Matthew presents Jesus as the authoritative Messiah whose Sabbath lordship, servant identity, Spirit-empowered deliverance, and family-redefining authority expose escalating unbelief among religious leaders.
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Matthew 12
The Lord of the Sabbath, the Servant of the Lord, and the Crisis of Unbelief
Jesus, the merciful Lord of the Sabbath and Spirit-anointed Servant, exposes hardened unbelief and calls people into true kingdom kinship through repentance, Spirit-recognition, and doing the Father’s will.
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Chapter Summary
Jesus, the merciful Lord of the Sabbath and Spirit-anointed Servant, exposes hardened unbelief and calls people into true kingdom kinship through repentance, Spirit-recognition, and doing the Father’s will.
Overview
Matthew 12 argues that Jesus’ authority fulfills and judges Israel’s covenant life. The Sabbath, temple, prophets, Spirit, wisdom, and family are all brought under His messianic authority. Jesus is not violating the Sabbath but revealing its merciful purpose as its Lord. He is not driven by demonic power but by the Spirit of God, proving that the kingdom has arrived and Satan is being plundered.
He is not merely another teacher from whom signs may be demanded but the one greater than temple, Jonah, and Solomon. The chapter exposes the deadly trajectory of religious hardness: criticizing mercy, plotting murder, slandering the Spirit, demanding signs without repentance, and remaining empty though outwardly ordered. True belonging is defined by doing the will of the Father.
Context
A Jewish or Jewish-Christian audience familiar with Sabbath law, Davidic precedent, temple service, Hosea’s mercy text, Isaiah’s Servant songs, demonology, Jonah, Solomon, and covenant accountability.
The chapter takes place in Galilean ministry contexts, including grainfields on the Sabbath, a synagogue, settings where crowds are healed, and a public confrontation after Jesus heals a demon-oppressed man.
Jesus, the merciful Lord of the Sabbath and Spirit-anointed Servant, exposes hardened unbelief and calls people into true kingdom kinship through repentance, Spirit-recognition, and doing the Father’s will.
Matthew presents Jesus as the authoritative Messiah whose Sabbath lordship, servant identity, Spirit-empowered deliverance, and family-redefining authority expose escalating unbelief among religious leaders.
A Jewish or Jewish-Christian audience familiar with Sabbath law, Davidic precedent, temple service, Hosea’s mercy text, Isaiah’s Servant songs, demonology, Jonah, Solomon, and covenant accountability.
The chapter takes place in Galilean ministry contexts, including grainfields on the Sabbath, a synagogue, settings where crowds are healed, and a public confrontation after Jesus heals a demon-oppressed man.
Social Pressure
- Jesus confronts religious authorities whose interpretations burden the Sabbath and resist mercy. The conflict intensifies from criticism to a plot to kill Jesus and then to the accusation that His deliverance ministry operates by Satanic power.
Sabbath observance was a major covenant marker. Pharisaic concern for Sabbath boundaries often involved detailed applications beyond the written command. Temple priests performed Sabbath duties without guilt. Demon oppression, public healings, and exorcisms were understood within a world that recognized spiritual conflict. Family loyalty held high social value, making Jesus’ redefinition of family around obedience to the Father especially significant.
Matthew 12 follows Jesus’ invitation to rest in Matthew 11:28-30 and immediately displays conflict over Sabbath rest. The chapter reveals that Jesus is not abolishing God’s purposes but fulfilling them as Lord of the Sabbath, Servant of the Lord, and stronger one who plunders Satan’s house.
Chapter Movement
Matthew moves from Sabbath controversy in the grainfields, to Sabbath healing in the synagogue, to Isaiah’s Servant fulfillment, to the Beelzebul accusation and Jesus’ warning about blasphemy against the Spirit, to teaching on words and the heart, to the sign of Jonah and judgment against the generation, to the danger of empty reform, and finally to the true family of Jesus.
Discourse Insight
Theological exposition and fulfillment
Matthew 12 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus is the merciful Lord who fulfills Sabbath and temple, the gentle Servant who brings justice and hope, the Spirit-empowered conqueror of Satan, the greater Jonah whose death and resurrection are the decisive sign, and the greater Solomon whose wisdom exceeds all earthly wisdom. The gospel is not merciless religion, empty reform, or sign-demanding unbelief.
It is the kingdom coming in Christ by the Spirit, calling sinners to repentance, mercy, transformed hearts, and obedient belonging to the Father’s family.
Structural Flow
Jesus exposes Pharisaic Sabbath interpretation and reveals Himself as Lord of the Sabbath who prioritizes mercy and doing good.
Matthew interprets Jesus’ gentle, healing, non-self-promoting ministry through Isaiah’s Servant prophecy.
Jesus’ Spirit-empowered victory over demons proves the kingdom’s arrival and exposes the danger of calling the Spirit’s work satanic.
Jesus teaches that words reveal the heart and will be brought into final accountability.
Jesus rebukes sign-seeking unbelief and declares Himself greater than Jonah and Solomon.
Jesus warns that empty reform without true occupation by God leads to worse spiritual ruin.
Jesus redefines kinship around doing the will of the Father.
Chapter Outline
- 12:1-8: Jesus defends His disciples and reveals that Sabbath interpretation must bow to mercy, temple fulfillment, and the Son of Man’s lordship.
- 12:9-14: Jesus heals on the Sabbath and exposes the Pharisees’ merciless inconsistency.
- 12:15-21: Matthew cites Isaiah to reveal Jesus as the gentle Servant who brings justice without crushing the weak.
- 12:22-30: Jesus refutes the Beelzebul accusation and declares that His exorcisms reveal the arrival of God’s kingdom.
- 12:31-32: Jesus warns against the settled rejection that calls the Spirit’s testimony to Christ demonic.
- 12:33-37: Jesus teaches that words expose the heart and will be judged.
- 12:38-42: Jesus denies sign-seeking unbelief and points to Jonah while declaring Himself greater than Jonah and Solomon.
- 12:43-45: Jesus warns that a generation may experience outward reform and still become worse if left spiritually empty.
- 12:46-50: Jesus identifies His true family as those who do the will of His Father in heaven.
Theological Argument
Matthew 12 argues that Jesus’ authority fulfills and judges Israel’s covenant life. The Sabbath, temple, prophets, Spirit, wisdom, and family are all brought under His messianic authority. Jesus is not violating the Sabbath but revealing its merciful purpose as its Lord. He is not driven by demonic power but by the Spirit of God, proving that the kingdom has arrived and Satan is being plundered.
He is not merely another teacher from whom signs may be demanded but the one greater than temple, Jonah, and Solomon. The chapter exposes the deadly trajectory of religious hardness: criticizing mercy, plotting murder, slandering the Spirit, demanding signs without repentance, and remaining empty though outwardly ordered. True belonging is defined by doing the will of the Father.
From Sabbath criticism to murder plot, from servant gentleness to demonic accusation, from Spirit-empowered kingdom arrival to unforgivable blasphemy warning, from words revealing hearts to final judgment, from sign-seeking to Jonah’s sign, from empty reform to true family obedience.
- 1.Jesus interprets the Sabbath through mercy, temple fulfillment, and his own lordship.
- 2.Mercy is lawful on the Sabbath.
- 3.Religious hardness may prefer destruction over restoration.
- 4.Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s Servant prophecy.
- 5.Jesus’ exorcisms by the Spirit show the kingdom’s arrival.
- 6.Neutrality toward Jesus is impossible.
- 7.Blasphemy against the Spirit is a uniquely grave rejection.
- 8.Words expose the heart and will face judgment.
- 9.Sign-seeking unbelief ignores greater revelation already present.
- 10.Outward reform without true spiritual occupation leaves a person worse.
- 11.True kinship with Jesus is defined by doing the Father’s will.
Theological Focus
- Lord of the Sabbath
- Mercy not sacrifice
- Greater than the temple
- Sabbath healing
- Religious hardness
- Isaiah’s Servant
- Spirit of God
- Kingdom arrival
- Victory over Satan
- Blasphemy against the Spirit
- Words and heart
- Final accountability
- Sign of Jonah
- Greater than Jonah
- Greater than Solomon
- Empty reform
- True family
- Doing the Father’s will
- Gentleness of Christ
- Hope of the nations
- Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath
- Mercy over Sacrifice
- Greater Than the Temple
- Sabbath Restoration
- The Servant of the Lord
- Justice to the Nations
- Kingdom versus Satan
- Heart and Speech
- Sign-Seeking Unbelief
- Greater One Christology
- False Reform
- Kingdom Family
- Christology
- Sabbath
- Temple Fulfillment
- Mercy
- Servant Theology
- Holy Spirit
- Kingdom of God
- Spiritual Warfare
- Sin and Blasphemy
- Anthropology
- Judgment
- Resurrection
- Ecclesiology / Kingdom Family
Theological Themes
Jesus has authority to interpret and fulfill the Sabbath according to its merciful purpose.
Jesus again cites Hosea 6:6 to expose religious interpretation that neglects mercy.
Jesus claims that something greater than the temple is present, locating temple fulfillment in Himself.
Healing on the Sabbath reveals that Sabbath is fitting for life-giving restoration.
Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s portrait of the Spirit-endowed Servant who brings justice gently.
The Servant’s mission extends hope beyond Israel to the nations.
Jesus’ exorcisms reveal the kingdom’s arrival and the defeat of Satan’s dominion.
Jesus warns against hardenedly attributing the Spirit’s witness to Satan.
Words reveal the abundance of the heart and will be judged.
Demanding signs while rejecting present revelation exposes a wicked and adulterous generation.
Jesus is greater than the temple, Jonah, and Solomon.
A cleaned but empty life is vulnerable to worse spiritual ruin.
Jesus defines true family by doing the will of the Father.
Covenant Significance
Matthew 12 shows Jesus as the covenant-fulfilling Lord who interprets Sabbath, temple, mercy, prophecy, Spirit, wisdom, and kinship around Himself. Sabbath law is fulfilled in merciful restoration under the Lord of the Sabbath. The temple finds its greater reality in Jesus. Isaiah’s Servant promise comes to fulfillment in the Spirit-endowed Messiah who brings justice and hope to the nations.
Israel’s leaders face covenant accountability for rejecting the Spirit’s testimony and demanding signs while refusing repentance. True covenant family is defined by doing the Father’s will.
Old Testament Connections
- Matthew 12:1-14 - Jesus reveals Sabbath’s true purpose under His authority as Son of Man and Lord of the Sabbath.
- Matthew 12:7 - Jesus cites Hosea 6:6 to correct sacrifice-centered religion that neglects mercy.
- Matthew 12:6 - Jesus claims that something greater than the temple is present, pointing to His own messianic fulfillment.
- Matthew 12:15-21 - Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s Servant prophecy as the Spirit-endowed one who brings justice and hope to the nations.
- Matthew 12:28 - Jesus’ exorcisms by the Spirit reveal that the kingdom of God has come upon Israel.
- Matthew 12:39-41 - Jesus uses Jonah to point toward His own death and resurrection and to indict unrepentant Israel.
- Matthew 12:42 - Jesus is greater than Solomon, fulfilling and surpassing Israel’s wisdom tradition.
- Matthew 12:46-50 - Covenant kinship is redefined around doing the will of the Father in relation to Jesus.
- 1 Samuel 21:1-6 - David eating consecrated bread provides precedent for need, Davidic authority, and ceremonial exception.
- Leviticus 24:5-9 - The consecrated bread was normally for priests, forming the background of Jesus’ Davidic example.
- Numbers 28:9-10 - Priestly Sabbath offerings show that temple service involved Sabbath labor without guilt.
- Hosea 6:6 - Jesus cites God’s desire for mercy over sacrifice to expose the Pharisees’ failure.
- Isaiah 42:1-4 - Matthew cites this Servant text to interpret Jesus’ gentle, Spirit-anointed ministry.
- Genesis 3:15 - Jesus’ binding of the strong man fits the larger biblical theme of victory over Satan.
- Jonah 1:17 - Jonah’s three days and nights in the fish become the sign pointing to Jesus’ burial and resurrection.
- Jonah 3:5-10 - Nineveh’s repentance condemns the generation that refuses the greater Jonah.
- 1 Kings 10:1-13 - The queen of Sheba seeking Solomon’s wisdom condemns those who reject the greater Solomon.
- Deuteronomy 18:15-19 - The obligation to hear God’s prophet intensifies in the presence of one greater than Jonah and Solomon.
Canonical Connections
Jesus invokes David’s eating of consecrated bread to challenge legalistic condemnation of His hungry disciples.
Priestly Sabbath service shows that Sabbath law must be interpreted in relation to temple worship, which Jesus surpasses.
Jesus uses Hosea to expose covenant religion without mercy.
Matthew applies Isaiah’s Servant prophecy to Jesus’ Spirit-anointed, gentle, justice-bringing ministry.
Jesus’ binding of the strong man fits the larger biblical promise of God’s victory over evil.
Jesus’ teaching that words reveal the heart aligns with wisdom and prophetic teaching about speech.
Jonah’s three days and Nineveh’s repentance become a sign pointing to Jesus’ burial and resurrection and condemning unbelief.
The queen of Sheba seeking Solomon’s wisdom condemns those who reject Jesus, the greater Solomon.
Jesus defines family by obedience to the Father, anticipating the church as a kingdom family under God.
Cross References
Gospel Clarity
Matthew 12 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus is the merciful Lord who fulfills Sabbath and temple, the gentle Servant who brings justice and hope, the Spirit-empowered conqueror of Satan, the greater Jonah whose death and resurrection are the decisive sign, and the greater Solomon whose wisdom exceeds all earthly wisdom. The gospel is not merciless religion, empty reform, or sign-demanding unbelief.
It is the kingdom coming in Christ by the Spirit, calling sinners to repentance, mercy, transformed hearts, and obedient belonging to the Father’s family.
Gospel Guardrails
- Mercy - Jesus reveals that God desires mercy, not sacrifice, and refuses condemnation of the innocent.
- Lordship - The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath and greater than the temple.
- Servant Fulfillment - Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s chosen Servant prophecy with gentleness and justice.
- Spirit-Empowered Kingdom - Jesus drives out demons by the Spirit of God, proving the kingdom has come.
- Victory over Satan - Jesus binds the strong man and plunders His house.
- Heart Transformation - Words reveal the heart, showing the need for inner renewal, not surface religion.
- Death and Resurrection Sign - The sign of Jonah points to the Son of Man’s burial and resurrection.
- Greater Revelation - Jesus is greater than Jonah and Solomon, making rejection of Him especially culpable.
- True Family - Belonging to Jesus is marked by doing the will of the Father.
- Do not preach Jesus’ Sabbath controversies as permission for lawlessness.
- Do not preach Sabbath or Lord’s Day practice in a way that contradicts mercy.
- Do not separate Jesus’ gentleness from His warnings against hardened unbelief.
- Do not reduce the Servant prophecy to temperament only · it includes justice and hope for the nations.
- Do not attribute the work of the Spirit to mere technique, emotion, or evil opposition.
- Do not terrify tender believers with blasphemy-against-the-Spirit teaching without explaining the hardened context.
- Do not treat speech as secondary to discipleship.
- Do not offer moral cleanup as the gospel.
- Do not ignore the resurrection-centered sign of Jonah.
- Do not define Christian family by heritage, proximity, or sentiment apart from doing the Father’s will.
Primary Emphasis
Matthew 12 presents Jesus as the Son of Man and Lord of the Sabbath, the one greater than the temple, the Spirit-anointed Servant of Isaiah, the Son of David questioned by the crowds, the stronger one who binds Satan, the greater Jonah whose burial and resurrection become the decisive sign, the greater Solomon who embodies divine wisdom, and the one who defines true family around obedience to His Father.
Chapter Contribution
Matthew 12 argues that Jesus’ authority fulfills and judges Israel’s covenant life. The Sabbath, temple, prophets, Spirit, wisdom, and family are all brought under His messianic authority. Jesus is not violating the Sabbath but revealing its merciful purpose as its Lord. He is not driven by demonic power but by the Spirit of God, proving that the kingdom has arrived and Satan is being plundered.
He is not merely another teacher from whom signs may be demanded but the one greater than temple, Jonah, and Solomon. The chapter exposes the deadly trajectory of religious hardness: criticizing mercy, plotting murder, slandering the Spirit, demanding signs without repentance, and remaining empty though outwardly ordered. True belonging is defined by doing the will of the Father.
Doctrines in This Chapter
The unforgivable sin is hardened, hostile, knowing slander of the Spirit’s testimony to Christ, calling His work demonic.
Jesus’ presence surpasses the temple as the locus of God’s saving presence and authority.
Jesus has authority to define the boundaries of His family and kingdom community.
Jesus binds the strong man and plunders Satan’s house, showing His victory over demonic power.
Jesus treats demonic evil as real while focusing the warning on the danger of rejecting the kingdom.
Jesus identifies His disciples as His true family, linking hearing, following, and obedience.
The heart is the inner source from which speech flows, revealing a person’s true spiritual condition.
Jesus warns of a coming day when every careless word will be brought into account.
Fruit reveals the nature of the tree, just as speech reveals the condition of the heart.
Jesus does not crush the bruised or extinguish the smoldering, revealing the tender manner of His saving work.
The Pharisees’ plot reveals how religious hardness can oppose mercy and move toward murder.
Jesus’ mission extends to the nations, fulfilling the promise that Gentiles will hope in His name.
People are accountable to God not only for actions but also for their words.
Jesus affirms that a person is more valuable than a sheep, grounding mercy in the worth of human beings.
The crowds wonder, while the Pharisees resist and slander, showing divided responses to the same revelation.
Jesus defends His disciples against false condemnation and identifies them as innocent.
The wicked generation’s refusal of Jesus leads to a worse final condition.
The Servant’s gentleness does not cancel justice; it is the path by which He brings justice to victory.
Jesus forms a new family defined by allegiance to Him and obedience to the Father.
Jesus’ Spirit-empowered exorcisms reveal that God’s reign has arrived in His ministry.
The proper response to Jesus is not temporary reform but receiving the King and His reign.
Jesus exercises Sabbath authority not only by teaching but by healing in accordance with God’s merciful purpose.
God desires mercy rather than sacrifice, and true interpretation of Scripture must reflect that priority.
Jesus declares that doing good is lawful on the Sabbath, grounding obedience in mercy.
The healing raises the question of Jesus as Son of David and places His exorcising authority within messianic expectation.
The problem of evil speech is not solved by surface control alone but by transformation of the heart.
External reform cannot replace inner renewal and true reception of Christ.
The kingdom community is not grounded in biological descent or external proximity but in belonging to Christ.
Doing the Father’s will is the defining mark of true kinship with Jesus.
The withered hand is restored whole, displaying kingdom restoration in embodied form.
The Sabbath is rightly understood under Jesus’ authority and in connection with the rest He gives.
Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s Servant figure as the chosen, beloved, Spirit-endowed one who brings justice.
The Father places His Spirit on the Servant, marking Jesus’ mission as empowered and authorized by God.
A life morally ordered but empty of Christ remains spiritually vulnerable.
The Spirit of God empowers and attests Jesus’ messianic mission.
Doctrinal Weight
Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, greater than the temple, Isaiah’s Servant, Spirit-empowered deliverer, greater than Jonah, greater than Solomon, and definer of God’s family.
Sabbath is interpreted under Jesus’ lordship through mercy, doing good, temple fulfillment, and restoration.
Jesus claims that something greater than the temple is present in Him and His mission.
God desires mercy over sacrifice, and Jesus applies this to defend the innocent and heal on the Sabbath.
Jesus fulfills Isaiah 42 as the chosen, beloved, Spirit-endowed Servant who brings justice to the nations.
