New Testament
Matthew 22:33
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When the crowd heard this, they were amazed at his teaching.
Compare translations
And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
What Matthew 22:33 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the reaction of the crowd to Jesus' teaching. The word 'amazed' or 'astonished' indicates that what Jesus said was not only surprising but also profound. His teachings often challenged the existing beliefs and interpretations of the law, leading people to rethink their understanding of God and His commandments. The crowd's amazement reflects their recognition of Jesus' authority and wisdom, which set Him apart from other teachers of the law. This moment highlights the impact of Jesus' words and the way they resonated with the people, prompting them to consider deeper spiritual truths. It also serves as a reminder of the power of effective teaching and the importance of being open to new insights that can transform our understanding of faith and life.
How to apply Matthew 22:33 to your life
When we encounter teachings that challenge our beliefs, we should approach them with an open mind. Like the crowd, we can be amazed and learn from new perspectives. This encourages us to grow in our understanding of faith and to seek deeper truths in our spiritual journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Questions in the Temple (Matthew 22:15–46)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 22:33
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 22:33
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 22:33 mean?
Matthew 22:33 describes the crowd's reaction to Jesus' teaching, indicating that they were both surprised and impressed by His profound insights. This reaction highlights Jesus' unique authority and the impact of His words on those who heard Him.
What is the significance of the crowd's reaction in Matthew 22:33?
The crowd's amazement in Matthew 22:33 signifies their recognition of Jesus' wisdom and authority, which set Him apart from other teachers. Their astonishment reflects the transformative power of His teachings and the challenge they posed to existing beliefs.
What does 'amazed' mean in Matthew 22:33?
In Matthew 22:33, 'amazed' means that the crowd was deeply surprised and impressed by Jesus' teachings. It suggests that His words resonated with them and prompted a reevaluation of their understanding of spiritual truths.
How can we apply the lesson from Matthew 22:33 in our lives?
We can apply the lesson from Matthew 22:33 by remaining open to new ideas and teachings that challenge our beliefs. This openness can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of our faith.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.