Matthew 12:7
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
American Standard Version
In The King James Version
In Context
6But I say unto you, that one greater than the temple is here.
8For the Son of man is lord of the sabbath.
Cross References
Joshua 5:5For all the people that came out were circumcised; but all the people that 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 the righteous, And condemn the innocent blood.
Proverbs 17:15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.
Hosea 6:6For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.
Matthew 9:13But go ye and learn what [this] meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.
Acts 13:27For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled [them] by condemning [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 →