Tag Archives: Matthew 22:22

Silenced by Wisdom: A Greek Look at Matthew 22:22

Καὶ ἀκούσαντες ἐθαύμασαν, καὶ ἀφέντες αὐτὸν ἀπῆλθον. (Matthew 22:22)

And when they heard, they marveled, and leaving him, they went away.

Reaction to an Unexpected Answer This verse records the response of the Pharisees and Herodians after Jesus answered their question about paying taxes to Caesar (cf. Matthew 22:21). The Greek expresses astonishment and quiet retreat—a common theme in confrontations with Jesus’ wisdom. Astonishment

ἀκούσαντες ἐθαύμασαν – “When they heard, they marveled.”

ἀκούσαντες – aorist active participle of ἀκούω, “having heard.” The participle marks temporal sequence. ἐθαύμασαν – aorist active indicative of θαυμάζω, “to marvel, be amazed.” Often used in the Gospels to describe reactions to Jesus’ words or works.… Learn Koine Greek
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