιρα — moira lot or fate. Here alone in N.T.Lusts (επιτυμιας — epithumias). As in 2 Peter 3:3.Swelling So in 2 Peter 2:18 (big words).Showing respect of persons (ταυμαζοντες προσωπα — thaumazontes prosōpa). Present active participle of ταυμαζω — thaumazō to admire, to wonder at. Nowhere else in N.T. with προσωπα — prosōpa but a Hebraism (in Leviticus 19:15; Job 13:10) like λαμβανειν προσωπον — lambanein prosōpon (Luke 20:21) and βλεπειν προσωπον — blepein prosōpon (Matthew 22:16) and προσοπωλεμπτεω — prosopōlempteō (James 2:9). Cf. James 2:1.For the sake of advantage To themselves. See also Judges 1:11. The covetousness of these Gnostic leaders is plainly shown in 2 Peter 2:3, 2 Peter 2:14. For χαριν — charin as preposition with genitive see Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 3:14. [source]
Jude 1:16 Swelling [υπερογκα]
So in 2 Peter 2:18 (big words).Showing respect of persons (ταυμαζοντες προσωπα — thaumazontes prosōpa). Present active participle of ταυμαζω — thaumazō to admire, to wonder at. Nowhere else in N.T. with προσωπα — prosōpa but a Hebraism (in Leviticus 19:15; Job 13:10) like λαμβανειν προσωπον — lambanein prosōpon (Luke 20:21) and βλεπειν προσωπον — blepein prosōpon (Matthew 22:16) and προσοπωλεμπτεω — prosopōlempteō (James 2:9). Cf. James 2:1.For the sake of advantage To themselves. See also Judges 1:11. The covetousness of these Gnostic leaders is plainly shown in 2 Peter 2:3, 2 Peter 2:14. For χαριν — charin as preposition with genitive see Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 3:14. [source]
Jude 1:16 Showing respect of persons [ταυμαζοντες προσωπα]
Present active participle of ταυμαζω — thaumazō to admire, to wonder at. Nowhere else in N.T. with προσωπα — prosōpa but a Hebraism (in Leviticus 19:15; Job 13:10) like λαμβανειν προσωπον — lambanein prosōpon (Luke 20:21) and βλεπειν προσωπον — blepein prosōpon (Matthew 22:16) and προσοπωλεμπτεω — prosopōlempteō (James 2:9). Cf. James 2:1. [source]

What do the individual words in Matthew 22:16 mean?

And they send to Him the disciples of them with the Herodians saying Teacher we know that TRUE You are the way - of God in [the] truth You teach not there is care to You about no one for You look on [the] appearance of men
καὶ ἀποστέλλουσιν αὐτῷ τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτῶν μετὰ τῶν Ἡρῳδιανῶν λέγοντες Διδάσκαλε οἴδαμεν ὅτι ἀληθὴς εἶ τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ἀληθείᾳ διδάσκεις οὐ μέλει σοι περὶ οὐδενός γὰρ βλέπεις εἰς πρόσωπον ἀνθρώπων

ἀποστέλλουσιν  they  send 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἀποστέλλω 
Sense: to order (one) to go to a place appointed.
αὐτῷ  to  Him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
μαθητὰς  disciples 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: μαθητής  
Sense: a learner, pupil, disciple.
αὐτῶν  of  them 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
Ἡρῳδιανῶν  Herodians 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: Ἡρῳδιανοί  
Sense: Herodians, i.
λέγοντες  saying 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: λέγω 
Sense: to say, to speak.
Διδάσκαλε  Teacher 
Parse: Noun, Vocative Masculine Singular
Root: διδάσκαλος  
Sense: a teacher. 2 in the NT one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man.
οἴδαμεν  we  know 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Active, 1st Person Plural
Root: οἶδα  
Sense: to see.
ὅτι  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅτι  
Sense: that, because, since.
ἀληθὴς  TRUE 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀληθής  
Sense: true.
εἶ  You  are 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
ὁδὸν  way 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ὁδός 
Sense: properly.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεοῦ  of  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
ἀληθείᾳ  [the]  truth 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀλήθεια  
Sense: objectively.
διδάσκεις  You  teach 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: διδάσκω  
Sense: to teach.
μέλει  there  is  care 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: μέλει 
Sense: to care about.
σοι  to  You 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 2nd Person Singular
Root: σύ  
Sense: you.
περὶ  about 
Parse: Preposition
Root: περί 
Sense: about, concerning, on account of, because of, around, near.
οὐδενός  no  one 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: οὐδείς 
Sense: no one, nothing.
βλέπεις  You  look 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: βλέπω  
Sense: to see, discern, of the bodily eye.
εἰς  on  [the] 
Parse: Preposition
Root: εἰς  
Sense: into, unto, to, towards, for, among.
πρόσωπον  appearance 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: πρόσωπον  
Sense: the face.
ἀνθρώπων  of  men 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: ἄνθρωπος  
Sense: a human being, whether male or female.