Devine Scripture

Matthew 12:5

What does Matthew 12:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 12:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 12:5 means

Jesus points to the priests’ Sabbath work in the temple, noting that their duties technically profane the Sabbath yet they are guiltless. He highlights that temple service involves necessary labor on the Sabbath without blame. The argument shows inconsistency in Sabbath application: some work is permitted by necessity and by religious duty. Jesus is arguing against selective legalism and for a unified principle: necessity and service to God can justify breaking technical Sabbath prohibitions.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Or have ye not read in the law, that on the sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are guiltless?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Or have ye not read in the law, that on the sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are guiltless?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Or is it not said in the law, how the Sabbath is broken by the priests in the Temple and they do no wrong?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Or did ye not read in the Law, that on the sabbaths the priests in the temple do profane the sabbath, and are blameless?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Or have ye not read in the law, that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple break the sabbath, and are without blame?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Or have ye not read in the law that on the sabbaths the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?

Context

This comment continues Jesus’ scriptural argument and prepares the climactic claim of his lordship. He contrasts temple duties with Pharisaic condemnations, exposing their inconsistency. The flow moves from precedent to a theological conclusion about who has final authority over Sabbath interpretation.

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?

v.5This passage

v.6But I say unto you, that one greater than the temple is here.

Cross references

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

  • Numbers 28:9

    And on the sabbath day two he-lambs a year old without blemish, and two tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour for a meal-offering, mingled with oil, and the drink-offering thereof:

  • John 7:22

    Moses hath given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers); and on the sabbath ye circumcise a man.

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