King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:3 Mean?

Matthew 12:3 in the King James Version says “But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;”

Matthew 12:3 · KJV

Context

1

At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.

2

But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.

3

But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;

4

How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread , which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?

5

Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus appeals to Scripture: 'Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him' (ουκ ανεγνωτε τι εποιησεν Δαυιδ οτε επεινασεν και οι μετ αυτου). 'Have ye not read' (ουκ ανεγνωτε) is rhetorical rebuke—of course they've read it; they're Scripture scholars. Jesus references 1 Samuel 21:1-6 where David, fleeing Saul, ate showbread reserved for priests (Leviticus 24:5-9). Technically unlawful, but God didn't condemn David because human need took precedence over ceremonial law. Jesus argues from Scripture itself: the very text you claim to uphold supports prioritizing compassion over ceremony. This devastates their argument: biblical precedent justifies the disciples' actions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's eating of showbread was well-known biblical account. Rabbis acknowledged this apparent law violation. Jesus uses their own Scripture to dismantle their accusation. The showbread sat on the table in the tabernacle, twelve loaves representing Israel's tribes, replaced weekly with fresh bread. Old loaves went to priests only (Leviticus 24:9). David's emergency situation justified exception. Jesus establishes interpretive principle: ceremonial laws serve human flourishing; when conflict arises, mercy wins. Early church applied this principle to food laws (Mark 7:19, Acts 10), recognizing ceremonial laws' subordination to love.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus model using Scripture to interpret Scripture?
  2. What does David's example teach about mercy over ceremony?
  3. How can we discern when human need legitimately takes precedence over religious rules?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὁ1 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 16

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῦ4 of 16

“that were with 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

Οὐκ5 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀνέγνωτε6 of 16

“Have ye”

G314

to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read

τί7 of 16

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐποίησεν8 of 16

“did”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Δαβὶδ,9 of 16

“David”

G1138

david, the israelite king

ὅτε10 of 16

“when”

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἐπείνασεν11 of 16

“he was an hungred”

G3983

to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave

αὐτοῦ12 of 16

“that were with 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

καὶ13 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

οἱ14 of 16
G3588

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

μετ'15 of 16

“they”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτοῦ16 of 16

“that were with 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 12:3 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 12:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 21:3-6Luke 6:3Mark 2:25-26Mark 12:10Matthew 21:16Matthew 12:5

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