Jesus drives out demons by the Spirit of God, and blasphemy against the Spirit is gravely warned against.
The kingdom has come upon them in Jesus’ Spirit-empowered overthrow of demons.
Jesus binds the strong man and plunders His house, revealing victory over Satan.
All sin and blasphemy can be forgiven except the hardened blasphemy against the Spirit described in context.
Words reveal the heart’s storehouse, showing the need for inner transformation.
People will give account for every empty word, and the generation will be condemned by Nineveh and the queen of the South.
The sign of Jonah points forward to the Son of Man’s burial and resurrection.
The true family of Jesus consists of those who do the will of the Father.
Reading Lenses
Theological exposition and fulfillment
- Matthew 12 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus is the merciful Lord who fulfills Sabbath and temple, the gentle Servant who brings justice and hope, the Spirit-empowered conqueror of Satan, the greater Jonah whose death and resurrection are the decisive sign, and the greater Solomon whose wisdom exceeds all earthly wisdom. The gospel is not merciless religion, empty reform, or sign-demanding unbelief. It is the kingdom coming in Christ by the Spirit, calling sinners to repentance, mercy, transformed hearts, and obedient belonging to the Father’s family.
Key Greek Terms
Form in passage Dative · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense Sabbath, seventh-day rest
Definition The Sabbath day of rest and worship in Israel’s covenant life.
References Matthew 12:1-12
Lexicon Sabbath, seventh-day rest
Why it matters The chapter’s opening controversies center on Jesus’ authority over Sabbath interpretation.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense were hungry
Definition To hunger or be in need of food.
References Matthew 12:1
Lexicon were hungry
Why it matters The disciples’ hunger frames Jesus’ appeal to David’s need and mercy.
Sense it is lawful, permitted
Definition It is permitted, lawful, or allowed.
References Matthew 12:2, 12:4, 12:10, 12:12
Lexicon it is lawful, permitted
Why it matters The controversy concerns what is lawful on the Sabbath, especially mercy and doing good.
Individual words ἄρτους τῆς προθέσεως artous tēs protheseōs · ἄρτους τῆς προθέσεως artous tēs protheseōs
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense bread of the Presence, consecrated bread
Definition The bread set before God in the sanctuary.
References Matthew 12:4
Lexicon bread of the Presence, consecrated bread
Why it matters David’s eating of this bread becomes a key precedent in Jesus’ Sabbath argument.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense priests
Definition Priests serving in temple worship.
References Matthew 12:5
Lexicon priests
Why it matters Priestly Sabbath service shows that Sabbath work in temple service is not guilt-bearing.
Sense temple, sacred precincts
Definition The temple or sacred temple precincts.
References Matthew 12:5-6
Lexicon temple, sacred precincts
Why it matters Jesus declares that something greater than the temple is here.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense greater
Definition Greater, larger, superior, or more significant.
References Matthew 12:6, 12:41-42
Lexicon greater
Why it matters Jesus uses greater-than language for temple, Jonah, and Solomon, creating a Christological crescendo.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense mercy, compassion
Definition Mercy, compassion, or covenant kindness.
References Matthew 12:7
Lexicon mercy, compassion
Why it matters Jesus says understanding mercy would have prevented condemning the innocent.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense sacrifice, offering
Definition A sacrifice or offering.
References Matthew 12:7
Lexicon sacrifice, offering
Why it matters Jesus contrasts mercy with sacrifice emptied of God’s intent.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense innocent, guiltless
Definition Innocent, guiltless, without blame.
References Matthew 12:7
Lexicon innocent, guiltless
Why it matters The Pharisees condemn those Jesus declares guiltless.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense Son of Man
Definition Jesus’ self-designation carrying themes of humanity, authority, suffering, and dominion.
References Matthew 12:8, 12:40
Lexicon Son of Man
Why it matters The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath and will give the sign of Jonah.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense Lord, master, authority-holder
Definition Lord, master, or one with authority.
References Matthew 12:8
Lexicon Lord, master, authority-holder
Why it matters Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath.
Individual words βάλω τὸν δάκτυλόν μου...τὴν χεῖρά μου balō ton daktylon mou...tēn cheira mou · χεῖρα ἔχων ξηράν cheira echōn xēran
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense withered, dried, shriveled hand
Definition A hand that is withered, dried, or disabled.
References Matthew 12:10
Lexicon withered, dried, shriveled hand
Why it matters Jesus’ healing of the man exposes whether Sabbath is treated as a day for mercy and restoration.
Form in passage Present · Active · Infinitive What is this?
Sense to heal, cure, restore
Definition To heal, cure, serve, or restore.
References Matthew 12:10, 12:15, 12:22
Lexicon to heal, cure, restore
Why it matters Jesus heals on the Sabbath, revealing kingdom restoration.
Sense to do good
Definition To act rightly, nobly, or beneficially.
References Matthew 12:12
Lexicon to do good
Why it matters Jesus states that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense took counsel, plotted
Definition To take counsel or form a plan.
References Matthew 12:14
Lexicon took counsel, plotted
Why it matters The Sabbath healing leads the Pharisees to plot Jesus’ death.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Subjunctive · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense destroy, kill, ruin
Definition To destroy, ruin, kill, or cause to perish.
References Matthew 12:14
Lexicon destroy, kill, ruin
Why it matters The leaders seek to destroy the one who restores life.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense servant, child
Definition Servant or child, used here for the chosen Servant of Isaiah.
References Matthew 12:18
Lexicon servant, child
Why it matters Matthew identifies Jesus as God’s chosen Servant.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 1st Person · Singular What is this?
Sense chosen, selected
Definition To choose or select.
References Matthew 12:18
Lexicon chosen, selected
Why it matters Jesus is the chosen Servant in whom God delights.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense beloved
Definition Beloved, dearly loved.
References Matthew 12:18
Lexicon beloved
Why it matters The Father’s delight rests on Jesus the Servant.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense Spirit
Definition Spirit, breath, or wind; here God’s Spirit.
References Matthew 12:18, 12:28, 12:31-32
Lexicon Spirit
Why it matters Jesus is Spirit-endowed and drives out demons by the Spirit of God.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense justice, judgment
Definition Judgment, justice, legal decision, or right order.
References Matthew 12:18, 12:20
Lexicon justice, judgment
Why it matters The Servant brings justice to the nations and brings justice to victory.
Form in passage Dative · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense nations, Gentiles
Definition Nations or Gentile peoples.
References Matthew 12:18, 12:21
Lexicon nations, Gentiles
Why it matters Jesus’ Servant mission extends hope to the nations.
Form in passage Future · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense quarrel, wrangle
Definition To quarrel, wrangle, or contend noisily.
References Matthew 12:19
Lexicon quarrel, wrangle
Why it matters Jesus’ Servant ministry is not self-promoting strife.
Individual words κάλαμον συντετριμμένον kalamon syntetrimmenon · κάλαμον συντετριμμένον kalamon syntetrimmenon
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense bruised reed
Definition A crushed or damaged reed.
References Matthew 12:20
Lexicon bruised reed
Why it matters Jesus does not crush the weak but restores with gentleness.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense smoldering wick
Definition A smoking or smoldering flax wick near extinction.
References Matthew 12:20
Lexicon smoldering wick
Why it matters Jesus preserves and restores the faint and weak rather than extinguishing them.
Form in passage Future · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense hope, trust
Definition To hope, trust, or expect confidently.
References Matthew 12:21
Lexicon hope, trust
Why it matters The nations will put their hope in the Servant’s name.
Form in passage Present · Middle · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense demon-oppressed, demon-possessed
Definition Afflicted or oppressed by a demon.
References Matthew 12:22
Lexicon demon-oppressed, demon-possessed
Why it matters Jesus’ healing of the demon-oppressed man triggers the Beelzebul controversy.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense blind and mute
Definition Unable to see and unable to speak or hear depending on context.
References Matthew 12:22
Lexicon blind and mute
Why it matters The man’s restoration displays messianic healing and deliverance.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense Son of David
Definition Davidic messianic title.
References Matthew 12:23
Lexicon Son of David
Why it matters The crowd wonders if Jesus is the Davidic Messiah after His deliverance miracle.
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense Beelzebul, ruler of demons
Definition A title associated with the chief demonic power.
References Matthew 12:24, 12:27
Lexicon Beelzebul, ruler of demons
Why it matters The Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebul.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Individual words τινος τῶν ἀρχόντων τῶν Φαρισαίων tinos tōn archontōn tōn Pharisaiōn · ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων archonti tōn daimoniōn
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense ruler of demons
Definition Chief ruler or authority over demons.
References Matthew 12:24
Lexicon ruler of demons
Why it matters The accusation is a direct slander of Jesus’ Spirit-empowered work.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense kingdom, reign
Definition Kingdom, reign, royal rule.
References Matthew 12:25-28
Lexicon kingdom, reign
Why it matters Jesus argues that a divided kingdom cannot stand and says God’s kingdom has come upon them.
Individual words ἀφῆκεν τὸ πνεῦμα aphēken to pneuma · βδέλυγμα ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ bdelygma enōpion tou theou
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense Spirit of God
Definition The Holy Spirit as God’s Spirit.
References Matthew 12:28
Lexicon Spirit of God
Why it matters Jesus’ exorcisms by the Spirit prove the kingdom has arrived.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense has come upon, arrived
Definition To arrive, come upon, or reach.
References Matthew 12:28
Lexicon has come upon, arrived
Why it matters The kingdom has arrived upon them in Jesus’ Spirit-empowered deliverance.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense strong one, strong man
Definition Strong, mighty, powerful person.
References Matthew 12:29
Lexicon strong one, strong man
Why it matters The strong man represents Satan’s power, which Jesus binds and plunders.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Subjunctive · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense bind, tie up
Definition To bind, tie, or restrain.
References Matthew 12:29
Lexicon bind, tie up
Why it matters Jesus must bind the strong man in order to plunder His house.
Form in passage Future · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense plunder, seize goods
Definition To plunder, seize, or carry off goods.
References Matthew 12:29
Lexicon plunder, seize goods
Why it matters Jesus’ deliverance work plunders Satan’s house.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense blasphemy, slander, reviling
Definition Slanderous or irreverent speech against God or sacred things.
References Matthew 12:31
Lexicon blasphemy, slander, reviling
Why it matters Jesus warns about blasphemy against the Spirit.
Form in passage Future · Passive · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense forgiven, released
Definition To forgive, release, remit, or send away.
References Matthew 12:31-32
Lexicon forgiven, released
Why it matters Jesus distinguishes forgivable sins from the blasphemy against the Spirit.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense tree
Definition A tree, used metaphorically for inner nature.
References Matthew 12:33
Lexicon tree
Why it matters The tree and fruit image shows that speech and action reveal inner reality.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense fruit, produce, result
Definition Fruit, produce, or visible result.
References Matthew 12:33
Lexicon fruit, produce, result
Why it matters Fruit reveals the tree, just as words reveal the heart.
Form in passage Vocative · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense offspring of vipers
Definition A sharp denunciation comparing opponents to poisonous snakes.
References Matthew 12:34
Lexicon offspring of vipers
Why it matters Jesus exposes the poisonous character of the Pharisees’ speech and heart.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense heart, inner person
Definition The inner person, including desires, will, thoughts, and moral center.
References Matthew 12:34-35
Lexicon heart, inner person
Why it matters Speech flows from the heart’s abundance.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense treasure, storehouse
Definition Treasure, storehouse, or accumulated reserve.
References Matthew 12:35
Lexicon treasure, storehouse
Why it matters Good or evil speech comes from the heart’s stored treasure.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense careless, empty, idle word
Definition A useless, careless, idle, or unproductive word.
References Matthew 12:36
Lexicon careless, empty, idle word
Why it matters People will give account for every careless word.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense account, word, reckoning
Definition Word, matter, account, or reckoning.
References Matthew 12:36
Lexicon account, word, reckoning
Why it matters Speech will be brought before God’s judgment.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense sign, confirming marker
Definition A sign, miracle, or confirming indication.
References Matthew 12:38-39
Lexicon sign, confirming marker
Why it matters The leaders demand a sign despite having rejected Jesus’ works.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense wicked, evil
Definition Evil, wicked, morally corrupt.
References Matthew 12:39, 12:45
Lexicon wicked, evil
Why it matters Jesus identifies the sign-seeking generation as wicked and adulterous.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense adulterous, covenant-unfaithful
Definition Adulterous, often metaphorically covenant-unfaithful.
References Matthew 12:39
Lexicon adulterous, covenant-unfaithful
Why it matters Sign-seeking unbelief is framed as covenant infidelity.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense Jonah
Definition Old Testament prophet sent to Nineveh.
References Matthew 12:39-41
Lexicon Jonah
Why it matters Jonah’s three days and Nineveh’s repentance become a sign and judgment witness.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Individual words παρακαλέω τὰς καρδίας parakaleō tas kardias · τὸ πρόσωπον τῆς γῆς καὶ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ to prosōpon tēs gēs kai tou ouranou
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense heart of the earth
Definition An expression referring to the Son of Man’s burial or descent into death.
References Matthew 12:40
Lexicon heart of the earth
Why it matters Jesus points to His death and burial as the sign of Jonah.
Sense Ninevites
Definition People of Nineveh.
References Matthew 12:41
Lexicon Ninevites
Why it matters Their repentance condemns the generation that rejects Jesus.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense repented, turned
Definition To repent, turn, or change mind and direction toward God.
References Matthew 12:41
Lexicon repented, turned
Why it matters Nineveh’s repentance under Jonah condemns non-repentance before Jesus.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense Solomon
Definition Davidic king known for wisdom and glory.
References Matthew 12:42
Lexicon Solomon
Why it matters Jesus declares Himself greater than Solomon.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Individual words πνεῦμα δαιμονίου ἀκαθάρτου pneuma daimoniou akathartou · ἀφῆκεν τὸ πνεῦμα aphēken to pneuma
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense unclean spirit
Definition Demonic or impure spirit.
References Matthew 12:43
Lexicon unclean spirit
Why it matters The returning spirit image warns against empty reform.
Form in passage Present · Active · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense empty, unoccupied
Definition To be unoccupied, empty, or at leisure.
References Matthew 12:44
Lexicon empty, unoccupied
Why it matters The house is clean and orderly but empty, making it vulnerable to worse occupation.
Form in passage Perfect · Passive · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense swept clean
Definition To sweep or clean.
References Matthew 12:44
Lexicon swept clean
Why it matters Outward cleanup is insufficient without true spiritual transformation.
Form in passage Perfect · Passive · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense put in order, adorned
Definition To arrange, order, decorate, or adorn.
References Matthew 12:44
Lexicon put in order, adorned
Why it matters The house’s orderliness does not mean it is spiritually safe.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense more evil, worse
Definition More wicked, evil, or worse.
References Matthew 12:45
Lexicon more evil, worse
Why it matters The final state becomes worse than the first when reform remains empty.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense generation
Definition Generation, people of an age, or kind of people.
References Matthew 12:39, 12:41-42, 12:45
Lexicon generation
Why it matters Jesus applies the empty house warning to the wicked generation.
Individual words ἀδελφός / ἀδελφή / μήτηρ adelphos / adelphē / mētēr · ἀδελφός / ἀδελφή / μήτηρ adelphos / adelphē / mētēr
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense mother and brothers
Definition Immediate family members.
References Matthew 12:46-50
Lexicon mother and brothers
Why it matters Jesus uses the arrival of His family to redefine true kinship around the Father’s will.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense will, desire, purpose
Definition Will, desire, or purpose.
References Matthew 12:50
Lexicon will, desire, purpose
Why it matters Doing the Father’s will marks Jesus’ true family.
Individual words τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ πατρὸς ὑμῶν to pneuma tou patros hymōn · βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν basileia tōn ouranōn
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense my Father in heaven
Definition God as Jesus’ Father, enthroned in heaven.
References Matthew 12:50
Lexicon my Father in heaven
Why it matters True family is defined by doing the will of Jesus’ Father.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense grainfields
Definition Sown fields or grainfields.
References Matthew 12:1
Lexicon grainfields
Why it matters The grainfield setting creates the Sabbath controversy over plucking heads of grain.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense heads of grain
Definition Heads or ears of grain.
References Matthew 12:1
Lexicon heads of grain
Why it matters The disciples’ plucking of grain is accused as unlawful Sabbath activity.
Form in passage Present · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense profane, desecrate
Definition To profane, make common, or desecrate.
References Matthew 12:5
Lexicon profane, desecrate
Why it matters Jesus says priests technically profane the Sabbath in temple service yet are guiltless.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense guiltless, innocent
Definition Without guilt, innocent, not blameworthy.
References Matthew 12:5, 12:7
Lexicon guiltless, innocent
Why it matters Jesus defends His disciples as guiltless before false accusation.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Imperative · 2nd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense stretch out, extend
Definition To stretch out or extend.
References Matthew 12:13
Lexicon stretch out, extend
Why it matters Jesus commands the disabled man to stretch out His hand, and restoration follows.
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense restored
Definition To restore to former condition.
References Matthew 12:13
Lexicon restored
Why it matters The Sabbath healing is an act of restoration, not violation.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense withdrew, departed
Definition To withdraw, depart, or go away.
References Matthew 12:15
Lexicon withdrew, departed
Why it matters Jesus’ withdrawal after the plot aligns with the non-quarrelsome Servant pattern.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense warned, rebuked, ordered sternly
Definition To rebuke, warn, or charge sternly.
References Matthew 12:16
Lexicon warned, rebuked, ordered sternly
Why it matters Jesus controls publicity in line with the Servant’s non-self-promoting mission.
Form in passage Future · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense declare, announce
Definition To announce, report, or declare.
References Matthew 12:18
Lexicon declare, announce
Why it matters The Servant declares justice to the nations.
Sense streets, broad places
Definition Broad streets or public places.
References Matthew 12:19
Lexicon streets, broad places
Why it matters The Servant will not seek noisy public self-display.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense victory
Definition Victory, conquest, triumph.
References Matthew 12:20
Lexicon victory
Why it matters The Servant brings justice to victory.
Form in passage Imperfect · Middle · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense amazed, astonished
Definition To be amazed, astonished, or out of oneself.
References Matthew 12:23
Lexicon amazed, astonished
Why it matters The crowds are astonished by Jesus’ deliverance and begin asking messianic questions.
Form in passage Accusative · Plural · Feminine What is this?
Sense knowing their thoughts
Definition Knowing inner thoughts, reflections, or reasoning.
References Matthew 12:25
Lexicon knowing their thoughts
Why it matters Jesus perceives and answers the hidden reasoning behind the accusation.
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense divided against itself
Definition Divided, apportioned, or split against itself.
References Matthew 12:25-26
Lexicon divided against itself
Why it matters Jesus refutes the Beelzebul accusation by showing the absurdity of Satan fighting Satan.
Form in passage Future · Passive · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense stand, remain established
Definition To stand, remain, or be established.
References Matthew 12:25-26
Lexicon stand, remain established
Why it matters A divided kingdom, city, or household cannot stand.
Form in passage Present · Active · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense gather, bring together
Definition To gather together or assemble.
References Matthew 12:30
Lexicon gather, bring together
Why it matters Whoever does not gather with Jesus scatters, showing no neutrality.
Form in passage Present · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense scatter, disperse
Definition To scatter or disperse.
References Matthew 12:30
Lexicon scatter, disperse
Why it matters Opposition to Jesus is scattering rather than gathering.
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense age, world-age
Definition Age, era, or world period.
