King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:10 Mean?

Matthew 12:10 in the King James Version says “And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbat...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.”

Matthew 12:10 · KJV

Context

8

For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

9

And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:

10

And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.

11

And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?

12

How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

Read Matthew 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.' The scene sets up conflict: a man needing healing encounters Jesus in the synagogue while hostile Pharisees watch. The man's 'withered hand' (ξηρὰν χεῖρα/xēran cheira) was paralyzed or atrophied—not life-threatening but significantly debilitating. The Pharisees' question—'Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath?'—appears sincere but is actually trap: they're seeking grounds to 'accuse him' (κατηγορήσωσιν/katēgorēsōsin, a legal term for formal charges). Their concern isn't theology or the man's welfare but catching Jesus in sabbath violation. This reveals the depth of their hardness: they valued theological system over human suffering, religious tradition over compassion. Reformed theology identifies this as dead religion: more concerned with rules than relationships, system than substance, appearances than reality. The contrast is striking: Jesus cares about the suffering man; Pharisees care about trapping Jesus. Which priority reflects God's heart?

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pharisaic sabbath tradition prohibited healing except in life-threatening emergencies. Since the withered hand wasn't immediately dangerous, healing could theoretically wait until after sabbath. The Pharisees had developed extensive case law about permissible sabbath activities. The Mishnah (codified around 200 AD but reflecting earlier tradition) contains elaborate sabbath regulations: 39 categories of prohibited work, subcategories for each, endless debates about borderline cases. Jesus repeatedly violated not biblical sabbath commands but Pharisaic traditions built around them. This conflict eventually contributed to His execution. Interestingly, Luke (a physician) adds detail: it was the man's right hand (Luke 6:6), making the disability especially problematic in a right-handed dominant culture. The healing would demonstrate Jesus's authority over sabbath and His priorities: mercy over ritual. The Pharisees' hostile surveillance ('they watched him'—Mark 3:2) shows premeditated attempt to entrap Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you seen religious systems prioritize rules over people's genuine needs?
  2. How do you maintain theological conviction while avoiding the Pharisees' hard-hearted legalism?
  3. What does this scene teach about Jesus's priorities—how should churches balance doctrinal fidelity with compassionate ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδού,2 of 20

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἄνθρωπος3 of 20

“a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἦν4 of 20

“there was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

τὴν5 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χεῖρα6 of 20

“his hand”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

ἔχων7 of 20

“which had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ξηράν,8 of 20

“withered”

G3584

arid; by implication, shrunken, earth (as opposed to water)

καὶ9 of 20

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπηρώτησαν10 of 20

“they asked”

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

αὐτοῦ11 of 20

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

λέγοντες12 of 20

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Εἰ13 of 20

“Is it lawful”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἔξεστιν14 of 20
G1832

so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it

τοῖς15 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σάββασιν16 of 20

“on the sabbath days”

G4521

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

θεραπεύειν17 of 20

“to heal”

G2323

to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)

ἵνα18 of 20

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

κατηγορήσωσιν19 of 20

“they might accuse”

G2723

to be a plaintiff, i.e., to charge with some offence

αὐτοῦ20 of 20

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 12:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 12:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 13:14John 9:16John 8:6John 5:10Luke 11:54Matthew 22:17-18

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