Matthew 12:2 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Pharisees accuse the disciples of breaking the sabbath by plucking grain.
What Does Matthew 12:2 Mean?
The Pharisees, watchful for any breach of their detailed sabbath traditions, count the plucking and rubbing of grain as a kind of harvesting and threshing forbidden on the day. They bring the charge directly to Jesus, holding him responsible for his disciples' conduct.
Their complaint reveals a heart more eager to find fault than to feed the hungry. They have multiplied rules around God's command until the command no longer breathes. Christ does not despise the sabbath; he honors it. But he will teach that a law guarded without mercy has been misunderstood at its root, and that God looks first upon the heart.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 12:2
What does Matthew 12:2 mean?
The Pharisees accuse the disciples of breaking the sabbath by plucking grain.