References Matthew 12:32
Lexicon age, world-age
Why it matters Jesus says blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven in this age or the age to come.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Imperative · 2nd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense make, regard, produce
Definition To make, do, produce, or regard.
References Matthew 12:33
Lexicon make, regard, produce
Why it matters Jesus commands consistency: make the tree good and fruit good, or tree bad and fruit bad.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense good, noble, beautiful
Definition Good, noble, fitting, or beautiful.
References Matthew 12:33-35
Lexicon good, noble, beautiful
Why it matters Good fruit corresponds to a good tree and good heart treasure.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense bad, rotten, corrupt
Definition Rotten, bad, corrupt, or worthless.
References Matthew 12:33
Lexicon bad, rotten, corrupt
Why it matters Bad fruit and bad speech reveal corrupt inner reality.
Form in passage Future · Passive · Indicative · 2nd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense condemned
Definition To condemn or pronounce guilty.
References Matthew 12:37
Lexicon condemned
Why it matters Words will either justify or condemn in the day of judgment.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense scribes, teachers of the law
Definition Experts in Scripture and legal interpretation.
References Matthew 12:38
Lexicon scribes, teachers of the law
Why it matters The sign request comes from those who should have recognized the Scriptures’ witness to Jesus.
Form in passage Vocative · Singular · Masculine What is this?
Sense teacher
Definition Teacher or instructor.
References Matthew 12:38
Lexicon teacher
Why it matters The leaders address Jesus respectfully while demanding a sign from resistant hearts.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense queen of the South
Definition The queen associated with the south, commonly identified with the queen of Sheba.
References Matthew 12:42
Lexicon queen of the South
Why it matters Her journey to hear Solomon condemns those who reject the greater wisdom of Jesus.
Individual words περάτων τῆς γῆς peratōn tēs gēs · τὸ πρόσωπον τῆς γῆς καὶ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ to prosōpon tēs gēs kai tou ouranou
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense ends of the earth
Definition Far distant regions or extremities of the earth.
References Matthew 12:42
Lexicon ends of the earth
Why it matters The queen traveled far for Solomon’s wisdom, intensifying judgment against those near Jesus who reject Him.
Form in passage Genitive · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense waterless places
Definition Dry or waterless places.
References Matthew 12:43
Lexicon waterless places
Why it matters The image portrays the restless wandering of the unclean spirit.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense rest
Definition Rest, relief, or refreshment.
References Matthew 12:43
Lexicon rest
Why it matters The unclean spirit seeks rest, contrasting with true rest in Christ from Matthew 11:28-30.
Form in passage Present · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense dwell, inhabit
Definition To dwell, inhabit, or settle.
References Matthew 12:45
Lexicon dwell, inhabit
Why it matters The returning spirits inhabit the empty house, showing the danger of spiritual vacancy.
Sense outside
Definition Outside or outwardly.
References Matthew 12:46-47
Lexicon outside
Why it matters Jesus’ biological family stands outside while He points to disciples as true family.
Key Hebrew Terms
Sense Sabbath, rest
Definition The seventh day of rest, covenant sign, and holy day.
References Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12
Lexicon Sabbath, rest
Why it matters Matthew 12 centers on Jesus’ authority over Sabbath meaning and practice.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Sense mercy, covenant loyalty, steadfast love
Definition Steadfast love, mercy, loyalty, or covenant kindness.
References Hosea 6:6; Matthew 12:7
Lexicon mercy, covenant loyalty, steadfast love
Why it matters Jesus quotes Hosea’s mercy text to expose sacrifice without covenant compassion.
Cross-language bridge 2 links · View in lexicon
Form in passage Masculine · Singular · Absolute What is this?
Sense sacrifice
Definition A sacrifice or offering.
References Hosea 6:6; Matthew 12:7
Lexicon sacrifice
Why it matters God desires mercy rather than sacrifice emptied of covenant faithfulness.
Sense temple, palace
Definition Temple, palace, or great house.
References Matthew 12:6
Lexicon temple, palace
Why it matters Jesus claims a greater-than-temple reality in Himself.
Sense servant
Definition Servant or slave; used for the Lord’s Servant in Isaiah.
References Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 12:18
Lexicon servant
Why it matters Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s chosen Servant prophecy.
Sense Spirit, wind, breath
Definition Spirit, wind, or breath.
References Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 12:18, 12:28
Lexicon Spirit, wind, breath
Why it matters The Servant bears God’s Spirit, and Jesus drives out demons by the Spirit of God.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Sense justice, judgment, right order
Definition Justice, judgment, decision, or right order.
References Isaiah 42:1-4; Matthew 12:18-20
Lexicon justice, judgment, right order
Why it matters Isaiah’s Servant brings justice to the nations, fulfilled in Jesus.
Sense nations, Gentiles
Definition Nations or peoples.
References Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 12:18, 12:21
Lexicon nations, Gentiles
Why it matters The Servant brings justice and hope to the nations.
Form in passage Masculine · Singular · Absolute What is this?
Sense reed, stalk
Definition A reed, cane, or stalk.
References Isaiah 42:3; Matthew 12:20
Lexicon reed, stalk
Why it matters The bruised reed imagery reveals the Servant’s gentleness toward the weak.
Sense flax, wick
Definition Flax or linen material used for a wick.
References Isaiah 42:3; Matthew 12:20
Lexicon flax, wick
Why it matters The smoldering wick image portrays fragile life that the Servant does not extinguish.
Sense heart, inner person
Definition Heart, mind, will, and inner life.
References Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 12:34-35
Lexicon heart, inner person
Why it matters Jesus teaches that words flow from the heart’s abundance.
Sense sign, mark, token
Definition Sign, mark, token, or confirming signal.
References Matthew 12:38-40
Lexicon sign, mark, token
Why it matters The leaders demand a sign, but Jesus gives only the sign of Jonah.
Sense turn, return, repent
Definition To turn, return, or repent.
References Jonah 3:5-10; Matthew 12:41
Lexicon turn, return, repent
Why it matters Nineveh’s repentance condemns those who reject the greater Jonah.
Sense wisdom, skillful understanding
Definition Wisdom, skill, or rightly ordered understanding.
References 1 Kings 10:1-13; Matthew 12:42
Lexicon wisdom, skillful understanding
Why it matters The queen of the South sought Solomon’s wisdom, but Jesus is greater than Solomon.
Cross-language bridge 1 link · View in lexicon
Sense will, favor, pleasure
Definition Will, favor, pleasure, or desire.
References Matthew 12:50
Lexicon will, favor, pleasure
Why it matters Jesus defines true family by doing the will of His Father.
Lexicon data: MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML (CC0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (CC BY 4.0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon (CC BY 4.0) · STEPBible Data (CC BY 4.0) · Full details
Discourse Connectives (61)
grounds / explanation 6inference / conclusion 2purpose clause 3result clause 2conditional clause 12content marker or causal 5continuation or mild contrast 19negative additive 3additive / emphatic 9
| v.1 | δὲandcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.2 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.3 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.4 | οὐδὲnornegative additiveοὐδέ in a list builds rhetorical force — each addition strengthens the overall negation.εἰonlyconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical. |
| v.5 | ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.6 | δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.7 | εἰIfconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical.δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.8 | γάρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.9 | ΚαὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.10 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.εἰIsconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical.ἵναso thatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.11 | δὲthencontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ἐὰνifconditional (subjunctive / open)ἐάν + subjunctive signals an open condition: 'if (as may be the case)...' |
| v.12 | οὖνthereforeinference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff.ὥστεThereforeresult clauseὥστε states what happens as a consequence. ἵνα states what is intended. |
| v.14 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.15 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.16 | καὶandadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.ἵναthatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.17 | ἵναso thatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.19 | οὐδὲnornegative additiveοὐδέ in a list builds rhetorical force — each addition strengthens the overall negation.οὐδὲnornegative additiveοὐδέ in a list builds rhetorical force — each addition strengthens the overall negation. |
| v.21 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.22 | ὥστεin order forresult clauseὥστε states what happens as a consequence. ἵνα states what is intended. |
| v.23 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.24 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.εἰonlyconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical. |
| v.25 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.26 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.εἰifconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical.οὖνtheninference / conclusionAsk: what has Paul argued up to this point? 'Therefore' is the payoff. |
| v.27 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.εἰifconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical. |
| v.28 | εἰIfconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical.δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.29 | ἐὰνonlyconditional (subjunctive / open)ἐάν + subjunctive signals an open condition: 'if (as may be the case)...' |
| v.31 | δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.32 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.ἐὰνifconditional (subjunctive / open)ἐάν + subjunctive signals an open condition: 'if (as may be the case)...'δ᾽nowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.33 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.34 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.36 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason.ἐὰνifconditional (subjunctive / open)ἐάν + subjunctive signals an open condition: 'if (as may be the case)...' |
| v.37 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.39 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.εἰonlyconditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical. |
| v.40 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.41 | ὅτιforcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.42 | ὅτιforcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.43 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.46 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.47 | δέnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.48 | δὲAndcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.49 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.50 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
Discourse data: STEPBible TAGNT (CC BY 4.0)
Verb Aspect (162 main verbs)
completed 38ongoing 33prospective 28resultant 3imperative 3subjunctive 11background 2infinitive 13participle 31
