Why did Jesus call the Pharisees hypocrites in Matthew 22:18? Text of Matthew 22:18 “But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?’” Immediate Literary Context Matthew 22:15-22 depicts an unlikely coalition of Pharisees and Herodians approaching Jesus during the final week before the crucifixion. Their flattering preface—“Teacher, we know You are truthful…” (v. 16)—was designed to mask a trap: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (v. 17). A “yes” would anger nationalist Jews who loathed Rome’s poll-tax; a “no” could be reported to the governor as sedition. Verse 18 exposes the ruse: Jesus discerns their malicious intent and labels them “hypocrites.” Historical Setting: Pharisees, Herodians, and Roman Taxation The Pharisees (Heb. perushim, “separatists”) championed strict oral-law traditions and popular piety; the Herodians were political supporters of the Herodian dynasty and, by extension, Rome. Josephus (Ant. 18.1.3) notes the daily friction between Pharisaic rigor and Roman authority, making their alliance here transparently tactical. The poll-tax (κῆνσος, kēnsos) introduced in A.D. 6 (cf. Acts 5:37) symbolized Gentile domination, inflaming Jewish conscience and spawning revolts. By uniting, the two camps hoped to force Jesus into a treasonous or unpopular statement. Meaning of “Hypocrites” in the First-Century Greek Ὑποκριταί (hypokritai) originally denoted stage actors who wore masks. By the first century it signified anyone who outwardly projected virtue while concealing contrary motives. Jesus applies the term to people whose external religiosity hides internal corruption (cf. Matthew 6:2, 5, 16; 15:7; 23:13-29). Why the Pharisees’ Approach Was Hypocritical 1. Feigned Respect: They call Him “Teacher” and commend His impartiality (v. 16) while plotting His downfall. 2. Pretense of Moral Inquiry: They posture as seekers of Torah fidelity, yet their real aim is political entrapment. 3. Masked Malice: Matthew explicitly names their motive as “kakia” (malice, v. 18). Outward smiles concealed murderous intent (cf. 22:15; 26:3-4). Jesus’ Divine Insight into Their Hearts Scripture testifies that the Messiah “knew all men… He knew what was in man” (John 2:24-25). His immediate awareness of their hidden scheme fulfills Yahweh’s prerogative in 1 Samuel 16:7 and Jeremiah 17:10. The episode evidences divine omniscience and authenticates Jesus’ identity. Consistency with Earlier Warnings Against Hypocrisy Matthew has repeatedly recorded Jesus’ censure of hypocrisy: • Sermon on the Mount—public almsgiving, prayer, and fasting (6:2-18). • Conflict over hand-washing—quoting Isaiah 29:13, “This people honors Me with their lips… but their hearts are far from Me” (15:7-9). • Seven woes—“You clean the outside of the cup… but inside they are full of greed” (23:25). Calling the Pharisees “hypocrites” in 22:18 coheres with this sustained theme. Matthew’s Theological Emphasis on Inner Righteousness Matthew contrasts external legalism with the kingdom ethic of transformed hearts (5:20; 12:33-37). By unmasking hypocrisy, Jesus reaffirms that genuine righteousness originates from a regenerate inner life—something the Law points toward but cannot itself produce (cf. Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 26:28). Practical Implications for Believers Today 1. Authenticity: Worship and ethics must flow from sincere devotion, not image-management. 2. Discernment: Flattery may cloak hostility; spiritual wisdom asks God for insight (Philippians 1:9-10). 3. Allegiance: Like the coin that bore Caesar’s image, humans bear God’s image; therefore, “render… to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Key Cross References Isa 29:13; Psalm 62:4; Proverbs 26:24-26; Matthew 6:2-18; 15:1-9; 23:1-36; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26; John 2:24-25; Galatians 2:13; 1 Peter 2:1. Summary Jesus called the Pharisees “hypocrites” in Matthew 22:18 because their flattering inquiry concealed malicious intent. The term exposes the gulf between their outward religiosity and inward motive, aligning with Matthew’s wider indictment of externalism and underscoring Jesus’ divine authority to read hearts. The episode warns every generation to pursue integrity of heart before God, whose image we bear and to whom we ultimately “render” all. |
    |