Paragraph 22:18–21

22:18a

But: This conjunction indicates a bit of a contrast between what the questioners wanted and the anwer that Jesus gave them. Here is another way to translate this word:

However (Good News Translation)

Jesus, aware of: The Greek verb that the English Standard Version translates as aware of also means “knew.” It’s possible that the author intended us to understand that Jesus knew this supernaturally. But it is more likely that he was able to discern their motives just based on who they were and the question they asked. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Jesus knew (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Jesus realized (NET Bible)
-or-
Jesus recognized (God’s Word)

their malice: The Greek word that the English Standard Version translates as malice is a form of the word usually translated “evil.” It describes a lack of moral or social value. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

their evil intention (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
their evil plan (Good News Translation)

22:18b

Why put me to the test…?: This is a rhetorical question. It is a rebuke. Jesus asked this question to rebuke the Herodians and the disciples of the Pharisees for trying to trick him.

Here are some ways to translate this rebuke:

• Use a rhetorical question. For example:

Why are you trying to test me? (Contemporary English Version)

• Use a command. For example:

You should not try to test/trick me!

• Use a statement. For example:

You are asking that question to cause trouble for me. (Easy English Bible)
-or-
you are just wanting me to say something for which you can accuse me. (Translation for Translators)

Why put me to the test: The Greek verb that the English Standard Version translates as put to the test means means “try to trick/trap.”

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Why are you trying to test me? (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Why are you trying to trap me? (New Century Version)

This same verb is in 16:1b. Translate it the same way here.

you hypocrites: The Greek word that the English Standard Version translates as hypocrites literally refers to actors (in the theater). Figuratively it refers to people who pretend to be something that they are not. They say that they believe one thing, but they do something different. Or they appear religious or spiritual on the outside, but they do not have true hearts that desire to please God.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

pretenders

-or-

deceivers

This word is also in 7:5a. Translate it the same way here.

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