Matius 22:16

22:16 They sent to him their disciples along with the Herodians, ¹  saying, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful, and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. ²  You do not court anyone’s favor because you show no partiality. ³ 

Matius 26:49-50

26:49 Immediately ⁴  he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi,” and kissed him. ⁵  26:50 Jesus ⁶  said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and took hold ⁷  of Jesus and arrested him.

[22:16]  ¹ sn The Herodians are mentioned in the NT only once in Matt (22:16 = Mark 12:13) and twice in Mark (3:6; 12:13; some mss also read “Herodians” instead of “Herod” in Mark 8:15). It is generally assumed that as a group the Herodians were Jewish supporters of the Herodian dynasty (or of Herod Antipas in particular). In every instance they are linked with the Pharisees. This probably reflects agreement regarding political objectives (nationalism as opposed to submission to the yoke of Roman oppression) rather than philosophy or religious beliefs.

[22:16]  ² sn Teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Very few comments are as deceitful as this one; they did not really believe this at all. The question of the Pharisees and Herodians was specifically designed to trap Jesus.

[22:16]  ³ tn Grk “And it is not a concern to you about anyone because you do not see the face of men.”

[26:49]  ⁴ tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated.

[26:49]  ⁵ sn Judas’ act of betrayal when he kissed Jesus is especially sinister when it is realized that it was common in the culture of the times for a disciple to kiss his master when greeting him.

[26:50]  ⁶ tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

[26:50]  ⁷ tn Grk “and put their hands on Jesus.”