Matthew 22:15Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk.
The setting
Jerusalem, Tuesday of Passion Week, ~30 AD. In a back room or courtyard, Pharisees huddle together, whispering plans. The tension is thick — they know Jesus is winning the crowds.
The emotion here: carefully documenting the mounting danger
The original word
pagideuo (παγιδεύω) — to trap with a snare, like catching a wild animal
Why it matters
The Pharisees and Herodians were normally enemies, but united against Jesus
Read with care
What most readers miss in Matthew 22:15
This happens RIGHT after Jesus told parables that exposed their corruption — they're not just annoyed, they're desperate
Common misconceptionThis seems like random opposition, but it's the climax of mounting tension. Jesus has spent three days in the temple, systematically dismantling their authority.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Matthew 22:15
Bible Genome reading
Matthew 22:15 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Matthew 22:15 comes from the book of Matthew, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Matthew. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 10% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include plotting, opposition. Notable phrases: took counsel; entrap him.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Matthew 22:15 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "deciding"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.