New Testament
Matthew 22:42
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus poses a question to the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah, referred to as 'the Christ.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
"What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" They answered, "He is the son of David."
Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus poses a question to the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah, referred to as 'the Christ.' He asks them whose son the Christ is, prompting them to reflect on their understanding of the Scriptures. They respond by saying that the Christ is the 'son of David,' which aligns with the Jewish belief that the Messiah would come from David's lineage. This exchange highlights the common expectation of a political savior who would restore Israel's glory. However, Jesus uses this moment to challenge their limited view of the Messiah, suggesting that he is more than just a descendant of David. This interaction sets the stage for deeper theological discussions about Jesus' true nature and mission, emphasizing that he is both human and divine, fulfilling the prophecies in ways they did not anticipate. Explore related stress.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 22:42 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own understanding of Jesus. Are we limiting him to our expectations, or are we open to the fullness of who he is? Reflecting on Christ's identity can deepen our faith and understanding of his role in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 22:42 mean?
Matthew 22:42 captures a moment where Jesus questions the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah, asking whose son he is. They respond that he is the 'son of David,' reflecting their belief in a Messiah from David's lineage, but Jesus uses this to challenge their understanding of his true nature.
What is the significance of 'son of David' in Matthew 22:42?
The term 'son of David' signifies the Jewish expectation that the Messiah would come from King David's lineage. This title emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's ancestry, but Jesus aims to expand their understanding beyond this limited view.
How does Matthew 22:42 relate to the identity of Christ?
Matthew 22:42 relates to the identity of Christ by illustrating the contrast between the Pharisees' expectation of a political savior and Jesus' true nature as both human and divine. It invites readers to consider a broader perspective on who the Messiah is.
What does Jesus' question reveal in Matthew 22:42?
Jesus' question in Matthew 22:42 reveals his intention to provoke thought among the Pharisees about their understanding of Scripture and the Messiah. It challenges them to reconsider their assumptions and recognize that the Christ is more than just a descendant of David.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.