Devine Scripture

Matthew 12:6

What does Matthew 12:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 12:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 12:6 means

Jesus declares that someone greater than the temple is present—referring to himself. This is a bold assertion: if he is greater than the temple, he has authority to interpret Sabbath law and to permit what the Pharisees condemn. The statement reframes the dispute: it’s not merely about rules but about recognizing who stands before them. Jesus’ person gives him prerogative over religious structures; the temple’s authority is subordinate to his authority.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I say to you that a greater thing than the Temple is here.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I say to you, that a greater than the temple is here;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But I tell you that there is here a greater than the temple.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I say unto you, that there is here what is greater than the temple.

Context

This verse is the turning point in the Sabbath argument. After showing precedents that modified Sabbath observance, Jesus asserts his superior authority. That claim will lead directly into his deeper interpretation of the law’s purpose and culminate with the blunt statement of his lordship over the Sabbath in verse 8.

v.5Or have ye not read in the law, that on the sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are guiltless?

v.6This passage

v.7But if ye had known what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

Cross references

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

  • Haggai 2:7

    and I will shake all nations; and the precious things of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith Jehovah of hosts.

  • John 2:19

    Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

  • Colossians 2:9

    for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,

  • 2 Chronicles 6:18

    But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have builded!

  • Matthew 23:17

    Ye fools and blind: for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that hath sanctified the gold?

  • Ephesians 2:20

    being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone;

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