| v.1 | ἐπορεύθηporeúomaiwentaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐπείνασανpeináōhungryaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἤρξαντοbeganaorist middle indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionτίλλεινtíllōpluckpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbἐσθίεινesthíōeatpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.2 | ἰδόντεςhoráōsawaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπανépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionποιοῦσινpoiéōdoingpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἔξεστινéxestilawfulpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthποιεῖνpoiéōdopresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.3 | εἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀνέγνωτεreadaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐποίησενpoiéōdidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐπείνασενpeináōhungryaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.4 | εἰσῆλθενeisérchomaienteredaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἔφαγονphágōateaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionφαγεῖνphágōeataorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.5 | ἀνέγνωτεreadaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionβεβηλοῦσινbreakpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.6 | λέγωlégōtellpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.7 | ἐγνώκειτεginṓskōknownpluperfect active indicativeresultantPluperfect — action completed before another past actionθέλωthélōdesirepresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthκατεδικάσατεkatadikázōcondemnedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.9 | μεταβὰςmetabaínōgoing onaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἦλθενérchomaiwentaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.10 | ἔχωνéchōwaspresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐπηρώτησανeperōtáōaskedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγοντεςlégōsayingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔξεστιéxestilawfulpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthθεραπεύεινtherapeúōto heal?present active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbκατηγορήσωσινkatēgoréōaccuseaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.11 | εἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἕξειéchōhasfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἐμπέσῃempíptōfallsaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentκρατήσειkratéōtake holdfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἐγερεῖegeírōlift ~ outfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.12 | διαφέρειdiaphérōmore valuablepresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἔξεστινéxestilawfulpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthποιεῖνpoiéōdopresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.13 | λέγειlégōsaidpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἜκτεινόνekteínōstretch outaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἐξέτεινενekteínōstretched ~ outaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀπεκατεστάθηrestoredaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.14 | ἐξελθόντεςexérchomaiwent outaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἔλαβονlambánōtookaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀπολέσωσινdestroyaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.15 | γνοὺςginṓskōaware ofaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀνεχώρησενwithdrewaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἠκολούθησανfollowedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐθεράπευσενtherapeúōhealedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.16 | ἐπετίμησενepitimáōwarnedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionποιήσωσινpoiéōmakeaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.17 | πληρωθῇplēróōfulfilledaorist passive subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentῥηθὲνlégōspokenaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionλέγοντοςlégōsaidpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.18 | ᾑρέτισαchosenaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionεὐδόκησενeudokéōwell pleasedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionθήσωtíthēmiputfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἀπαγγελεῖproclaimfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.19 | ἐρίσειerízōquarrelfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionκραυγάσειkraugázōcry outfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἀκούσειhearfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.20 | συντετριμμένονsyntríbōbruisedperfect passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionκατεάξειkatágnymibreakfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionτυφόμενονtýphōsmolderingpresent passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionσβέσειsbénnymiquenchfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἐκβάλῃekbállōbringsaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.21 | ἐλπιοῦσινelpízōhopefuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.22 | προσηνέχθηprosphérōbroughtaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionδαιμονιζόμενοςdaimonízomaidemon-possessedpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐθεράπευσενtherapeúōhealedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.23 | ἐξίσταντοexístēmiamazedimperfect middle indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past actionἔλεγονlégōsaidimperfect active indicativebackgroundImperfect indicative — continuous or repeated past action |
| v.24 | ἀκούσαντεςheardaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπονépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐκβάλλειekbállōcasts outpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.25 | εἰδὼςhoráōknowingperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionμερισθεῖσαmerízōdividedaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐρημοῦταιerēmóōlaid wastepresent passive indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthμερισθεῖσαmerízōdividedaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionσταθήσεταιhístēmistandfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.26 | ἐκβάλλειekbállōcasts outpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἐμερίσθηmerízōdividedaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionσταθήσεταιhístēmistandfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.27 | ἐκβάλλωekbállōcast outpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἐκβάλλουσινekbállōcast ~ outpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.28 | ἐκβάλλωekbállōcast outpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἔφθασενphthánōcomeaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.29 | δύναταίdýnamaicanpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthεἰσελθεῖνeisérchomaienteraorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbἁρπάσαιplunderaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbδήσῃdéōbindsaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentδιαρπάσειdiarpázōplunderfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.30 | συνάγωνsynágōgatherpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionσκορπίζειskorpízōscatterspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.31 | λέγωlégōtellpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἀφεθήσεταιforgivenfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἀφεθήσεταιforgivenfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.32 | εἴπῃépōspeaksaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἀφεθήσεταιforgivenfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionεἴπῃépōspeaksaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentἀφεθήσεταιforgivenfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionμέλλοντιméllōto comepresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.33 | ποιήσατεpoiéōmakeaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationποιήσατεpoiéōmakeaorist active imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationγινώσκεταιginṓskōknownpresent passive indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.34 | δύνασθεdýnamaicanpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλαλεῖνlaléōspeakpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbλαλεῖlaléōspeakspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.35 | ἐκβάλλειekbállōbrings forthpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἐκβάλλειekbállōbrings forthpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.36 | λέγωlégōtellpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthλαλήσουσινlaléōspeakfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἀποδώσουσινgivefuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.37 | δικαιωθήσῃdikaióōjustifiedfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionκαταδικασθήσῃkatadikázōcondemnedfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.38 | ἀπεκρίθησανansweredaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγοντεςlégōsaidpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionθέλομενthélōwantpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἰδεῖνhoráōseeaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.39 | ἀποκριθεὶςansweredaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐπιζητεῖepizētéōasks forpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthδοθήσεταιdídōmigivenfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.41 | ἀναστήσονταιstand upfuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionκατακρινοῦσινkatakrínōcondemnfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionμετενόησανmetanoéōrepentedaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.42 | ἐγερθήσεταιegeírōrise upfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionκατακρινεῖkatakrínōcondemnfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἦλθενérchomaicameaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀκοῦσαιhearaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.43 | ἐξέλθῃexérchomaigone outaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentδιέρχεταιdiérchomaigoespresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthζητοῦνzētéōseekingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεὑρίσκειheurískōfindpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.44 | λέγειlégōsayspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἐπιστρέψωepistréphōreturnfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionἐξῆλθονexérchomaicameaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἐλθὸνérchomaicomesaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεὑρίσκειheurískōfindspresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthσχολάζονταscholázōemptypresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionσεσαρωμένονsaróōsweptperfect passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionκεκοσμημένονkosméōput in orderperfect passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.45 | πορεύεταιporeúomaigoespresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπαραλαμβάνειparalambánōtakespresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthεἰσελθόνταeisérchomaienteraorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionκατοικεῖkatoikéōlivepresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.46 | λαλοῦντοςlaléōspeakingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἱστήκεισανhístēmistandingpluperfect active indicativeresultantPluperfect — action completed before another past actionζητοῦντεςzētéōwantingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionλαλῆσαιlaléōspeakaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.47 | εἶπενépōtoldaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἑστήκασινhístēmistandingperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present resultζητοῦντέςzētéōwantingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionλαλῆσαιlaléōspeakaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.48 | ἀποκριθεὶςansweredaorist passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionλέγοντιlégōtoldpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.49 | ἐκτείναςekteínōstretching outaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἶπενépōsaidaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed action |
| v.50 | ποιήσῃpoiéōdoesaorist active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
Verb forms indicate aspect — not interpretive weight. Consult context before drawing conclusions about emphasis.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain
Formation Focus
Matthew 12 forms readers to submit every religious category to Jesus: Sabbath, temple, mercy, Spirit, wisdom, signs, reform, and family. It calls for mercy-shaped obedience, Spirit-honoring faith, repentance under revelation, and doing the Father’s will.
The chapter warns against legalistic hardness, merciless interpretation, religious opposition to restoration, slandering the Spirit’s work, careless speech, sign-seeking unbelief, outward reform without conversion, and family identity detached from obedience.
Mercy, discernment, Christ-centered Sabbath obedience, gentleness toward the weak, loyalty to Jesus, Spirit-honoring humility, guarded speech, repentance, wisdom-seeking, true transformation, and obedient kinship.
Practice Response
- Learn Hosea 6:6 again.
- Let Jesus govern Your rest.
- Do good without hiding behind technicalities.
- Handle bruised reeds gently.
- Honor the Spirit’s witness to Christ.
- Audit Your speech.
- Stop demanding signs while resisting obedience.
- Move beyond empty order.
- Live as family of Jesus.
Warnings and Misreadings
- Matthew 12 is one of Matthew’s strongest warning chapters. Jesus warns against condemning the innocent, valuing religious rule-keeping over mercy, plotting against the Messiah, attributing the Spirit’s work to Satan, speaking words that reveal an evil heart, demanding signs while refusing repentance, ignoring the greater-than-Jonah and greater-than-Solomon presence of Jesus, and embracing empty reform that leaves a person or generation worse than before.
- Using Jesus’ Sabbath teaching to dismiss Sabbath theology entirely. - Jesus does not treat Sabbath as meaningless · He interprets it through mercy, temple fulfillment, and His own lordship.
- Assuming Jesus simply excuses lawbreaking. - Jesus argues from Scripture, priestly service, mercy, and messianic authority to show that the Pharisees have misjudged the innocent.
- Separating 'mercy, not sacrifice' from obedience. - Jesus does not oppose obedience to God · He opposes sacrifice and rule-keeping that violate God’s merciful intent.
- Treating Sabbath healing as a minor dispute. - The healing exposes radically different visions of God’s law and provokes a murder plot.
- Reading Jesus’ withdrawal as fear or weakness. - Matthew interprets Jesus’ quiet, non-quarrelsome ministry as fulfillment of Isaiah’s Servant prophecy.
- Making the bruised reed text mean Jesus never confronts sin. - The same chapter shows Jesus giving severe warnings while also being gentle toward the weak.
- Assuming every worried believer has committed blasphemy against the Spirit. - The immediate context concerns hardened leaders attributing the Spirit’s clear work through Christ to Satan, not tender consciences grieved by sin.
- Using 'whoever is not with me is against me' to justify harsh tribalism. - Jesus is addressing allegiance to Him in the cosmic kingdom conflict, not petty party loyalty.
- Treating words as unimportant because only the heart matters. - Jesus says words reveal the heart and will be brought into judgment.
- Thinking signs would solve unbelief. - Jesus shows that sign-seeking can be a symptom of unbelief when sufficient revelation has already been rejected.
