King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:6 Mean?

Matthew 12:6 in the King James Version says “But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 12:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

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

Read Matthew 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.' This statement is breathtaking in its implications. The temple was Judaism's central institution—the location of God's special presence, the site of sacrifice and worship, the heart of Israel's religious life. Yet Jesus claims to be 'greater than the temple' (μεῖζόν/meizon). He doesn't merely say He's important; He says He surpasses the temple in significance and authority. Since the temple represented God's dwelling with His people, Jesus's claim implicitly asserts deity—He is God dwelling with humanity (Matthew 1:23, 'Emmanuel, God with us'). If Jesus is greater than the temple, He possesses authority over temple regulations, sabbath laws, and ceremonial system. Reformed theology sees this as Christology: Jesus is the true temple (John 2:19-21), the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. He supersedes all Old Testament institutions—they pointed to Him and find fulfillment in Him. The phrase 'in this place' (ὧδε/hōde) refers not to location but to Jesus's presence: wherever He is, there is something greater than the temple.

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Historical & Cultural Context

For first-century Jews, the temple was central to identity, faith, and practice. Rebuilt by Herod beginning in 20 BC, the temple was magnificent—Josephus describes its grandeur, white marble and gold gleaming in the sun. Pilgrims traveled from throughout the known world for feasts. The temple represented God's covenant with Israel, His dwelling among them, the means of atonement through sacrifice. To claim superiority over the temple was either blasphemy or divine truth—no middle ground existed. Jesus's claim foreshadowed His prediction of the temple's destruction (Matthew 24:1-2, fulfilled in 70 AD), His identification as the true temple (John 2:19-21), and the new covenant reality where believers corporately are God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 2:19-22). The early church wrestled with this transition: Acts 15 and Galatians address whether Gentiles need temple-based Judaism. The book of Hebrews extensively argues Christ supersedes temple, priesthood, and sacrifices. Jesus's claim in Matthew 12:6 anticipated all this: the old order was passing; the new had come.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus being 'greater than the temple' transform your understanding of worship—from location-based to Person-centered?
  2. What does it mean practically that believers are now God's temple through Christ's Spirit rather than through physical structures?
  3. How should this verse shape your reading of Old Testament passages about the temple—seeing them as pointing to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
λέγω1 of 9

“I say”

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

δὲ2 of 9

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμῖν3 of 9

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι4 of 9

“That”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τοῦ5 of 9
G3588

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

ἱεροῦ6 of 9

“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)

μείζων7 of 9

“greater than”

G3187

larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)

ἐστιν8 of 9

“is one”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὧδε9 of 9

“in this place”

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

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 12:6 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 12:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 12:41-422 Chronicles 6:181 Peter 2:4-5Malachi 3:1John 2:19-21Ephesians 2:20-22

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