(The Lord speaking is red text)
And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:
Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue.
Moving on from there, Jesus entered their synagogue,
And he departed thence, and went into their synagogue:
And{G2532} when he was departed{G3327} thence{G1564}, he went{G2064} into{G1519} their{G846} synagogue{G4864}:
Matthew 12:9 is a verse set within the broader context of a narrative where Jesus is confronting the Pharisees over issues of Sabbath observance and the nature of true religion. The verse itself, "And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue," is a transitional statement indicating that Jesus, after healing a man with a withered hand in the previous verses, left the location of the controversy and entered the local synagogue.
The historical context of this verse is first-century Palestine, a time when Judaism was the dominant religion and the synagogue served as a central institution for Jewish religious and community life. The Pharisees, a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions, are often depicted in the Gospels as being in tension with Jesus over interpretations of the law, particularly regarding the Sabbath.
The themes present in this verse and its surrounding context include:
1. **Sabbath Observance**: Jesus' actions challenge the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of what constitutes work on the Sabbath, suggesting that acts of mercy, such as healing, are permissible and indeed appropriate on this holy day.
2. **Authority**: Jesus asserts his authority over the Sabbath and, by extension, over the religious establishment of his day. This authority is rooted in his identity as the Son of Man, a messianic title with deep Old Testament roots.
3. **Conflict with Religious Leaders**: The verse captures the ongoing conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees, which is a recurring motif in the Gospels. This conflict arises from differing visions of piety and the role of religious law.
4. **The Nature of Religion**: Jesus' teachings and actions emphasize the importance of compassion and the spirit of the law over mere external observance. This reflects a broader theme in the Gospels about the nature of true religion as being centered on love and mercy rather than legalistic adherence to rules.
In summary, Matthew 12:9 is a brief but pivotal moment in the narrative that highlights Jesus' engagement with the religious institutions of his time, his challenge to the prevailing religious norms, and his embodiment of a new way of understanding and living out the will of God.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)