Matthew 12:8
What does Matthew 12:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 12:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 12:8 means
Jesus sums up by declaring, For the Son of man is lord of the sabbath. He asserts his authority both as the Son of man—a messianic title—and as Lord over Sabbath observance. This claim places him above the Sabbath rules and gives him the right to interpret their meaning. It also implies that the Sabbath’s purpose is under his authority: he can prioritize mercy and human need because his lordship governs the law itself.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For the Son of man is lord of the sabbath.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For the Son of man is lord of the sabbath.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For the Son of man is lord of the Sabbath.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for the son of man is lord even of the sabbath.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For the Son of man is Lord of the sabbath.
Context
This decisive sentence concludes the grainfield controversy, stating Jesus’ theological and practical authority. It transitions the chapter from debate to demonstration: soon he will act by healing on the Sabbath, further illustrating the principles he has just taught about law, mercy, and messianic authority.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 9:6
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (then saith he to the sick of the palsy), Arise, and take up thy bed, and go unto thy house.
- John 5:17
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh even until now, and I work.
- Mark 9:4
And there appeared unto them Elijah with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
- Luke 6:5
And he said unto them, The Son of man is lord of the sabbath.
- Mark 2:28
so that the Son of man is lord even of the sabbath.
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