King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:5 Mean?

Matthew 12:5 in the King James Version says “Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blam...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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?”

Matthew 12:5 · KJV

Context

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?

6

But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.

7

But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

Read Matthew 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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?' Jesus's second argument appeals to ongoing temple practice: priests work on the sabbath—offering sacrifices (Numbers 28:9-10), changing showbread, trimming lamps—technically violating the sabbath rest command, yet they're 'blameless' (ἀναίτιοί/anaitioi, guiltless). The apparent contradiction dissolves when properly understood: sabbath regulations served God's worship, so necessary temple work didn't violate sabbath intent. Jesus's logic builds: if priests' sabbath work is lawful because it serves God's worship (lesser), how much more is disciples' work lawful when attending Jesus (greater)? Verse 6 completes the argument: 'one greater than the temple' is here. Reformed theology sees this demonstrating that New Testament principles supersede Old Testament regulations. The sabbath pointed forward to rest in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10); He is its fulfillment. Ceremonial sabbath regulations, like all ceremonial law, find their meaning and conclusion in Him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Levitical priests conducted extensive sabbath work: the morning and evening burnt offerings (Numbers 28:3-4) plus additional sabbath-specific offerings (Numbers 28:9-10)—two additional lambs, drink offerings, grain offerings. This required killing animals, preparing fires, arranging sacrifices, disposing remains—all typically prohibited sabbath activities. Yet God commanded these sabbath sacrifices, demonstrating that His worship superseded sabbath rest. Pharisaic tradition acknowledged this exception—priests were guiltless—but hadn't extended the principle properly. Jesus did: if God's house (temple) justifies sabbath work, how much more does God's Son? The phrase 'have ye not read' (οὐκ ἀνέγνωτε/ouk anegnōte) is pointed: Jesus addresses Scripture experts, exposing their selective reading. They knew priests worked on sabbaths but hadn't grasped the principle: sabbath serves God's purposes; it doesn't bind God or His authorized representatives. The early church applied this: they transferred sabbath principle to Sunday (Resurrection day—Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Revelation 1:10) and rejected sabbatarian legalism (Colossians 2:16-17).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that Jesus is 'greater than the temple' affect your understanding of Old Testament ceremonial laws?
  2. What principles for sabbath observance can you derive from this passage—how do Christians practice sabbath rest today?
  3. In what ways might contemporary Christians fall into sabbatarian legalism, adding human traditions to biblical principles?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἢ1 of 20

“Or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

οὐκ2 of 20

“not”

G3756

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

ἀνέγνωτε3 of 20

“have ye”

G314

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

ἐν4 of 20

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ5 of 20
G3588

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

νόμῳ6 of 20

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ὅτι7 of 20

“how that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τοῖς8 of 20
G3588

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

σάββατον9 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,

οἱ10 of 20
G3588

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

ἱερεῖς11 of 20

“the priests”

G2409

a priest (literally or figuratively)

ἐν12 of 20

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ13 of 20
G3588

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

ἱερῷ14 of 20

“the temple”

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

τὸ15 of 20
G3588

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

σάββατον16 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,

βεβηλοῦσιν17 of 20

“profane”

G953

to desecrate

καὶ18 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

ἀναίτιοί19 of 20

“blameless”

G338

innocent

εἰσιν20 of 20

“are”

G1526

they are

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 12:5 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 12:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 28:9-10John 7:22-23Nehemiah 13:17

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 12 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes