Devine Scripture

Matthew 9:13

What does Matthew 9:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 9:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 9:13 means

Jesus further instructs the Pharisees to understand the prophet Hosea's words, "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." He emphasizes that God values compassionate love and genuine relationship over strict adherence to ritualistic offerings, especially when that adherence leads to a lack of compassion. Jesus explicitly states His purpose: He came to call sinners to repentance, not those who self-righteously believe they are already righteous. This powerfully clarifies His ministry's focus.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But go and take to heart the sense of these words, My desire is for mercy, not offerings: for I have come not to get the upright, but sinners.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but having gone, learn ye what is, Kindness I will, and not sacrifice, for I did not come to call righteous men, but sinners, to reformation.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Go then and learn what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice. For I am not come to call the just, but sinners.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But go and learn what [that] is — I will have mercy and not sacrifice; for I have not come to call righteous [men] but sinners.

Context

This verse builds upon Jesus' previous analogy, providing further theological justification for His actions by quoting Scripture. It directly elaborates on His mission, explaining why He associates with sinners rather than the self-righteous. This statement serves as a foundational declaration of Jesus' purpose, influencing the subsequent discussion with John's disciples about fasting and the new covenant that Jesus would inaugurate.

v.12But when he heard it, he said, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick.

v.13This passage

v.14Then come to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

Cross references

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

  • 2 Peter 3:9

    The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

  • Acts 2:38

    And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9

    Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men,

  • Luke 10:26

    And he said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

  • Matthew 19:4

    And he answered and said, Have ye not read, that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,

  • Romans 2:4

    Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 9

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 9.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 9:13.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary