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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He answered, &#8220Haven&#8217t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those with him--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he became hungry, he and his companions—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But He said to them, &#8220Have you not read what David did when he became hungry, he and his companions,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did, when he became hungry, he and his companions;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he became hungry, he and his companions,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He said to them, “Have you not read [in the Scriptures] what David did when he was hungry, he and those who accompanied him—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He said to them, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He said to them, &#8220Haven&#8217t you read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jesus answered: You surely must have read what David did when he and his followers were hungry. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jesus asked them, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his men were hungry?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Jesus answered, "Have you never read what David did that time when he and his men were hungry? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But he told them, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jesus replied, ?Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He said to them, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But he said to them, "Have you not read what David did, when he and his companions were hungry;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But he said to them, Have ye not read what David did when he was hungry, and they that were with him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Have you never read," He replied, "what David did when he and his men were hungry?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But he said to them, “Haven’t you read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Did you not read what David did when he was hungry, himself and those with him—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those with him--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he said to them, 'Did ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, himself and those with him -- <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he said to them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they with him;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But he said to them: Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and they that were with him: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But he said to them: “Have you not read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But he said to them, Have you not read what David did, when he and those who were with him were hungry?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But he said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry and those who were with him?<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But he said to them: Have you not read what David did, when he and those who were with him were hungry?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And He said to them, <FR>Have you not read what David did, when he was hungry, and those with him?<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they who were with him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />he answer'd them, have ye not read what David and the rest of the company did when they were hungry,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Have you never read," He replied, "what David did when he and his men were hungry?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But He said to them, <FR>"Did ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and those with him?<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But He replied, <FR>Have ye not read what David did, when he, and his attendants, were hungry? how he went into the house of God,<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/12-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3022" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">The Lord of the Sabbath</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">Jesus replied,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- 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/3756.htm" title="3756: Ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">“</a> <a href="/greek/314.htm" title="314: anegnōte (V-AIA-2P) -- To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.">Have you not read</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what</a> <a href="/greek/1138.htm" title="1138: Dauid (N-NMS) -- David, King of Israel. Of Hebrew origin; Dabid, the Israelite king.">David</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: epoiēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">did</a> <a href="/greek/3753.htm" title="3753: hote (Adv) -- When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.">when</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">he and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">his companions</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/3983.htm" title="3983: epeinasen (V-AIA-3S) -- To be hungry, needy, desire earnestly. From the same as penes; to famish; figuratively, to crave.">were hungry?</a> </span> <span class="reftext">4</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1-6</a></span><br />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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/2-25.htm">Mark 2:25-26</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-3.htm">Luke 6:3-4</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/25-30.htm">Exodus 25:30</a></span><br />And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/24-5.htm">Leviticus 24:5-9</a></span><br />You are also to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf, / and set them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD. / And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, a food offering to the LORD. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/9-32.htm">1 Chronicles 9:32</a></span><br />Some of their Kohathite relatives were responsible for preparing the rows of the showbread every Sabbath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Hebrews 9:4</a></span><br />containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-10.htm">1 Samuel 22:10</a></span><br />Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-13.htm">1 Samuel 22:13</a></span><br />And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17</a></span><br />Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-20.htm">1 Samuel 22:20-23</a></span><br />But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David. / And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD. / Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that Doeg the Edomite was there that day, and that he was sure to tell Saul. I myself am responsible for the lives of everyone in your father’s house. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-35.htm">Matthew 23:35</a></span><br />And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-52.htm">Acts 7:52</a></span><br />Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-22.htm">Acts 13:22</a></span><br />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.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Psalm 52:1-9</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Maskil of David. After Doeg the Edomite went to Saul and told him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long. / Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. / You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But he said to them, Have you not read what David did, when he was an hungered, and they that were with him;</p><p class="hdg">Have.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/12-5.htm">Matthew 12:5</a></b></br> 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?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/19-4.htm">Matthew 19:4</a></b></br> And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made <i>them</i> at the beginning made them male and female,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/21-16.htm">Matthew 21:16</a></b></br> And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?</p><p class="hdg">what.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/21-3.htm">1 Samuel 21:3-6</a></b></br> Now therefore what is under thine hand? give <i>me</i> five <i>loaves of</i> bread in mine hand, or what there is present… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/2-25.htm">Mark 2:25,26</a></b></br> And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/11-16.htm">Companions</a> <a href="/matthew/9-27.htm">David</a> <a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Food</a> <a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Hungred</a> <a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Hungry</a> <a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Need</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-2.htm">Read</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/12-4.htm">Companions</a> <a href="/matthew/12-23.htm">David</a> <a href="/matthew/12-4.htm">Food</a> <a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Hungred</a> <a href="/matthew/21-18.htm">Hungry</a> <a href="/matthew/14-16.htm">Need</a> <a href="/matthew/12-5.htm">Read</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">by scripture,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-9.htm">by reason,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-13.htm">and by a miracle.