Matthew 12:6 Meaning and Explanation
“But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus declares that something greater than the temple is present in him.
What Does Matthew 12:6 Mean?
Having reasoned from David and from the priests, Jesus now speaks with startling authority: here stands one greater than the temple. The temple was the holiest place in Israel, the dwelling of God's presence among his people. To claim to be greater is to claim that God's presence is now embodied in himself.
If the temple's service could set a man free from the letter of the sabbath, how much more can the One greater than the temple. Jesus is the meeting place of God and humanity, the One in whom worship finds its center. The shadow yields to the substance. Where he is, mercy and truth are present in full, and the heart of every commandment is fulfilled.
Matthew 12:6 in the Original Language
hieron (ἱερόν), 'temple' -- the whole sacred temple precinct, the dwelling place of God's presence in Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 12:6
What does Matthew 12:6 mean?
Jesus declares that something greater than the temple is present in him.