Devine Scripture

Matthew 9:10

What does Matthew 9:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 9:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 9:10 means

While Jesus dines at a house, likely Matthew's, many tax collectors and "sinners" join Him and His disciples. This association with individuals considered ritually unclean and morally corrupt by the religious establishment was highly unconventional for a respected teacher. This gathering underscores Jesus' mission to seek out those rejected by society and demonstrates His willingness to engage with and minister to those in desperate need of spiritual healing and forgiveness, without distinction.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And it came about, when he was in the house taking food, that a number of tax-farmers and sinners came and took their places with Jesus and his disciples.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And it came to pass, he reclining (at meat) in the house, that lo, many tax-gatherers and sinners having come, were lying (at meat) with Jesus and his disciples,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And it came to pass as he was sitting at meat in the house, behold many publicans and sinners came, and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it came to pass, as he lay at table in the house, that behold, many tax-gatherers and sinners came and lay at table with Jesus and his disciples.

Context

This verse describes the controversial dinner gathering, which immediately follows Matthew's call to discipleship. This event flows directly from Matthew's newfound faith, as he hosts his former associates to meet Jesus. The presence of "many publicans and sinners" at the table provides the direct cause for the Pharisees' imminent questioning, highlighting Jesus' unconventional approach to ministry.

v.9And as Jesus passed by from thence, he saw a man, called Matthew, sitting at the place of toll: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

v.10This passage

v.11And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Teacher with the publicans and sinners?

Cross references

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

  • John 9:31

    We know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and do his will, him he heareth.

  • Matthew 5:46

    For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

  • Mark 2:15

    And it came to pass, that he was sitting at meat in his house, and many publicans and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.

  • 1 Timothy 1:13

    though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief;

  • Luke 5:29

    And Levi made him a great feast in his house: and there was a great multitude of publicans and of others that were sitting at meat with them.

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