Keraia
Matthew 12

Matthew 12:6

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

Translations

Modern
But I tell you that One greater than the temple is here.
Traditional
But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
Literal
But I say to you that a greater One than the temple is here.
Latin
Dico autem vobis, quia templo major est hic.

Original

Greek
English
But I tell you that One greater than the temple is here.

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

Glossary

Ahimelech Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Biblical Concept of Law Bread of the Presence Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ Miracle Sabbath Temple Withered Hand Worship

Topics

Church: Christ, Head of 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 Jesus, the Christ: King Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Sabbath Sabbath: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Tradition: Commandments of Men