King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:12 Mean?

Matthew 9:12 in the King James Version says “But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.”

Matthew 9:12 · KJV

Context

10

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

11

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

12

But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

13

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

14

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

Read Matthew 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' response—'They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick' (ου χρειαν εχουσιν οι ισχυοντες ιατρου αλλ οι κακως εχοντες)—uses medical metaphor to explain His mission. The 'whole' (healthy) versus 'sick' comparison exposes Pharisaic self-righteousness. Pharisees considered themselves spiritually healthy and sinners as diseased. Jesus doesn't dispute the metaphor but inverts its application: those who recognize their spiritual sickness seek the Physician; those who deny their illness remain fatally diseased. The Pharisees' problem isn't absence of sin but refusal to acknowledge it. Jesus comes not for the self-righteous but for those who recognize desperate need. This is gospel: diagnosis (you're sick unto death) and remedy (Jesus is the only cure).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Medical imagery was common in Jewish wisdom literature. Philo and other Jewish writers described Torah as medicine for the soul. Jesus appropriates this imagery but applies it personally—He is the Physician. In the ancient world, doctors made house calls to the sick; they didn't wait for patients to come to them. Similarly, Jesus seeks sinners rather than waiting for them to achieve righteousness first. Early church fathers elaborated this medical metaphor extensively, seeing sin as sickness and Christ as divine Physician.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing our spiritual sickness lead to seeking Jesus as Physician?
  2. What is the relationship between self-righteousness and missing our need for Jesus?
  3. In what ways are you currently 'sick' and needing Jesus' healing touch?

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

Ἰησοῦς3 of 16

“when Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἀκούσας4 of 16

“heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

εἶπεν5 of 16

“that he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς,6 of 16

“unto them”

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

Οὐ7 of 16

“not”

G3756

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

χρείαν8 of 16

“need”

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

ἔχοντες9 of 16

“They that be”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

οἱ10 of 16
G3588

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

ἰσχύοντες11 of 16

“whole”

G2480

to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)

ἰατροῦ12 of 16

“a physician”

G2395

a physician

ἀλλ'13 of 16

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οἱ14 of 16
G3588

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

κακῶς15 of 16

“sick”

G2560

badly (physically or morally)

ἔχοντες16 of 16

“They that be”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

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 9:12 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 9:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 5:31Revelation 3:17-18Luke 9:11Mark 2:17Jeremiah 33:6Psalms 147:3

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