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Account shall be made of idle words.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">46. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/12-46.htm">and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Jesus replied</b><br>In this passage, Jesus is responding to the Pharisees who criticized His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath. His reply indicates His authority and knowledge of Scripture, setting the stage for a teaching moment. Jesus often used questions to engage His audience and challenge their understanding, a common rabbinic method.<p><b>Have you not read</b><br>This phrase suggests familiarity with the Scriptures, as Jesus addresses the Pharisees, who were well-versed in the Law and the Prophets. It implies that the answer to their question is found in the Scriptures they claim to know. This rhetorical question challenges their interpretation and understanding of the law.<p><b>what David did</b><br>Jesus refers to an event from the life of King David, a revered figure in Jewish history. This reference to David is significant because it draws a parallel between David, a man after God's own heart, and Jesus Himself. It also highlights the importance of understanding the spirit of the law rather than a rigid adherence to its letter.<p><b>when he and his companions were hungry</b><br>This context is crucial as it emphasizes human need and compassion over strict legalism. The story Jesus refers to is found in <a href="/1_samuel/21.htm">1 Samuel 21:1-6</a>, where David and his men ate the consecrated bread from the tabernacle because they were in need. This act was technically unlawful, yet it was permitted due to the circumstances, illustrating that mercy and necessity can take precedence over ritual law.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure in the New Testament, the Son of God, who is teaching and correcting the Pharisees in this passage.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The second king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is referenced by Jesus as an example from the Scriptures.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/companions_of_david.htm">Companions of David</a></b><br>The men who were with David during his time of need, highlighting the communal aspect of their actions.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a></b><br>A religious group in Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law, who are questioning Jesus' disciples' actions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a></b><br>Jesus refers to an event from <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/21.htm">1 Samuel 21</a>, where David and his men ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_spirit_of_the_law.htm">Understanding the Spirit of the Law</a></b><br>Jesus emphasizes the importance of understanding the intent behind God's laws, rather than a rigid, legalistic adherence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mercy_over_sacrifice.htm">Mercy Over Sacrifice</a></b><br>The reference to David highlights God's desire for mercy and compassion, especially in times of human need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/scriptural_literacy.htm">Scriptural Literacy</a></b><br>Jesus challenges the Pharisees' understanding of Scripture, encouraging believers to deeply know and apply God's Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_need_and_divine_provision.htm">Human Need and Divine Provision</a></b><br>The account of David illustrates God's provision in times of need, reminding us to trust in His care.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/jesus'_authority.htm">Jesus' Authority</a></b><br>By referencing David, Jesus asserts His authority to interpret the Law, pointing to His identity as the Messiah.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_jesus'_biblical_ancestors.htm">Who are the ancestors of Jesus according to the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_gospel_genealogies_differ.htm">Why do the Gospels contradict each other on the genealogy of Jesus?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_life-saving_above_religious_laws.htm">Is saving a life more important than religious laws?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_david_eat_the_showbread.htm">Why did David eat the showbread in the Bible?</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>(3) <span class= "bld">Have ye not read</span> . . .?--The question was an appeal to the Pharisees on the ground where they thought themselves strongest. For them it was an argument <span class= "ital">a fortiori.</span> Would they accuse David of sacrilege and Sabbath-breaking because he, in a case of urgent need, set at nought the two-fold law of ordinances? If they shrank from that, was it not inconsistent to condemn the disciples of Jesus for a far lighter transgression?<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But he said unto them, Have ye</span> <span class="cmt_word">not read.</span> Our Lord answers them by showing that the principle of the action of his disciples was sanctioned in the Scriptures to which they implicitly appealed. He calls their attention first (<span class="accented">more Rabbinico</span>; <span class="accented">cf.</span> on ver. 5) to the Prophets (i.e. the former prophets, according to the Hebrew division), as teaching by example that holy things are of secondary importance compared with the benefit of God's people; and afterwards to the Law, which implies that the sabbath itself is of secondary importance compared with work necessary for the sanctuary. He then affirms that in the present case there is One present who is even greater than the sanctuary. He goes on to say that their complaint, however, was really due to the lack, not so much of intellectual as of spiritual knowledge; they had no <span class="accented">rapprochement</span> with the God of love, or they would not have condemned those who, both because they were men and because they were disciples of the Son of man, stood above the sabbath. <span class="cmt_word">What David did, when he was a hungred, and they that were with him</span> (<a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1-7</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/12-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[Jesus] replied,</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶπεν</span> <span class="translit">(eipen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Have you not read</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνέγνωτε</span> <span class="translit">(anegnōte)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_314.htm">Strong's 314: </a> </span><span class="str2">To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="grk">τί</span> <span class="translit">(ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David</span><br /><span class="grk">Δαυὶδ</span> <span class="translit">(Dauid)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1138.htm">Strong's 1138: </a> </span><span class="str2">David, King of Israel. Of Hebrew origin; Dabid, the Israelite king.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐποίησεν</span> <span class="translit">(epoiēsen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτε</span> <span class="translit">(hote)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3753.htm">Strong's 3753: </a> </span><span class="str2">When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">{he} and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">his companions</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were hungry?</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπείνασεν</span> <span class="translit">(epeinasen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3983.htm">Strong's 3983: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be hungry, needy, desire earnestly. From the same as penes; to famish; figuratively, to crave.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/12-3.htm">Matthew 12:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/12-3.htm">Matthew 12:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/12-3.htm">Matthew 12:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/12-3.htm">Matthew 12:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/12-3.htm">Matthew 12:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/12-3.htm">Matthew 12:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/12-3.htm">Matthew 12:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/12-3.htm">Matthew 12:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/12-3.htm">Matthew 12:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/12-3.htm">Matthew 12:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 12:3 But he said to them Haven't you (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/12-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 12:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/12-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 12:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:4" /></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>