Matthew 12:7
But if ye had known what that meant, I desire mercy and not sacrifice; ye would not have condemned the innocent.
Thomas Haweis 1795 New Testament
In The King James Version
In Context
6Now I tell you, That one greater than the temple is here.
8For the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Cross References
Matthew 9:13Go then, and learn what is said, “I require mercy and not sacrifice:” for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Acts 13:27For they who dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, being ignorant of him, and the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath-day, by condemning him have fulfilled them.
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 →