Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,
Read it in contextThe great commandment and David's Lord
Start reading at Matthew 22:34 (Matthew 22:34 to Matthew 22:46).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The exchange moves from the law's central commands to a question about the Christ that the challengers cannot answer.
22:34But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.
22:35Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,
22:36Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
22:37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
22:38This is the first and great commandment.
22:39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
22:40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
22:41While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
22:42Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David.
22:43He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,
22:44The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
22:45If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
22:46And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 22:1–22:46): Jesus addresses parables and answers challenges involving Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, and a lawyer; the chapter closes with His question to the Pharisees. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The great commandment and David's Lord. Read Matthew 22:34 through Matthew 22:46 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The exchange moves from the law's central commands to a question about the Christ that the challengers cannot answer. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The great commandment and David's Lord (Matthew 22:34 to Matthew 22:46).
Start reading at Matthew 22:34. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 22:34, Matthew 22:46, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostleFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 22
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Connection to the wholeThe feast parable continues the preceding confrontations, joining rejection of the invitation with accountability among those who come.
Connection to the wholeThe exchange moves from the law's central commands to a question about the Christ that the challengers cannot answer.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.