Matthew 12:7
But if ye had known what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the innocent.
A Conservative Version
In The King James Version
In Context
6But I say to you, that a greater than the temple is here.
8For the Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath.
Cross References
Joshua 5:5For all the people who came out were circumcised, but all the people who were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, they had not circumcised.
Psalms 94:21They gather themselves together against the soul of a righteous man, and condemn innocent blood.
Proverbs 17:15He who justifies a wicked man, and he who condemns a righteous man, both of them alike are an abomination to LORD.
Hosea 6:6For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.
Matthew 9:13But after going, learn what this means, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners for repentance.
Acts 13:27For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, not having known this and the voices of the prophets being read at every Sabbath, they fulfilled, having condemned him.
Matthew Henry on Matthew 12:2-14
Christ Vindicates His Disciples. 1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. 3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; 4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the showbread, which was not lawful for him… Read the whole commentary →