- Reducing the sign of Jonah to a vague moral lesson. - Jesus ties Jonah’s three days and nights to the Son of Man’s time in the heart of the earth.
- Treating the empty house as a generic haunted-house story. - Jesus applies it to the wicked generation, warning against outward reform without true spiritual transformation.
- Assuming Jesus dishonors His earthly family. - Jesus does not despise family · He reorders family identity around obedience to the Father.
Discipleship Questions
- Where have I valued rule-keeping or religious appearance over mercy?
- Do I understand Jesus as Lord over my rest, worship, and obedience?
- When mercy and restoration are possible, do I look for reasons to withhold them?
- Do I treat weak and bruised people with the gentleness of Christ?
- Can I distinguish Christlike gentleness from cowardice and Christlike confrontation from harshness?
- Am I recognizing the Spirit’s testimony to Jesus, or resisting what God is making plain?
- Where am I trying to remain neutral toward Jesus?
- What do my words reveal about the treasure stored in my heart?
- Have I asked for more signs while refusing to obey the light already given?
- Do I respond to Jesus with less repentance than Nineveh gave Jonah?
- Do I seek Jesus’ wisdom with less eagerness than the queen of the South sought Solomon’s?
- Is my life merely swept and put in order, or truly occupied by Christ?
- Do I define Christian belonging by proximity, heritage, or by doing the Father’s will?
Pastoral Applications
- Sabbath_and_rest - Teach rest and Lord’s Day rhythms under Christ’s lordship, avoiding both legalism and careless dismissal of holy rhythms.
- Mercy - Churches must learn that biblical faithfulness never requires the neglect of mercy.
- Leadership - Religious leaders should tremble at the possibility of defending tradition while opposing Christ’s restoring work.
- Counseling - The bruised reed and smoldering wick imagery offers pastoral care for the weak, exhausted, ashamed, and barely-holding-on believer.
- Spiritual_warfare - Jesus’ deliverance ministry teaches that Satan’s kingdom is real but being overthrown by the stronger Christ.
- Assurance - Tender believers worried about blasphemy against the Spirit should be comforted that concern over sin is not the hardened slander Jesus confronts here.
- Speech - Pastoral formation must address speech because words reveal the heart and will be judged.
- Repentance - Greater biblical access and gospel exposure create greater responsibility to repent.
- Discipleship - Do not settle for moral cleanup. Discipleship requires true allegiance to Christ and doing the Father’s will.
- Family - Jesus reorders family identity without despising earthly family, calling the church to define belonging around obedience to the Father.
- Preaching - Matthew 12 must be preached with both the tenderness of the Servant and the terror of hardened unbelief.
Pastoral Trajectories
Jesus moves the debate from rule enforcement to His authority as Lord of the Sabbath.
Jesus exposes religious interpretation that condemns the innocent.
The Pharisees’ reaction reveals how far hardened religion can fall.
Matthew shows that Jesus’ refusal to quarrel or crush the weak fulfills Isaiah.
Jesus’ deliverance of the blind and mute man reveals the kingdom coming by the Spirit.
Calling the Spirit’s work Satanic leads to one of Jesus’ gravest warnings.
Jesus teaches that words reveal the inner storehouse of the heart.
Jesus refuses unbelieving demands and points forward to the sign of Jonah.
Jonah and Solomon condemn the generation because Jesus is greater than both.
Outward reform without true spiritual occupation ends in disaster.
Jesus defines true family by doing the will of the Father.
The Biblical World
Chapter At A Glance
Matthew moves from Sabbath controversy in the grainfields, to Sabbath healing in the synagogue, to Isaiah’s Servant fulfillment, to the Beelzebul accusation and Jesus’ warning about blasphemy against the Spirit, to teaching on words and the heart, to the sign of Jonah and judgment against the generation, to the danger of empty reform, and finally to the true family of Jesus.
Matthew 12 shows Jesus as the covenant-fulfilling Lord who interprets Sabbath, temple, mercy, prophecy, Spirit, wisdom, and kinship around Himself. Sabbath law is fulfilled in merciful restoration under the Lord of the Sabbath. The temple finds its greater reality in Jesus. Isaiah’s Servant promise comes to fulfillment in the Spirit-endowed Messiah who brings justice and hope to the nations.
Israel’s leaders face covenant accountability for rejecting the Spirit’s testimony and demanding signs while refusing repentance. True covenant family is defined by doing the Father’s will.
Matthew 12 clarifies the gospel by showing that Jesus is the merciful Lord who fulfills Sabbath and temple, the gentle Servant who brings justice and hope, the Spirit-empowered conqueror of Satan, the greater Jonah whose death and resurrection are the decisive sign, and the greater Solomon whose wisdom exceeds all earthly wisdom. The gospel is not merciless religion, empty reform, or sign-demanding unbelief.
It is the kingdom coming in Christ by the Spirit, calling sinners to repentance, mercy, transformed hearts, and obedient belonging to the Father’s family.
Mercy, discernment, Christ-centered Sabbath obedience, gentleness toward the weak, loyalty to Jesus, Spirit-honoring humility, guarded speech, repentance, wisdom-seeking, true transformation, and obedient kinship.
Focus Points
- Lord of the Sabbath
- Mercy not sacrifice
- Greater than the temple
- Sabbath healing
- Religious hardness
- Isaiah’s Servant
- Spirit of God
- Kingdom arrival
- Victory over Satan
- Blasphemy against the Spirit
- Words and heart
- Final accountability
- Sign of Jonah
- Greater than Jonah
- Greater than Solomon
- Empty reform
- True family
- Doing the Father’s will
- Gentleness of Christ
- Hope of the nations
- Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath
- Mercy over Sacrifice
- Sabbath Restoration
- The Servant of the Lord
- Justice to the Nations
- Kingdom versus Satan
- Heart and Speech
- Sign-Seeking Unbelief
- Greater One Christology
- False Reform
- Kingdom Family
- Christology
- Sabbath
- Temple Fulfillment
- Mercy
- Servant Theology
- Holy Spirit
- Kingdom of God
- Spiritual Warfare
- Sin and Blasphemy
- Anthropology
- Judgment
- Resurrection
- Ecclesiology / Kingdom Family
Explore Further
Cross References
Then David came to Nob to Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech came to meet David trembling, and said to Him, “Why are You alone, and no man with You?” David said to Ahimelech the priest, “The king has commanded me to do something, and has said to me, ‘Let no one know anything about the business about which I send You, and what I have commanded You. I have sent...
OldTestamentFoundation
“You shall take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes of it: two tenths of an ephah shall be in one cake. You shall set them in two rows, six on a row, on the pure gold table before Yahweh. You shall put pure frankincense on each row, that it may be to the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire to Yahweh.
OldTestamentFoundation
“ ‘On the Sabbath day, You shall offer two male lambs a year old without defect, and two tenths of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering mixed with oil, and its drink offering: this is the burnt offering of every Sabbath, in addition to the continual burnt offering and its drink offering.
OldTestamentFoundation
For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
QuotedText
“Behold, my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights: I have put my Spirit on Him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout, nor raise His voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street. He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a dimly burning wick. He will faithfully bring justice.
QuotedText
Yahweh prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
OldTestamentFoundation
The people of Nineveh believed God; and they proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from their greatest even to their least. The news reached the king of Nineveh, and He arose from His throne, and took off His royal robe, covered Himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. He made a proclamation and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and...
OldTestamentFoundation
When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning Yahweh’s name, she came to test Him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem with a very great caravan, with camels that bore spices, very much gold, and precious stones; and when she had come to Solomon, she talked with Him about all that was in her heart. Solomon answered all her questions....
OldTestamentFoundation
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but He who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
SameBook
But You go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
SameBook
“Come to me, all You who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give You rest. Take my yoke upon You, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and You will find rest for Your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
ImmediateContext
The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him, asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. But He answered them, “When it is evening, You say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but You can’t...
SameBook
While He was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him.”
SameBook
“Woe to You, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For You tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But You ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone.
SameBook
He was going on the Sabbath day through the grain fields, and His disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of grain. The Pharisees said to Him, “Behold, why do they do that which is not lawful on the Sabbath day?” He said to them, “Did You never read what David did, when He had need, and was hungry—He, and those who were with Him?
CounterpartPassage
Now on the second Sabbath after the first, He was going through the grain fields. His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate, rubbing them in their hands. But some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why do You do that which is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day?” Jesus, answering them, said, “Haven’t You read what David did when He was hungry, He, and...
CounterpartPassage
He was casting out a demon, and it was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the multitudes marveled. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons.” Others, testing Him, sought from Him a sign from heaven.
CounterpartPassage
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews therefore said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple! Will You raise it up in three days?” But He spoke of the temple of His body.
CanonicalPartner
Having stripped the principalities and the powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
CanonicalPartner
Let not many of You be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment. For we all stumble in many things. Anyone who doesn’t stumble in word is a perfect person, able to bridle the whole body also. Indeed, we put bits into the horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body.
CanonicalPartner
Passages
Chapter opening: Matthew 12:1-8
On the sabbath day through the cornfields (τοις σαββασιν δια των σποριμων). This paragraph begins exactly like 11:25 "at that season" (εν εκεινω τω καιρω), a general statement with no clear idea of time. So also 14:1 . The word καιρος means a definite and particular time, but we cannot fix it. The word "cornfields" does not mean our maize or Indian corn, but simply fields of grain (wheat or even barley).
Thy disciples do (ο μαθητα σου ποιουσιν). These critics are now watching a chance and they jump at this violation of their Pharisaic rules for Sabbath observance. The disciples were plucking the heads of wheat which to the Pharisees was reaping and were rubbing them in their hands ( Lu 6:1 ) which was threshing.
What David did (τ εποιησεν Δαυειδ). From the necessity of hunger. The first defence made by Christ appeals to the conduct of David ( 2Sa 21:6 ). David and those with him did "what was not lawful" (ο ουκ εξον ην) precisely the charge made against the disciples (ο ουκ εξεστιν in verse 2 ).
