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<!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 12:2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, "Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/12-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/40_Mat_12_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 12:2 - The Lord of the Sabbath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath." /><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/12-2.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/12-2.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 2</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="/ad2.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/12-1.htm" title="Matthew 12:1">◄</a> Matthew 12:2 <a href="/matthew/12-3.htm" title="Matthew 12:3">►</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> When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, &#8220Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, “Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.” <a href="/esv/matthew/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” <a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the Pharisees, having seen, said to Him, "Behold, Your disciples are doing what it is not lawful to do on Sabbath." <a href="/kjv/matthew/12.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/12.htm">New King James Version</a> And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on a Sabbath!” <a href="/nasb/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, &#8220Look, Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, “Behold, Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.” <a href="/amp/matthew/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” <a href="/csb/matthew/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, &#8220Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do upon the sabbath. <a href="/cev/matthew/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Some Pharisees noticed this and said to Jesus, "Why are your disciples picking grain on the Sabbath? They are not supposed to do this!" <a href="/erv/matthew/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do upon the sabbath. <a href="/gwt/matthew/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing something that is not right to do on the day of worship." <a href="/gnt/matthew/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Jesus, "Look, it is against our Law for your disciples to do this on the Sabbath!" <a href="/isv/matthew/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> When the Pharisees saw this, they told him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!" <a href="/msb/matthew/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, ?Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.? <a href="/net/matthew/12.htm">NET Bible</a> But when the Pharisees saw this they said to him, "Look, your disciples are doing what is against the law to do on the Sabbath." <a href="/nheb/matthew/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to him, "Look, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath." <a href="/wbt/matthew/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, Behold, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do on the sabbath. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But the Pharisees saw it and said to Him, "Look! your disciples are doing what the Law forbids them to do on the Sabbath." <a href="/web/matthew/12.htm">World English Bible</a> But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to him, “Behold, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the Pharisees having seen, said to Him, “Behold, Your disciples do that which it is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.” <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And the Pharisees, having seen, said to Him, "Behold, Your disciples are doing what it is not lawful to do on Sabbath." <a href="/ylt/matthew/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the Pharisees having seen, said to him, 'Lo, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do on a sabbath.' <a href="/slt/matthew/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the Pharisees, seeing, said to him, Behold, thy disciples do what is not lawful to do in the sabbath.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the Pharisees seeing them, said to him: Behold thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then the Pharisees, seeing this, said to him, “Behold, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbaths.” <a href="/nabre/matthew/12.htm">New American Bible</a> When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But when the Pharisees saw them, they said to him, Behold, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But when the Pharisees saw them, they were saying to him, “Behold, your disciples are doing something that is illegal to do on the Sabbath.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him: Behold, your disciples are doing what it is not lawful to do on the Sabbath. <a href="/godbey/matthew/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And the Pharisees, seeing, said to Him, Behold thy disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath. <a href="/haweis/matthew/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, Behold, thy disciples do a thing that it is not lawful to do on the sabbath. <a href="/mace/matthew/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the Pharisees seeing that, said to him, see, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath-day. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But the Pharisees saw it and said to Him, "Look! your disciples are doing what the Law forbids them to do on the Sabbath." <a href="/worrell/matthew/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But the Pharisees, seeing it, said to Him, "Behold, Thy disciples are doing that which it is not lawful to do on a sabbath." <a href="/worsley/matthew/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And when the pharisees saw it they said to Him, See, thy disciples are doing what is not lawful for them to do on the sabbath. <a href="/parallel/matthew/12-2.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=3013" 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> 1At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. 2<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."></a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">When</a> <a href="/greek/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaioi (N-NMP) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">the Pharisees</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idontes (V-APA-NMP) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">saw this,</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipan (V-AIA-3P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">they said</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.">to Him,</a> <a href="/greek/2400.htm" title="2400: Idou (V-AMA-2S) -- See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!">“Look,</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">Your</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."