Matthew 12:10

And, behold, there was a man which had [his] hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, there was {G2258} a man {G444} which had {G2192} his hand {G5495} withered {G3584}. And {G2532} they asked {G1905} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Is it lawful {G1487}{G1832} to heal {G2323} on the sabbath days {G4521}? that {G2443} they might accuse {G2723} him {G846}.

A man there had a shriveled hand. Looking for a reason to accuse him of something, they asked him, "Is healing permitted on Shabbat?"

and a man with a withered hand was there. In order to accuse Jesus, they asked Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”

and behold, a man having a withered hand. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? that they might accuse him.

Commentary

Matthew 12:10 describes a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, highlighting the escalating conflict between Him and the religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees, over the interpretation of the Sabbath law. This verse sets the stage for a profound demonstration of Jesus' compassion and His authority over tradition.

Context

This verse follows immediately after Jesus' defense of his disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath. The Pharisees, rigid in their legalistic interpretation of the Law, viewed such actions as unlawful work. Coming into the synagogue, they see a man with a withered hand, presenting an opportunity to trap Jesus. Their question, "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days?", was not born of genuine concern for the man, but was a calculated attempt "that they might accuse him" and find fault with Jesus, potentially leading to charges of blasphemy or breaking the Law.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sabbath Observance vs. Compassion: The core tension in this passage is between the Pharisees' strict, burdensome rules for the Sabbath and Jesus' emphasis on the Sabbath's true purpose – a day for rest, worship, and doing good. Jesus consistently prioritized human need and compassion over rigid legalism, as seen in this healing.
  • Legalism and Hypocrisy: The Pharisees' intent to accuse Jesus reveals their deep-seated legalism and hypocrisy. They were more concerned with upholding their man-made traditions than with alleviating human suffering or recognizing God's power at work. Their question was a trap, not a search for truth.
  • Jesus' Divine Authority: By asking if it was lawful to heal, the Pharisees implicitly challenged Jesus' authority. Jesus' subsequent healing of the man's withered hand (Matthew 12:13) powerfully demonstrates His divine authority to act, even on the Sabbath, and to interpret the Law righteously. He is the "Lord even of the sabbath day."
  • Healing as a Sign: The man's withered hand represents a physical disability that Jesus miraculously restores. This healing is not merely an act of kindness but also a sign of Jesus' power over sickness and His identity as the Messiah, who brings restoration and life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "withered hand" (Greek: xēran cheira, ξηρὰν χεῖρα) indicates a hand that was shrunken, dried up, and useless, implying a chronic condition rather than a recent injury. This detail emphasizes the miraculous nature of the instantaneous healing that follows. The word "lawful" (Greek: exestin, ἔξεστιν) pertains to what is permissible by custom or law, highlighting the Pharisees' focus on legal technicalities. Their desire to "accuse him" (Greek: katēgorēsōsin, κατηγορήσωσιν) clearly reveals their malicious intent to bring formal charges against Jesus.

Related Scriptures

  • This event is also recorded in parallel accounts in Mark 3:1-6 and Luke 6:6-11, underscoring its significance in the early church's understanding of Jesus' ministry.
  • Jesus' teaching on the true meaning of the Sabbath is further elaborated in Mark 2:27, where He states, "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath."
  • The conflict over healing on the Sabbath reappears in other instances, such as the healing of the woman with a spirit of infirmity in Luke 13:10-17 and the man with dropsy in Luke 14:1-6.

Practical Application

Matthew 12:10 challenges believers today to examine their own hearts and motives. Are we more concerned with rigid rules and traditions, or with showing genuine compassion and mercy to those in need? This passage reminds us that true faith is not about legalistic adherence but about loving God and loving our neighbor, prioritizing human well-being and God's desire for mercy over sacrifice. It encourages us to use our freedoms and opportunities to do good, even when it goes against popular opinion or entrenched customs, trusting in Jesus' ultimate authority.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 13:14

    And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

  • John 9:16

    Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

  • John 8:6

    This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard them not].

  • Matthew 22:17

    Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

  • Matthew 22:18

    But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, [ye] hypocrites?

  • John 5:10

    The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry [thy] bed.

  • Luke 11:54

    Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.
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