Matthew 12:7
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
Webster Bible
In The King James Version
In Context
6But I say to you, that in this place is one greater than the temple.
8For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath.
Cross References
Joshua 5:5Now 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 from Egypt, them they had not circumcised.
Psalms 94:21They assemble themselves against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
Proverbs 17:15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
Hosea 6:6For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice: and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.
Matthew 9:13But 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.
Acts 13:27For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the words of the prophets which are read every sabbath, they have fulfilled them in 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 →