King James Version
What Does Matthew 12:7 Mean?
“But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.”
Context
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.
9
And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **I will have mercy, and not sacrifice.**—Yet a third argument follows from the Old Testament (Hosea 6:6). The teachers or interpreters of the Law had failed to catch the meaning of the simplest utterances of the prophets. “Mercy and not sacrifice,” moral and not positive duties, these made up the true life of religion, and were alone acceptable to God. It was because they had inverted the right relation of the two that they had, in this instance, condemned those whom our Lord now declares to have been in this respect absolutely guiltless.
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 12:7 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 12:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge