King James Version
What Does Matthew 12:13 Mean?
“Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.”
Context
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.
13
Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.
14
Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. held: or, took counsel
15
But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(13) **Then saith he to the man.**—St. Mark, with his usual vividness, adds the look and gesture and feeling which accompanied the words, “looking round about on them with anger, being grieved at the hardness of their hearts.”
**It was restored whole**—*i.e.,* as the tense implies, in the act of stretching the hand forth. The man’s ready obedience to the command, which if he had not believed in the power of Jesus would have seemed an idle mockery, was, *ipso facto,* a proof that he had “faith to be healed.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 12:13 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 12:13
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge