CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 12:4 He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/12-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/40_Mat_12_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 12:4 - The Lord of the Sabbath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/12-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/12-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/12-3.htm" title="Matthew 12:3">◄</a> Matthew 12:4 <a href="/matthew/12-5.htm" title="Matthew 12:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/12.htm">New International Version</a> He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. <a href="/nlt/matthew/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. <a href="/esv/matthew/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? <a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests. <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> how he entered into the house of God, and they ate the loaves of the presentation, which it was not lawful for him nor for those with him to eat, but only for the priests? <a href="/kjv/matthew/12.htm">King James Bible</a> 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? <a href="/nkjv/matthew/12.htm">New King James Version</a> how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? <a href="/nasb_/matthew/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone? <a href="/nasb/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone? <a href="/nasb77/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those with him, but for the priests alone? <a href="/lsb/matthew/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone? <a href="/amp/matthew/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> how he went into the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests only? <a href="/csb/matthew/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> how he entered the house of God, and they ate the bread of the Presence—which is not lawful for him or for those with him to eat, but only for the priests? <a href="/hcsb/matthew/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> how he entered the house of God, and they ate the sacred bread, which is not lawful for him or for those with him to eat, but only for the priests? <a href="/asv/matthew/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> how he entered into the house of God, and ate the showbread, which it was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them that were with him, but only for the priests? <a href="/cev/matthew/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He went into the house of God, and then they ate the sacred loaves of bread that only priests are supposed to eat. <a href="/erv/matthew/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> how be entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which it was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them that were with him, but only for the priests? <a href="/gwt/matthew/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Haven't you read how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of the presence? He and his men had no right to eat those loaves. Only the priests have that right. <a href="/gnt/matthew/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> He went into the house of God, and he and his men ate the bread offered to God, even though it was against the Law for them to eat it--only the priests were allowed to eat that bread. <a href="/isv/matthew/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> How is it that he went into the house of God and ate the Bread of the Presence, which was not lawful for him and his companions to eat but was reserved for the priests? <a href="/msb/matthew/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests. <a href="/net/matthew/12.htm">NET Bible</a> how he entered the house of God and they ate the sacred bread, which was against the law for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests? <a href="/nheb/matthew/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> how he entered into the house of God, and they ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for those who were with him, but only for the priests? <a href="/wbt/matthew/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> How he entered into the house of God, and ate the show-bread, which it was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them who were with him, but only for the priests? <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> how he entered the House of God and ate the Presented Loaves, which it was not lawful for him or his men to eat, nor for any except the priests? <a href="/web/matthew/12.htm">World English Bible</a> how he entered into God’s house and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> how he went into the house of God, and ate the Bread of the Presentation, which it is not lawful to him to eat, nor to those with him, except to the priests alone? <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> how he entered into the house of God, and they ate the loaves of the presentation, which it was not lawful for him nor for those with him to eat, but only for the priests? <a href="/ylt/matthew/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> how he went into the house of God, and the loaves of the presentation did eat, which it is not lawful to him to eat, nor to those with him, except to the priests alone? <a href="/slt/matthew/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> How he went into the house of God, and ate the loaves of setting up, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor those with him, but for the priests alone?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the loaves of proposition, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for them that were with him, but for the priests only? <a href="/cpdv/matthew/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? <a href="/nabre/matthew/12.htm">New American Bible</a> how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> How he entered into the house of God, and did eat bread that was on the table of the Lord, that which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> How he entered the house of God, and he ate the bread of the table of THE LORD JEHOVAH, that which was not legal for him to eat, neither for those who were with him, but rather for the priests only?<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> how he entered the house of God, and ate the loaves of the presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but for the priests only? <a href="/godbey/matthew/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>How he came into the house of God, and ate the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor those with him, except the priests only?<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> how they went into the house of God, and did eat the loaves of shew-bread, of which it was not lawful for him or those who were with him to eat, but for the priests alone? <a href="/mace/matthew/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> how he entred into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which it was not lawful either for him or his company to eat, but only for the priests? <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> how he entered the House of God and ate the Presented Loaves, which it was not lawful for him or his men to eat, nor for any except the priests? <a href="/worrell/matthew/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>how he entered into the house of God, and ate the showbread, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those with him, but only for the priests?<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>and did eat the shew-bread, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor those that were with him; but for the priests only? or have ye not read in the law,<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/12-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3028" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">The Lord of the Sabbath</a> …3Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4<a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: pōs (Conj) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!"></a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eisēlthen (V-AIA-3S) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">He entered</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3624.htm" title="3624: oikon (N-AMS) -- A dwelling; by implication, a family.">house</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5315.htm" title="5315: ephagon (V-AIA-3P) -- A primary verb; to eat.">he and his companions ate</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/740.htm" title="740: artous (N-AMP) -- Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf.">consecrated bread,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4286.htm" title="4286: protheseōs (N-GFS) -- From protithemai; a setting forth, i.e. proposal; specially, the show-bread as exposed before God."></a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">which</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1832.htm" title="1832: exon (V-PPA-NNS) -- It is permitted, lawful, possible. ">lawful</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">for them</a> <a href="/greek/3761.htm" title="3761: oude (Conj) -- Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: met’ (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. "></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/5315.htm" title="5315: phagein (V-ANA) -- A primary verb; to eat.">to eat,</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/3441.htm" title="3441: monois (Adj-DMP) -- Only, solitary, desolate. Probably from meno; remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication, mere.">only</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">for the</a> <a href="/greek/2409.htm" title="2409: hiereusin (N-DMP) -- A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest.">priests. </a> 5Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are innocent?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1-6</a> Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And when Ahimelech met David, he trembled and asked him, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” / “The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission on which I am sending you. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place. / Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever can be found.” ... <a href="/mark/2-25.htm">Mark 2:25-26</a> Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? / During the high priesthood of Abiathar, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for the priests. And he gave some to his companions as well.” <a href="/luke/6-3.htm">Luke 6:3-4</a> Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? / He entered the house of God, took the consecrated bread and gave it to his companions, and ate what is lawful only for the priests to eat.” <a href="/leviticus/24-9.htm">Leviticus 24:9</a> It belongs to Aaron and his sons, who are to eat it in a holy place; for it is to him a most holy part of the food offerings to the LORD—his portion forever.” <a href="/exodus/25-30.htm">Exodus 25:30</a> And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times. <a href="/hebrews/9-2.htm">Hebrews 9:2</a> A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. <a href="/1_chronicles/9-32.htm">1 Chronicles 9:32</a> Some of their Kohathite relatives were responsible for preparing the rows of the showbread every Sabbath. <a href="/1_chronicles/23-29.htm">1 Chronicles 23:29</a> as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. <a href="/numbers/4-7.htm">Numbers 4:7</a> Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it. <a href="/1_kings/21-4.htm">1 Kings 21:4-6</a> So Ahab went to his palace, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had told him, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat. / Soon his wife Jezebel came in and asked, “Why are you so sullen that you refuse to eat?” / Ahab answered, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and told him, ‘Give me your vineyard for silver, or if you wish, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ And he replied, ‘I will not give you my vineyard!’” <a href="/matthew/9-13.htm">Matthew 9:13</a> But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” <a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a> For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. <a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. <a href="/acts/13-22.htm">Acts 13:22</a> After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’ <a href="/psalms/89-20.htm">Psalm 89:20</a> I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?the shew-bread.<a href="/exodus/25-30.htm">Exodus 25:30</a> And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.<a href="/leviticus/24-5.htm">Leviticus 24:5-9</a> And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake… but.<a href="/exodus/29-32.htm">Exodus 29:32,33</a> And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation… <a href="/leviticus/8-31.htm">Leviticus 8:31</a> And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.<a href="/leviticus/24-9.htm">Leviticus 24:9</a> And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it is most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/4-10.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-6.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/matthew/7-9.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">Companions</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-7.htm">Consecrated</a> <a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/matthew/9-28.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/matthew/11-27.htm">Except</a> <a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">Food</a> <a href="/matthew/10-36.htm">House</a> <a href="/matthew/12-2.htm">Lawful</a> <a href="/matthew/9-32.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/matthew/2-11.htm">Presented</a> <a href="/matthew/2-4.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-33.htm">Shewbread</a> <a href="/matthew/11-4.htm">Show</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-33.htm">Showbread</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-33.htm">Show-Bread</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/14-23.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/matthew/13-4.htm">Ate</a> <a href="/matthew/14-17.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/matthew/26-51.htm">Companions</a> <a href="/matthew/15-5.htm">Consecrated</a> <a href="/matthew/14-15.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/matthew/12-9.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">Except</a> <a href="/matthew/13-4.htm">Food</a> <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">House</a> <a href="/matthew/12-10.htm">Lawful</a> <a href="/matthew/17-2.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/matthew/13-24.htm">Presented</a> <a href="/matthew/12-5.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/mark/2-26.htm">Shewbread</a> <a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Show</a> <a href="/mark/2-26.htm">Showbread</a> <a href="/mark/2-26.htm">Show-Bread</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 12</div>1. <a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">by scripture,</a> 9. <a href="/matthew/12-9.htm">by reason,</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/12-13.htm">and by a miracle.</a> 22. <a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute;</a> 24. <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub, </a> 32. <a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven.</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Account shall be made of idle words.</a> 38. <a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign,</a> 46. <a href="/matthew/12-46.htm">and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>He entered the house of God This phrase refers to the tabernacle, which was the central place of worship for the Israelites before the construction of the temple. The "house of God" signifies a sacred space where God's presence dwelt among His people. In the context of <a href="/1_samuel/21.htm">1 Samuel 21:1-6</a>, David entered the tabernacle at Nob, seeking refuge and sustenance. This act foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the temple, as He embodies God's presence on earth (<a href="/john/2-19.htm">John 2:19-21</a>).and he and his companions David was not alone; he was accompanied by his men, who were also in need. This highlights the communal aspect of their need and the shared experience of seeking God's provision. It parallels the New Testament community of believers who rely on Christ for spiritual sustenance and support one another in faith (<a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42-47</a>).ate the consecrated bread The consecrated bread, also known as the "showbread" or "bread of the Presence," was placed on a table in the holy place of the tabernacle as an offering to God (<a href="/exodus/25-30.htm">Exodus 25:30</a>). It was a symbol of God's provision and covenant with Israel. By eating this bread, David and his men were sustained physically, pointing to Jesus as the Bread of Life who sustains believers spiritually (<a href="/john/6-35.htm">John 6:35</a>).which was not lawful for them to eat According to Levitical law, the consecrated bread was reserved exclusively for the priests (<a href="/leviticus/24-5.htm">Leviticus 24:5-9</a>). This restriction underscores the holiness of the bread and the sanctity of God's commands. However, David's actions demonstrate that human need can take precedence over ceremonial law, a principle Jesus emphasizes in His ministry (<a href="/mark/2-27.htm">Mark 2:27</a>).but only for the priests The priests, as mediators between God and the people, were the only ones permitted to eat the consecrated bread. This restriction highlights the priestly role in maintaining the holiness of the tabernacle. In the New Testament, Jesus is our High Priest, who mediates a new covenant and grants believers access to God's presence (<a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, anointed by God, who was fleeing from King Saul at the time of this event. 2. <a href="/topical/h/house_of_god.htm">House of God</a> Refers to the tabernacle, the sacred place where God's presence dwelt among the Israelites. 3. <a href="/topical/c/consecrated_bread.htm">Consecrated Bread</a> Also known as the "showbread" or "bread of the Presence," these were twelve loaves placed weekly in the tabernacle as an offering to God, meant only for the priests to eat. 4. <a href="/topical/p/priests.htm">Priests</a> The descendants of Aaron, tasked with performing the rituals and sacrifices in the tabernacle and later the temple. 5. <a href="/topical/c/companions_of_david.htm">Companions of David</a> Those who were with David during his flight from Saul, sharing in his hardships and needs.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_mercy_over_ritual.htm">Understanding God's Mercy Over Ritual</a> Jesus uses this example to illustrate that human need can take precedence over ritual law. This teaches us that God's mercy and compassion are central to His character. <a href="/topical/t/the_lordship_of_christ.htm">The Lordship of Christ</a> By referencing David, Jesus subtly points to His own authority as the Son of David and Lord of the Sabbath, emphasizing His divine authority over religious practices. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_context_in_scripture.htm">The Importance of Context in Scripture</a> Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical events helps us grasp the deeper meanings and applications of Scripture. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_law_and_grace.htm">Balancing Law and Grace</a> While God's laws are important, they are not meant to be burdensome. We are called to balance obedience with grace, understanding the heart of God's commands. <a href="/topical/p/provision_in_times_of_need.htm">Provision in Times of Need</a> Just as God provided for David and his men, He is attentive to our needs and provides for us, often in unexpected ways.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12</a> <a href="/q/insights_from_day_36_on_spiritual_growth.htm">What events define the 33 AD journey to the cross?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_church's_purpose.htm">What is the church's purpose?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_international_house_of_prayer.htm">What is the International House of Prayer?</a> <a href="/q/does_romans_4_6-8_conflict_with_judgment.htm">In Romans 4:6-8, does the idea of sin not being counted against believers conflict with other biblical passages that emphasize judgment and accountability?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) How he entered into the house of God.--Strictly speaking, it was in the tabernacle at Nob, where Ahimelech (possibly assisted by Abiathar, <a href="/mark/2-26.htm" title="How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the show bread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?">Mark 2:26</a>) was ministering as high priest (<a href="/1_samuel/21-6.htm" title="So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the show bread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.">1Samuel 21:6</a>). The shewbread, or "bread of oblation," consisted of twelve loaves, in two rows of six each, which were offered every Sabbath day (<a href="/exodus/25-30.htm" title="And you shall set on the table show bread before me always.">Exodus 25:30</a>; <a href="/exodus/40-23.htm" title="And he set the bread in order on it before the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses.">Exodus 40:23</a>; <a href="/context/leviticus/24-5.htm" title="And you shall take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.">Leviticus 24:5-9</a>), the loaves of the previous week being then removed and reserved for the exclusive use of the priests. The necessity of the case, however, was in this instance allowed to override the ceremonial ordinance, and our Lord teaches men through that single instance to see the general principle that when positive commands and necessities involving the good of man come into collision, the latter, not the former, must prevail.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - How he entered into the house of God, and did eat; rather, and they did eat, with Revised Version margin (ἔφαγον), the simple plural verb laying the action less at David's door than does the phrase in the parallel passages - "and he gave" them to eat. Observe that the mention of ordinary people, like David's attendants, adds to the force of our Lord's illustration. The shew-bread (<a href="/exodus/25-30.htm">Exodus 25:30</a>; <a href="/leviticus/24-5.htm">Leviticus 24:5-7</a>). Which. Which kind of food (ὅ). Was not lawful (οὐκ ἔξον η΅ν). Reminding the Pharisees of their own words in ver. 2. For him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? (<a href="/leviticus/24-9.htm">Leviticus 24:9</a>). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/12-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>He entered εἰσῆλθεν (eisēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. house οἶκον (oikon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3624.htm">Strong's 3624: </a> A dwelling; by implication, a family. of God, Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. [he and his companions] ate ἔφαγον (ephagon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A primary verb; to eat. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. consecrated bread, ἄρτους (artous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_740.htm">Strong's 740: </a> Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf. which ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. was ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. lawful ἐξὸν (exon) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1832.htm">Strong's 1832: </a> It is permitted, lawful, possible. for [them] αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. to eat, φαγεῖν (phagein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A primary verb; to eat. but εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. only μόνοις (monois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3441.htm">Strong's 3441: </a> Only, solitary, desolate. Probably from meno; remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication, mere. for the τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. priests. ἱερεῦσιν (hiereusin) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2409.htm">Strong's 2409: </a> A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/12-4.htm">Matthew 12:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/12-4.htm">Matthew 12:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/12-4.htm">Matthew 12:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/12-4.htm">Matthew 12:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/12-4.htm">Matthew 12:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/12-4.htm">Matthew 12:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/12-4.htm">Matthew 12:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/12-4.htm">Matthew 12:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/12-4.htm">Matthew 12:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/12-4.htm">Matthew 12:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/12-4.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 12:4 How he entered into the house (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/12-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 12:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/12-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 12:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>