FocusAuthority and the servant's work
Connection to the wholeConflict over Sabbath conduct is answered by Jesus' authority and mercy, while His manner of ministry is connected with Scripture.
interpretation Matthew 12:1
KJVAt that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
Read it in context
Sabbath disputes and mercy
Start reading at Matthew 12:1 (Matthew 12:1 to Matthew 12:21).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Conflict over Sabbath conduct is answered by Jesus' authority and mercy, while His manner of ministry is connected with Scripture.
- 12:1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
- 12:2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.
- 12:3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;
- 12:4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
- 12:5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?
- 12:6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
- 12:7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
- 12:8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
- 12:9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
- 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
- 12:11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
- 12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
- 12:13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.
- 12:14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.
- 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
- 12:16 And charged them that they should not make him known:
- 12:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
- 12:18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
- 12:19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
- 12:20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
- 12:21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 12:1–12:50): Jesus' disciples and the Pharisees are involved in the Sabbath disputes; later scenes involve a healed man, crowds, scribes, Pharisees, and Jesus' family. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Sabbath disputes and mercy. Read Matthew 12:1 through Matthew 12:21 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Conflict over Sabbath conduct is answered by Jesus' authority and mercy, while His manner of ministry is connected with Scripture. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Sabbath disputes and mercy (Matthew 12:1 to Matthew 12:21). Start reading at Matthew 12:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 12:1, Matthew 12:21, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Other accounts of this event
Plucking grain on the sabbath
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 12
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The source of Jesus' works
Matthew 12:22–37FocusDivision, speech, and accountability
Connection to the wholeThe accusation about deliverance leads to teaching on the kingdom, blasphemy, and the relationship between the heart and speech.
interpretation A demand for a sign
Matthew 12:38–45FocusRepentance and judgment
Connection to the wholeJesus confronts sign-seeking resistance with examples of response and warnings that outward change without a lasting remedy is insufficient.
interpretation Jesus' family identified
Matthew 12:46–50FocusDoing the Father's will
Connection to the wholeThe family scene concludes the chapter by identifying relationship with Jesus in terms of doing His Father's will.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.