Matthew 12:3 Meaning and Explanation
“But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus answers with Scripture, recalling what David did when he and his men were hungry.
What Does Matthew 12:3 Mean?
Jesus meets their objection not with his own opinion but with the Scriptures they claim to revere. He points to the account of David, who, fleeing from Saul and faint with hunger, came to the house of God with his companions. The question 'Have ye not read' gently exposes how little they have grasped of what they have read.
By appealing to David, Jesus reasons from a story his accusers honor. The need of God's servant was met without condemnation, because mercy answered hunger. Christ teaches that the same God who gave the law gave it for life, and that those who truly know Scripture will read it with compassion rather than as a snare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 12:3
What does Matthew 12:3 mean?
Jesus answers with Scripture, recalling what David did when he and his men were hungry.