One greater than the temple (του ιερου μειζον). Ablative of comparison, του ιερου. The Textus Receptus has μειζων, but the neuter is correct. Literally, "something greater than the temple." What is that? It may still be Christ, or it may be: "The work and His disciples were of more account than the temple" (Plummer). "If the temple was not subservient to Sabbath rules, how much less the Messiah!" (Allen).
The guiltless (τους αναιτιους). So in verse 5 . Common in ancient Greek. No real ground against, it means αν + αιτιος. Jesus quotes Ho 6:6 here as he did in Mt 9:13 . A pertinent prophecy that had escaped the notice of the sticklers for ceremonial literalness and the letter of the law.
Lord of the Sabbath (κυριος του σαββατου). This claim that he as the Son of Man is master of the Sabbath and so above the Pharisaic regulations angered them extremely. By the phrase "the Son of man" here Jesus involves the claim of Messiahship, but as the Representative Man he affirms his solidarity with mankind, "standing for the human interest" (Bruce) on this subject.
Is it lawful? (ε εξεστιν). The use of ε in direct questions is really elliptical and seems an imitation of the Hebrew (Robertson, Grammar , p. 916). See also Mt 19:3 . It is not translated in English.
How much then is a man (ποσω ουν διαφερε ανθρωπος). Another of Christ's pregnant questions that goes to the roots of things, an a fortiori argument. "By how much does a human being differ from a sheep? That is the question which Christian civilization has not even yet adequately answered" (Bruce). The poor pettifogging Pharisees are left in the pit.
Stretch forth thy hand (εκτεινον σου την χειρα). Probably the arm was not withered, though that is not certain. But he did the impossible. "He stretched it forth," straight, I hope, towards the Pharisees who were watching Jesus ( Mr 3:2 ).
Took counsel against him (συμβουλιον ελαβον κατ' αυτου). An imitation of the Latin concilium capere and found in papyri of the second century A.D. (Deissmann, Bible Studies , p. 238.) This incident marks a crisis in the hatred of the Pharisees toward Jesus. They bolted out of the synagogue and actually conspired with their hated rivals, the Herodians, how to put Jesus to death ( Mr 3:6 ; Mt 12:14 ; Lu 6:11 ). By "destroy" (απολεσωσιν) they meant "kill."
Perceiving (γνους). Second aorist active participle of γινωσκω. Jesus read their very thoughts. They were now plain to any one who saw their angry countenances.
That it might be fulfilled (ινα πληρωθη). The final use of ινα and the sub-final just before (verse 16 ). The passage quoted is Isa 42:1-4 "a very free reproduction of the Hebrew with occasional side glances at the Septuagint" (Bruce), possibly from an Aramaic collection of Testimonia (McNeile). Matthew applies the prophecy about Cyrus to Christ.
My beloved (ο αγαπητος μου). This phrase reminds one of Mt 3:17 (the Father's words at Christ's baptism).
A bruised reed (καλαμον συντετριμμενον). Perfect passive participle of συντριβω. A crushed reed he will not break. The curious augment in κατεαξε (future active indicative) is to be noted. The copyists kept the augment where it did not belong in this verb (Robertson, Grammar , p. 1212) even in Plato. "Smoking flax" (λινον τυφομενον). The wick of a lamp, smoking and flickering and going out. Only here in N.T. Flax in Ex 9:31 . Vivid images that picture Jesus in the same strain as his own great words in Mt 11:28-30 .
Is this the Son of David? (μητ ουτος εστιν ο υιος Δαυειδ?). The form of the question expects the answer "no," but they put it so because of the Pharisaic hostility towards Jesus. The multitudes "were amazed" or "stood out of themselves" (εξισταντο), imperfect tense, vividly portraying the situation. They were almost beside themselves with excitement.
The Pharisees (ο δε Φαρισαιο). Already ( Mt 9:32-34 ) we have had in Matthew the charge that Jesus is in league with the prince of demons, though the incident may be later than this one. See on 10:25 about "Beelzebub." The Pharisees feel that the excited condition of the crowds and the manifest disposition to believe that Jesus is the Messiah (the Son of David) demand strenuous action on their part.
They cannot deny the fact of the miracles for the blind and dumb men both saw and spoke ( 12:22 ). So in desperation they suggest that Jesus works by the power of Beelzebub the prince of the demons.
Knowing their thoughts (ειδως δε τας ενθυμησεις αυτων). What they were revolving in their minds. They now find out what a powerful opponent Jesus is. By parables, by a series of conditions (first class), by sarcasm, by rhetorical question, by merciless logic, he lays bare their hollow insincerity and the futility of their arguments. Satan does not cast out Satan.
Note timeless aorist passive εμερισθη in 26 , εφθασεν in 28 (simple sense of arriving as in Php 3:16 from φθανω). Christ is engaged in deathless conflict with Satan the strong man ( 29 ). "Goods" (σκευη) means house-gear, house furniture, or equipment as in Lu 17:36 and Ac 27:17 , the tackling of the ship.
He that is not with me (ο μη ων μετ' εμου). With these solemn words Jesus draws the line of cleavage between himself and his enemies then and now. Jesus still has his enemies who hate him and all noble words and deeds because they sting what conscience they have into fury. But we may have our choice. We either gather with (συναγων) Christ or scatter (σκορπιζε) to the four winds. Christ is the magnet of the ages. He draws or drives away. "Satan is the arch-waster, Christ the collector, Saviour" (Bruce).
But the blasphemy against the Spirit (η δε του πνευματος βλασφημια). Objective genitive. This is the unpardonable sin. In 32 we have κατα του πνευματος του αγιου to make it plainer. What is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? These Pharisees had already committed it. They had attributed the works of the Holy Spirit by whose power Jesus wrought his miracles ( 12:28 ) to the devil.
That sin was without excuse and would not be forgiven in their age or in the coming one ( 12:32 ). People often ask if they can commit the unpardonable sin. Probably some do who ridicule the manifest work of God's Spirit in men's lives and attribute the Spirit's work to the devil.
Ye offspring of vipers (γεννηματα εχιδνων). These same terrible words the Baptist had used to the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to his baptism ( Mt 3:7 ). But these Pharisees had deliberately made their choice and had taken Satan's side. The charge against Jesus of being in league with Satan reveals the evil heart within. The heart "spurts out" (εκβαλλε) good or evil according to the supply (treasure, θησαυρου) within.
Verse 33 is like Mt 7:17-19 . Jesus often repeated his crisp pungent sayings as every teacher does.
Every idle word (παν ρημα αργον). An ineffective, useless word (α privative and εργον). A word that does no good and so is pernicious like pernicious anaemia. It is a solemn thought. Jesus who knows our very thoughts ( 12:25 ) insists that our words reveal our thoughts and form a just basis for the interpretation of character ( 12:37 ). Here we have judgment by words as in 25:31-46 where Jesus presents judgment by deeds.
Both are real tests of actual character. Homer spoke of "winged words" (πτεροεντα επεα). And by the radio our words can be heard all round the earth. Who knows where they stop?
A sign from thee (απο σου σημειον). One wonders at the audacity of scribes and Pharisees who accused Jesus of being in league with Satan and thus casting out demons who can turn round and blandly ask for a "sign from thee." As if the other miracles were not signs! "The demand was impudent, hypocritical, insulting" (Bruce).
An evil and adulterous generation (γενεα πονηρα κα μοιχαλις). They had broken the marriage tie which bound them to Jehovah (Plummer). See Ps 73:27 ; Isa 57:3 ff.; 62:5 ; Eze 23:27 ; Jas 4:4 ; Re 2:20 . What is "the sign of Jonah?"
The whale (του κητους). Sea-monster, huge fish. In Jon 2:1 the LXX has κητε μεγαλω. "Three days and three nights" may simply mean three days in popular speech. Jesus rose "on the third day" ( Mt 16:21 ), not "on the fourth day." It is just a fuller form for "after three days" ( Mr 8:31 ; 10:34 ).
In the judgment (εν τη κρισε). Except here and in the next verse Matthew has "day of judgment" (ημερα κρισεως) as in 10:15 ; 11:22 , 24 ; 12:36 . Luke ( Lu 10:14 ) has εν τη κρισε. They repented at the preaching of Jonah (μετενοησον εις το κηρυγμα Ιωνα). Note this use of εις just like εν. Note also πλειον (neuter), not πλειων (masc.) See the same idiom in 12:6 and 12:48 .
Jesus is something greater than the temple, than Jonah, than Solomon. "You will continue to disbelieve in spite of all I can say or do, and at last you will put me to death. But I will rise again, a sign for your confusion, if not for your conversion" (Bruce).
Into my house (εις τον οικον μου). So the demon describes the man in whom he had dwelt. "The demon is ironically represented as implying that he left his victim voluntarily, as a man leaves his house to go for a walk" (McNeile). "Worse than the first" is a proverb.
His mother and his brothers (η μητηρ κα ο αδελφο αυτου). Brothers of Jesus, younger sons of Joseph and Mary. The charge of the Pharisees that Jesus was in league with Satan was not believed by the disciples of Jesus, but some of his friends did think that he was beside himself ( Mr 3:21 ) because of the excitement and strain. It was natural for Mary to want to take him home for rest and refreshment. So the mother and brothers are pictured standing outside the house (or the crowd). They send a messenger to Jesus.
Aleph, B, L, Old Syriac, omit this verse as do Westcott and Hort. It is genuine in Mr 3:32 ; Lu 8:20 . It was probably copied into Matthew from Mark or Luke.
Behold my mother and my brothers (ιδου η μητηρ μου κα ο αδελφο μου). A dramatic wave of the hand towards his disciples (learners) accompanied these words. Jesus loved his mother and brothers, but they were not to interfere in his Messianic work. The real spiritual family of Jesus included all who follow him. But it was hard for Mary to go back to Nazareth and leave Jesus with the excited throng so great that he was not even stopping to eat ( Mr 3:20 ).