Devine Scripture

Matthew 9:12

What does Matthew 9:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 9:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 9:12 means

Hearing the Pharisees' criticism, Jesus responds with the profound analogy that a physician is needed by the sick, not the healthy. He applies this spiritual truth to His mission, implying that those who recognize their sinfulness (the "sick") are the very ones He came to minister to. This statement subtly challenges the Pharisees' self-perception of spiritual health, suggesting that their self-righteousness blinded them to their own deeper need for a spiritual physician.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when he heard it, he said, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when he heard it, he said, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But on hearing this he said, Those who are well have no need of a medical man, but those who are ill.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus having heard, said to them, `They who are whole have no need of a physician, but they who are ill;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Jesus hearing it, said: They that are in health need not a physician, but they that are ill.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But [Jesus] hearing it, said, They that are strong have not need of a physician, but those that are ill.

Context

This verse records Jesus' direct answer to the Pharisees' question about His dining companions. It follows immediately after their criticism, offering a clear defense of His actions. This medical analogy serves as the initial explanation for His mission, preparing for the deeper theological point He will make in the subsequent verse by quoting Hosea.

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

v.12This passage

v.13But go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 147:3

    He healeth the broken in heart, And bindeth up their wounds.

  • Hosea 14:4

    I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely; for mine anger is turned away from him.

  • Luke 9:11

    But the multitudes perceiving it followed him: and he welcomed them, and spake to them of the kingdom of God, and them that had need of healing he cured.

  • Jeremiah 17:14

    Heal me, O Jehovah, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

  • Mark 2:17

    And when Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

  • Luke 5:31

    And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are in health have no need of a physician; but they that are sick.

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