Matthew 12:7
and if ye had known what that scripture means, "I desire mercy rather than sacrifice," ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
1770 John Worsley NT
In The King James Version
In Context
6But I tell you, that a greater than the temple is here:
8For the Son of man is lord even of the sabbath.
Cross References
Matthew 9:13"I desire mercy rather than sacrifice:" for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.
Acts 13:27For the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and their rulers, not knowing Him, have indeed fulfilled the words of the prophets, which are read every sabbath-day, 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 →