Keraia
Matthew 12

Matthew 12:5

The Lord of the Sabbath · Matthew 12:1–8
Read Matthew 12

Translations

Modern
Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are innocent?
Traditional
Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?
Literal
Or did you not read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless?
Latin
…aut non legistis in lege quia sabbatis sacerdotes in templo sabbatum violant, et sine crimine sunt?

Original

Greek
English
Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are innocent?

Notes

Matthew 12:5–6

Priests worked on the Sabbath (Leviticus 24:8–9; Numbers 28:9–10), and the Pharisees did not find this offensive. If the priests’ work for the temple on the Sabbath is allowed, then certainly Jesus can do the same because he is greater than the temple (see Matthew 4:23; 9:35; 11:2–6, 20–30).

Matthew 12:3–7

The Pharisees did not understand that God designed the Sabbath to benefit people. They made it a heavy burden instead.

Matthew 12:1–8

This exchange shows the Pharisees' lack of compassion as they placed a heavy burden on others (Matthew 11:29–30).

Matthew 12:1–14

Matthew closely connects the offer of rest Jesus gives (Matthew 11:28–30) with a discussion about the Sabbath. The rest Jesus offers liberates people from human traditions about the Sabbath (see Hebrews 4:1–11). The Pharisees rejected Jesus because they had a commitment to their tradition.

Events

Parallels

1 Samuel 21:1–7 Mark 2:23–28 Luke 6:1–5

People

Sabbath: The seventh day of the week, set apart for rest and worship

Glossary

Ahimelech Biblical Concept of Law Bread of the Presence Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ Miracle Sabbath Withered Hand

Topics

Ecclesiasticism: Arrogance of False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Jesus Jesus, the Christ: Defines the Law of the Sabbath on the Occasion of his Disciples Plucking the Ears of Grain Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Sabbath Sabbath: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Sabbath: Works Connected with Religious Service Lawful On Tradition: Commandments of Men Working on the Sabbath