7 If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,'[1]you would not have condemned the innocent.

Other Translations of Matthew 12:7

King James Version

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

English Standard Version

7 And if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless.

The Message

7 If you had any idea what this Scripture meant - 'I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual' - you wouldn't be nitpicking like this.

New King James Version

7 But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless.

New Living Translation

7 But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.'

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 12:7

Commentary on Matthew 12:1-8

(Read Matthew 12:1-8)

Being in the corn-fields, the disciples began to pluck the ears of corn: the law of God allowed it, Deuteronomy 5:14. No law must be understood so as to contradict its own end. And as Christ is the Lord of the sabbath, it is fit the day and the work of it should be dedicated to him.

8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

Other Translations of Matthew 12:8

King James Version

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

English Standard Version

8 For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath."

The Message

8 The Son of Man is no lackey to the Sabbath; he's in charge."

New King James Version

8 For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."

New Living Translation

8 For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!"

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 12:8

Commentary on Matthew 12:1-8

(Read Matthew 12:1-8)

Being in the corn-fields, the disciples began to pluck the ears of corn: the law of God allowed it, Deuteronomy 5:14. No law must be understood so as to contradict its own end. And as Christ is the Lord of the sabbath, it is fit the day and the work of it should be dedicated to him.

6 I tell you that something greater than the temple is here.

Other Translations of Matthew 12:6

King James Version

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

English Standard Version

6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here.

The Message

6 "There is far more at stake here than religion.

New King James Version

6 Yet I say to you that in this place there is One greater than the temple.

New Living Translation

6 I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple!

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 12:6

Commentary on Matthew 12:1-8

(Read Matthew 12:1-8)

Being in the corn-fields, the disciples began to pluck the ears of corn: the law of God allowed it, Deuteronomy 5:14. No law must be understood so as to contradict its own end. And as Christ is the Lord of the sabbath, it is fit the day and the work of it should be dedicated to him.