></a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētai (N-NMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiousin (V-PIA-3P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">are doing</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">what</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/1832.htm" title="1832: exestin (V-PIA-3S) -- It is permitted, lawful, possible. ">is unlawful</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiein (V-PNA) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">on</a> <a href="/greek/4521.htm" title="4521: sabbatō (N-DNS) -- The Sabbath, a week. ">the Sabbath.”</a> 3Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?…<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="/mark/2-24.htm">Mark 2:24</a> So the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” <a href="/luke/6-2.htm">Luke 6:2</a> But some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” <a href="/exodus/20-8.htm">Exodus 20:8-11</a> Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant or livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/5-12.htm">Deuteronomy 5:12-15</a> Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest as you do. ... <a href="/leviticus/23-3.htm">Leviticus 23:3</a> For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD. <a href="/exodus/31-13.htm">Exodus 31:13-17</a> “Tell the Israelites, ‘Surely you must keep My Sabbaths, for this will be a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. / Keep the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Anyone who profanes it must surely be put to death. Whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from among his people. / For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death. ... <a href="/nehemiah/13-15.htm">Nehemiah 13:15-22</a> In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, along with wine, grapes, and figs. All kinds of goods were being brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I warned them against selling food on that day. / Additionally, men of Tyre who lived there were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah in Jerusalem. / Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day? ... <a href="/isaiah/58-13.htm">Isaiah 58:13-14</a> If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable, if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words, / then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. <a href="/jeremiah/17-21.htm">Jeremiah 17:21-27</a> This is what the LORD says: Take heed for yourselves; do not carry a load or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. / You must not carry a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath day, but you must keep the Sabbath day holy, just as I commanded your forefathers. / Yet they would not listen or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and would not listen or receive My discipline. ... <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="/mark/3-4.htm">Mark 3:4</a> And He asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” But they were silent. <a href="/luke/13-14.htm">Luke 13:14-16</a> But the synagogue leader was indignant that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. “There are six days for work,” he told the crowd. “So come and be healed on those days and not on the Sabbath.” / “You hypocrites!” the Lord replied. “Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it to water? / Then should not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be released from her bondage on the Sabbath day?” <a href="/luke/14-3.htm">Luke 14:3-5</a> So Jesus asked the experts in the law and the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” / But they remained silent. Then Jesus took hold of the man, healed him, and sent him on his way. / And He asked them, “Which of you whose son or ox falls into a pit on the Sabbath day will not immediately pull him out?” <a href="/john/5-9.htm">John 5:9-10</a> Immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and began to walk. Now this happened on the Sabbath day, / so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “This is the Sabbath! It is unlawful for you to carry your mat.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, Behold, your disciples do that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath day.Behold.<a href="/matthew/12-10.htm">Matthew 12:10</a> 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.<a href="/exodus/20-9.htm">Exodus 20:9-11</a> Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: … <a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Exodus 23:12</a> Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/numbers/30-8.htm">Forbids</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-19.htm">Lawful</a> <a href="/matthew/9-34.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/matthew/11-19.htm">Right</a> <a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Sabbath</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-34.htm">Unlawful</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/12-27.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/luke/6-3.htm">Forbids</a> <a href="/matthew/12-4.htm">Lawful</a> <a href="/matthew/12-14.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/matthew/12-10.htm">Right</a> <a href="/matthew/12-5.htm">Sabbath</a> <a href="/mark/2-24.htm">Unlawful</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>When the Pharisees saw this The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judaism during the time of Jesus. They were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions. Their role often involved monitoring religious practices to ensure compliance with Jewish law. The context here is that Jesus and His disciples were walking through grainfields on the Sabbath, and the disciples began to pick heads of grain to eat. The Pharisees, observing this, were quick to challenge Jesus, reflecting their ongoing scrutiny of His ministry.they said to Him The Pharisees directly addressed Jesus, indicating their recognition of Him as the leader of His group. This confrontation highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities. The Pharisees often questioned Jesus to test Him or to find grounds for accusation, as seen in other Gospel accounts.“Look, Your disciples are doing The Pharisees' statement begins with "Look," drawing attention to what they perceived as a violation. This reflects their role as enforcers of the law and their eagerness to point out perceived transgressions. The focus on the disciples' actions rather than Jesus' own actions suggests an attempt to undermine His authority by criticizing His followers.what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” The Sabbath, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, was a day of rest as commanded in the Fourth Commandment (<a href="/exodus/20-8.htm">Exodus 20:8-11</a>). Jewish law prohibited work on the Sabbath, and over time, detailed regulations were developed to define what constituted work. The act of picking grain was considered reaping, which was classified as work. The Pharisees' accusation reflects their interpretation of the law, which Jesus often challenged by emphasizing the spirit rather than the letter of the law. This incident foreshadows Jesus' teaching that "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (<a href="/mark/2-27.htm">Mark 2:27</a>), highlighting His authority over traditional interpretations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a> A religious group in Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the Law. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> Central figure in Christianity, believed to be the Son of God and the Messiah. In this passage, He is challenged by the Pharisees regarding Sabbath observance. 3. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> Followers of Jesus who were learning from His teachings and actions. In this context, they were picking grain on the Sabbath, which led to the Pharisees' accusation. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sabbath.htm">Sabbath</a> A day of rest and worship observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, as commanded in the Old Testament. It was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/g/grainfields.htm">Grainfields</a> The setting of this event, where the disciples were picking heads of grain, which was considered work by the Pharisees.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_spirit_of_the_law.htm">Understanding the Spirit of the Law</a> The Pharisees focused on the letter of the law, missing its spirit. Jesus teaches that the Sabbath is meant for rest and mercy, not burdensome legalism. <a href="/topical/j/jesus'_authority_over_the_sabbath.htm">Jesus' Authority Over the Sabbath</a> Jesus, as Lord of the Sabbath, has authority to interpret its true meaning. This challenges us to recognize His authority in our lives. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_law_and_grace.htm">Balancing Law and Grace</a> While laws are important, they should not overshadow the principles of grace and mercy. We are called to live out the heart of God's commands. <a href="/topical/p/prioritizing_compassion_over_ritual.htm">Prioritizing Compassion Over Ritual</a> Jesus' response to the Pharisees highlights the importance of compassion. Our actions should reflect God's love and mercy, especially in religious observance. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_on_personal_sabbath_practices.htm">Reflecting on Personal Sabbath Practices</a> Consider how we observe rest and worship. Are our practices life-giving and God-honoring, or are they burdensome and legalistic?<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/why_did_jesus_undergo_baptism_by_john.htm">Is working on the Sabbath considered wrong?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_the_bond_of_perfection.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'seeks a sign'?</a> <a href="/q/is_mark_2_23-28's_grain_story_reliable.htm">Mark 2:23-28 - How reliable is the story of disciples picking grain on the Sabbath, given the potential historical and legal disputes that should have arisen?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'coram_deo'_mean.htm">What does 'Leaven of the Pharisees' mean?</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>(2) When the Pharisees saw it.--In the position in which the narrative stands in the other two Gospels, the Pharisees would appear as belonging to the company that had come down from Jerusalem to watch and accuse the new Teacher (<a href="/luke/5-17.htm" title="And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.">Luke 5:17</a>). He claimed the power to forgive sins, He ate and drank with publicans and sinners. Now they found that He was teaching men to dishonour the Sabbath, as He had already taught them in Jerusalem (<a href="/john/5-10.htm" title="The Jews therefore said to him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.">John 5:10</a>; <a href="/john/5-16.htm" title="And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.">John 5:16</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him. The Revised Version (but the Pharisees, when they saw it, said unto him) retains the simple order of the Greek, which more vividly represents the Pharisees as a party opposed to him. Behold. They suggest that he had not noticed it. Were the disciples behind him (cf. <a href="/matthew/8-23.htm">Matthew 8:23</a>)? Thy disciples. Notice that all the accusations brought against the disciples in this Gospel concern food: <a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Matthew 9:14</a>, as regards abstaining from it upon fixed days; <a href="/matthew/15-2.htm">Matthew 15:2</a>, as regards eating it without taking extreme precautions against ceremonial pollution; in the present passage, as regards avoiding any profanation of the sabbath for its sake. Do. At this moment. That which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day (ver. 1, note). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/12-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[When] δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. [the] Pharisees Φαρισαῖοι (Pharisaioi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. saw [this], ἰδόντες (idontes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. they said εἶπαν (eipan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. to Him, 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. “Look, Ἰδοὺ (Idou) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2400.htm">Strong's 2400: </a> See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo! Your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. disciples μαθηταί (mathētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil. are doing ποιοῦσιν (poiousin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. what ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. is unlawful ἔξεστιν (exestin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1832.htm">Strong's 1832: </a> It is permitted, lawful, possible. on ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] Sabbath.” σαββάτῳ (sabbatō) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4521.htm">Strong's 4521: </a> The Sabbath, a week. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/12-2.htm">Matthew 12:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/12-2.htm">Matthew 12:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/12-2.htm">Matthew 12:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/12-2.htm">Matthew 12:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/12-2.htm">Matthew 12:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/12-2.htm">Matthew 12:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/12-2.htm">Matthew 12:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/12-2.htm">Matthew 12:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/12-2.htm">Matthew 12:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/12-2.htm">Matthew 12:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/12-2.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 12:2 But the Pharisees when they saw it (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/12-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 12:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/12-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 12:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:3" /></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>