King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:13 Mean?

Matthew 9:13 in the King James Version says “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, bu...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Matthew 9:13 · KJV

Context

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?

15

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

Read Matthew 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6, turning the tables on His Pharisaic critics. They questioned His association with 'publicans and sinners' (Matthew 9:11), revealing their misunderstanding of God's priorities. 'I will have mercy, and not sacrifice' contrasts genuine compassion (ἔλεος/eleos) with mere ritual observance. God desires heart transformation, not religious performance divorced from love. The command 'go ye and learn' (πορευθέντες μάθετε/poreuthentes mathete) is pointed—these Scripture experts needed to study their own texts more carefully! Jesus' mission statement follows: 'I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' This doesn't mean some people are actually righteous apart from grace, but rather exposes the self-righteous who see no need for a Savior. Christ came for those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy and need God's mercy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Tax collectors were despised in Jewish society—collaborators with Rome who often extorted beyond legal requirements. Eating with such people defiled one in Pharisaic eyes, compromising ceremonial purity. Yet Jesus regularly fellowshipped with those the religious establishment excluded (Luke 15:1-2). This embodied the grace He proclaimed—God's kingdom welcomes the spiritually sick who seek healing, not the 'healthy' who deny their need. Early Christians followed this model, creating inclusive communities where social outcasts found belonging (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

Reflection Questions

  1. How might religious activity and moral confidence become obstacles to experiencing God's mercy?
  2. In what ways does the gospel of grace compel us toward the marginalized and 'sinners' rather than the respectable?
  3. What does Jesus' critique reveal about the difference between knowing Scripture and understanding God's heart?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
πορευθέντες1 of 19

“go ye”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

δὲ2 of 19

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

μάθετε3 of 19

“and learn”

G3129

to learn (in any way)

τί4 of 19

“what”

G5101

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

ἐστιν5 of 19

“that meaneth”

G2076

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

Ἔλεον6 of 19

“have mercy”

G1656

compassion (human or divine, especially active)

θέλω7 of 19

“I will”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

καὶ8 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

οὐ9 of 19

“not”

G3756

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

θυσίαν·10 of 19

“sacrifice”

G2378

sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)

οὐ11 of 19

“not”

G3756

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

γὰρ12 of 19

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἦλθον13 of 19

“I am”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καλέσαι14 of 19

“to call”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

δικαίους15 of 19

“the righteous”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

ἀλλ'16 of 19

“but”

G235

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

ἁμαρτωλοὺς17 of 19

“sinners”

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner

εἰς18 of 19

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

μετάνοιαν19 of 19

“repentance”

G3341

(subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision)

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 9:13 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 9:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 2:17Luke 19:10Hosea 6:6Luke 5:32Matthew 12:71 Timothy 1:13-16

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