Keraia
Matthew 12

Matthew 12:7

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

Translations

Modern
If only you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.
Traditional
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
Literal
But if you had known what is ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ then you would not have condemned the guiltless.
Latin
Si autem sciretis, quid est: Misericordiam volo, et non sacrificium: numquam condemnassetis innocentes:

Original

Greek
English
If only you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.

Notes

Matthew 12:7

The Pharisees misunderstood the meaning of the Sabbath. Their view went against Scripture because it ignored the greater principle of mercy.

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

Topics

Ecclesiasticism: Arrogance of False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Jesus Formalism: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Defines the Law of the Sabbath on the Occasion of his Disciples Plucking the Ears of Grain Justice: General Scriptures Concerning Pharisees: Traditions of, in Regard to The Sabbath Quotations and Allusions in the New Testament From, and To, the Old Testament Sabbath: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Tradition: Commandments of Men