Devine Scripture

Matthew 12:3

What does Matthew 12:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 12:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 12:3 means

Jesus answers by pointing to David’s hunger—an Old Testament example used to justify action in necessity. He asks if they’ve read about that event, redirecting the debate to Scripture and precedent. Jesus implies that Scripture recognizes emergencies and human need, and that rigid rules should yield to higher principles. This response also asserts Jesus’ authority to reinterpret the law by appealing to the law’s own witnesses, showing that compassion has precedent in Israel’s story.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But he said to them, Have you no knowledge of what David did when he had need of food, and those who were with him?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said to them, `Did ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, himself and those with him--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he said to them: Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and they that were with him:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he said to them, Have ye not read what David did when he was hungry, and they that were with him?

Context

Jesus’ appeal to David comes as his first defense against the Pharisees’ charge. This begins a short teaching that uses Scripture to reframe Sabbath law. It also undercuts the Pharisees’ moral certainty by reminding them of their own revered texts and traditions, preparing for a fuller argument about mercy versus sacrifice.

v.2But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do upon the sabbath.

v.3This passage

v.4how he entered into the house of God, and ate the showbread, which it was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them that were with him, but only for the priests?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 21:16

    and said unto him, Hearest thou what these are saying? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea: did ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

  • Mark 2:25

    And he said unto them, Did ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was hungry, he, and they that were with him?

  • Matthew 22:31

    But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,

  • Luke 10:26

    And he said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

  • Matthew 19:4

    And he answered and said, Have ye not read, that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,

  • Mark 12:10

    Have ye not read even this scripture: The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 12

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 12.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 12:3.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary