King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:14 Mean?

Matthew 12:14 in the King James Version says “Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. held: or, took counsel” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. held: or, took counsel”

Matthew 12:14 · KJV

Context

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;

16

And charged them that they should not make him known:

Read Matthew 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.' The Pharisees' response to Jesus's merciful sabbath healing is murderous plot. The verse exposes the depth of their spiritual darkness: confronted with compassionate miracle demonstrating Christ's divine authority, they don't worship but conspire to kill. The phrase 'held a council' (συμβούλιον ἐλάβον/symboulion elabon) indicates formal deliberation—premeditated murder, not passionate outburst. Their motive: Jesus threatened their religious system, authority, and interpretation of Torah. Reformed theology recognizes this as demonstrating total depravity's frightening depths: even religious experts, steeped in Scripture, can become Christ's enemies when self-righteousness hardens hearts. The irony is tragic: they're about to violate 'Thou shalt not kill' while claiming zeal for God's law. This also marks an escalation: opposition moves from criticism to assassination plot. Jesus continues ministering (v.15) despite knowing their intent—model of faithfulness regardless of danger.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This is the first explicit plot to kill Jesus recorded in Matthew, though John mentions earlier attempts (John 5:18). The Pharisees partnered with Herodians (Mark 3:6)—normally opposed groups united against Jesus. Herodians were Jews supporting Herod's dynasty and Roman collaboration; Pharisees opposed Roman rule and Herodian corruption. Yet both felt threatened by Jesus—He undermined both religious and political establishments. The 'council' (συμβούλιον/symboulion) was informal plotting, distinct from formal Sanhedrin trial (though Pharisees had Sanhedrin representation). Jewish law prohibited capital punishment without Roman approval (John 18:31), so they'd need either Roman cooperation or mob violence to kill Jesus. This plot wouldn't succeed immediately—Jesus's ministry continued over a year—but their determination never wavered, culminating in crucifixion. Church history shows similar patterns: religious authorities often persecute genuine reformers and prophets threatening their power. Jesus warned His followers to expect the same treatment (Matthew 10:17-25).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can religious people so committed to God's law become murderous toward God's Son—what spiritual dynamics produce this?
  2. What does the Pharisees' plot reveal about dangers of prioritizing religious system over encountering God Himself?
  3. How should Christians respond when faithful ministry provokes hostile opposition from religious authorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
οἱ1 of 11
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 11

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

Φαρισαῖοι3 of 11

“the Pharisees”

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

συμβούλιον4 of 11

“a council”

G4824

advisement; specially, a deliberative body, i.e., the provincial assessors or lay-court

ἔλαβον5 of 11

“and held”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

κατ'6 of 11

“against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

αὐτὸν7 of 11

“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

ἐξελθόντες8 of 11

“went out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ὅπως9 of 11

“how”

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

αὐτὸν10 of 11

“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

ἀπολέσωσιν11 of 11

“they might destroy”

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

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 12:14 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 12:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 11:53John 5:18Mark 3:6Luke 6:11John 10:39Matthew 26:4

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