Devine Scripture

Matthew 12:7

What does Matthew 12:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 12:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 12:7 means

Jesus cites Hosea’s citation of God’s desire for mercy over sacrifice to charge the Pharisees. He says that if they understood what mercy means, they wouldn’t condemn the innocent. This rebukes their hard-hearted legalism and reminds them that God’s priorities value compassion and relationship above ritual compliance. Jesus uses prophetic Scripture to show that mercy is central to God’s law, and that condemnation of the needy reveals misunderstanding of God’s heart.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if these words had been in your minds, My desire is for mercy and not for offerings, you would not have been judging those who have done no wrong.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if ye had known what is: Kindness I will, and not sacrifice--ye had not condemned the blameless,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And if you knew what this meaneth: I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: you would never have condemned the innocent.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But if ye had known what is: I will have mercy and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

Context

Following the claim of being greater than the temple, Jesus appeals to prophetic moral teaching to explain why his disciples are blameless. This verse ties the Sabbath dispute to Israel’s prophetic tradition and frames Jesus’ interpretation as rooted in true scriptural intention rather than mere human tradition.

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

v.7This passage

v.8For the Son of man is lord of the sabbath.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 9:13

    But go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

  • James 5:6

    Ye have condemned, ye have killed the righteous one; he doth not resist you.

  • Hosea 6:6

    For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.

  • Isaiah 1:11

    What unto me is the multitude of your sacrifices? saith Jehovah: I have had enough of the burnt-offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats.

  • Micah 6:6

    Wherewith shall I come before Jehovah, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old?

  • Job 32:3

    Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

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