Matthew 12:11

KJV

And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift [it] out?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, What {G5101} man {G444} shall there be {G2071} among {G1537} you {G5216}, that {G3739} shall have {G2192} one {G1520} sheep {G4263}, and {G2532} if {G1437} it {G5124} fall {G1706} into {G1519} a pit {G999} on the sabbath day {G4521}, will he {G2902} not {G3780} lay hold {G2902} on it {G846}, and {G2532} lift it out {G1453}?

Complete Jewish Bible

But he answered, "If you have a sheep that falls in a pit on Shabbat, which of you won't take hold of it and lift it out?

Berean Standard Bible

He replied, “If one of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out?

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, What man shall there be of you, that shall have one sheep, and if this fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 12:11, Jesus poses a rhetorical question to the Pharisees, challenging their rigid and hypocritical interpretation of Sabbath law. By appealing to their own common practice of rescuing an animal from a pit on the Sabbath, He exposes the inconsistency of their legalism, which prioritized property over compassion and the well-being of God's creatures, laying the groundwork for His assertion that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader narrative of conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees concerning the proper observance of the Sabbath. It immediately follows the Pharisees' accusation against Jesus' disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath, which Jesus defended by referencing Old Testament precedents and declaring Himself "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Matthew 12:1-8](/matthew/12-1-8 "Matthew 12:1-8 - Lord of the Sabbath")). Jesus' question about the sheep in the pit serves as a direct, practical illustration of His teaching, leading directly into His healing of a man with a withered hand, which further enrages the Pharisees as He performs this act of mercy on the Sabbath ([Matthew 12:9-13](/matthew/12-9-13 "Matthew 12:9-13 - Healing on the Sabbath")). The entire passage underscores Jesus' authority over the Sabbath and His emphasis on compassion over rigid legalism.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath was a foundational commandment in Judaism, signifying God's rest after creation and Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage. By the time of Jesus, the Pharisees, in their zeal to uphold the Law, had developed extensive oral traditions (Halakha) that meticulously defined what constituted "work" (melachah) on the Sabbath. These traditions, while intended to safeguard the holiness of the day, often became burdensome and legalistic, obscuring the original intent of the Sabbath as a blessing. Rescuing an animal from a pit was a known dilemma; while some rabbinic interpretations permitted it due to economic loss, others were stricter. Jesus' question shrewdly appeals to a common, practical scenario that even the Pharisees would likely engage in, highlighting their hypocrisy in valuing an animal's life (or their property) over a human's well-being or a compassionate act.

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 12:11](/matthew/12-11 "Matthew 12:11 - Jesus' Sabbath Teaching") powerfully contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Compassion Over Legalism**. Jesus consistently challenges the Pharisees' rigid adherence to the letter of the law when it stifles mercy and genuine human need. His argument implies that common sense and compassion should always take precedence over overly strict interpretations of religious rules. Secondly, the verse illuminates the **Spirit of the Law vs. the Letter of the Law**. Jesus is not abolishing the Sabbath but clarifying its true purpose: it was made for humanity's benefit, not as an oppressive burden ([Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - The Sabbath Made for Man")). Acts of necessity and mercy, such as saving a life, are not violations but fulfillments of the Sabbath's intent. Finally, it subtly touches upon the **Value of Life**, even animal life. If an animal's distress warrants immediate action on the Sabbath, how much more does a human being's suffering? This foreshadows Jesus' subsequent healing and reinforces the biblical principle that God desires "mercy, not sacrifice" ([Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - God Desires Mercy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sheep (Greek, _próbaton'_):** This term (G4263) refers specifically to a sheep or quadruped. In the ancient agrarian society of Israel, sheep were vital for sustenance, clothing, and sacrificial offerings, representing significant economic value. Jesus' choice of a sheep in this hypothetical scenario is deliberate, appealing to the Pharisees' practical and economic self-interest, as they would undoubtedly act to preserve such valuable property.
* **pit (Greek, _bóthynos'_):** The Greek word (G999) denotes a hole in the ground, specifically a cistern or ditch. These were often deep and dangerous, making it difficult for an animal to escape without assistance. The imagery of a sheep falling into such a pit evokes a sense of immediate danger and helplessness, necessitating urgent intervention.
* **lay hold (Greek, _kratéō'_):** This verb (G2902) means "to use strength, to seize or retain." It implies a decisive, active effort to grasp and secure something. In this context, it signifies the necessary and immediate action taken to rescue the sheep, emphasizing that the act is not passive but requires deliberate exertion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them":** This phrase marks Jesus' direct engagement with the Pharisees, initiating a pointed challenge to their legalistic mindset. It sets the stage for a crucial teaching moment designed to expose their hypocrisy.
* **"What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day":** Jesus presents a common, relatable scenario. The "one sheep" highlights its value to an individual owner, and the specific timing "on the sabbath day" introduces the central conflict. This is a hypothetical situation designed to elicit an obvious, common-sense response from His listeners.
* **"will he not lay hold on it, and lift [it] out?":** This is a rhetorical question, expecting an emphatic "yes" as the answer. It underscores the natural human inclination to act compassionately and practically in a crisis, especially when one's property is at stake. Jesus uses their own accepted, pragmatic behavior to highlight the absurdity of their rigid Sabbath rules when applied to human need.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in [Matthew 12:11](/matthew/12-11 "Matthew 12:11 - Jesus' Rhetorical Question"). The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, which is designed not to elicit information but to make a point and provoke thought. By asking, "will he not lay hold on it, and lift [it] out?", Jesus forces the Pharisees to confront their own actions and the inherent contradiction in their legalistic stance. This serves as a powerful **Argument from Common Practice** or **Argumentum ad Hominem**, where Jesus uses their own accepted behavior (saving an animal on the Sabbath) to expose their hypocrisy when it comes to human suffering. The scenario itself functions as a simple **Analogy** or a mini-**Parable**, using a familiar, everyday situation (a sheep in a pit) to illustrate a profound theological truth about the priority of mercy over rigid adherence to rules. This simple yet profound illustration makes His point undeniable and exposes the lack of compassion underlying their legalistic interpretations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:11 profoundly illustrates God's heart for mercy and the true purpose of His law. Jesus' argument challenges the notion that divine commands are meant to be burdensome or to hinder acts of compassion. Instead, He reveals that God's law, including the Sabbath, is fundamentally designed for the flourishing and well-being of humanity, reflecting His own character of love and grace. The passage underscores that genuine piety is not found in meticulous adherence to external regulations but in embodying the spirit of the law, which prioritizes love for God and neighbor, especially those in need. It teaches that mercy is not an exception to the law but its very fulfillment, especially when life or significant well-being is at stake.

* [Luke 13:15](/luke/13-15 "Luke 13:15 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath")
* [Deuteronomy 22:4](/deuteronomy/22-4 "Deuteronomy 22:4 - Helping an Animal in Distress")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Steadfast Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:11 serves as a timeless call to examine our own hearts and practices, urging us to prioritize compassion and genuine human need over rigid adherence to rules or traditions that may inadvertently stifle love. It challenges us to reflect on whether our understanding of spiritual disciplines or religious laws truly reflects the merciful heart of God, or if we, like the Pharisees, sometimes allow legalism to overshadow the greater good. This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of practical help and kindness, recognizing that true faith is demonstrated not just in what we refrain from doing, but in how we actively extend mercy and assistance to those in distress, even when it might challenge conventional interpretations or personal convenience. It reminds us that God's desire is for us to be agents of His grace, bringing healing and hope to a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I prioritize compassion over rigid rules or personal convenience in my daily life?**
* **In what areas might I be prone to legalism, and how can I cultivate a more merciful and flexible heart that truly reflects God's character?**
* **How does this passage inform my understanding of the Sabbath or other spiritual disciplines, encouraging me to seek their spirit rather than just their letter?**

### FAQ
**Question? Why did Jesus use a sheep instead of a person in his argument?**

Answer: Jesus used the example of a sheep (or an ox, as in [Luke 13:15](/luke/13-15 "Luke 13:15 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath") and [Luke 14:5](/luke/14-5 "Luke 14:5 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath")) because it was a common, relatable scenario that exposed the Pharisees' hypocrisy on their own terms. They, being practical people, would undoubtedly rescue their valuable livestock from a pit on the Sabbath to prevent economic loss. By using an animal, Jesus set up an *a fortiori* argument: if they would act to save an animal due to its economic value, how much more should they be concerned with the well-being and healing of a human being, who is made in the image of God? It highlighted the absurdity of their strict Sabbath regulations that allowed for saving an animal but condemned healing a person.

**Question? What was the Pharisees' understanding of Sabbath work, and how did Jesus challenge it?**

Answer: The Pharisees interpreted the Sabbath commandment very strictly, developing 39 categories of forbidden work (known as Melachot) derived from the activities involved in building the Tabernacle. These categories covered everything from plowing and sowing to tying knots and carrying burdens. Their aim was to prevent any violation of the Sabbath's holiness, but in practice, their meticulous rules often became burdensome and legalistic, obscuring the Sabbath's original intent as a day of rest, blessing, and worship. Jesus challenged this understanding by emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for humanity, not humanity for the Sabbath ([Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - The Sabbath Made for Man")), and that acts of mercy, necessity, and doing good are not violations but fulfillments of the Sabbath's purpose. He consistently demonstrated this by healing the sick on the Sabbath, arguing that it is always lawful to do good ([Matthew 12:12](/matthew/12-12 "Matthew 12:12 - Lawful to Do Good on the Sabbath")), thereby prioritizing compassion and human flourishing over rigid, external rules.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
In [Matthew 12:11](/matthew/12-11 "Matthew 12:11 - Jesus' Sabbath Teaching"), Jesus reveals His identity as the compassionate Messiah, the ultimate embodiment of God's mercy and the true Lord of the Sabbath. His rhetorical question about rescuing a sheep from a pit foreshadows His own mission to "lay hold" of humanity, lifting us out of the pit of sin and death. Just as the owner would not abandon his sheep, so Christ, the Good Shepherd ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), does not abandon His lost sheep. He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His actions on the Sabbath, prioritizing healing and restoration, demonstrate that He is the one who brings true rest—not merely from labor, but from the burden of sin and legalism ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus provides the ultimate act of rescue, pulling us from the pit of condemnation and ushering us into the eternal Sabbath rest found in Him ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). He is the one who perfectly fulfills the spirit of the law, demonstrating that God's ultimate desire is always for mercy and the restoration of life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 22:4

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift [them] up again.

Luke 14:5

And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?

Luke 13:15

The Lord then answered him, and said, [Thou] hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or [his] ass from the stall, and lead [him] away to watering?

Luke 13:17

And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

Exodus 23:4

If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

Exodus 23:5

If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.