Matthew 12:12

How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

How much {G4214} then {G3767} is a man {G444} better than {G1308} a sheep {G4263}? Wherefore {G5620} it is lawful {G1832} to do {G4160} well {G2573} on the sabbath days {G4521}.

How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore, what is permitted on Shabbat is to do good." Then to the man he said, "Hold out your hand." As he held it out, it

How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

How much then is a man of more value than a sheep! Wherefore it is lawful to do good on the sabbath day.

Commentary

This verse concludes Jesus' defense of healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, following a question posed by the Pharisees.

Context

Matthew 12:12 comes at the end of an exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding the proper observance of the Sabbath day. In the preceding verses (Matthew 12:9-10), Jesus enters a synagogue on the Sabbath and encounters a man with a withered hand. Knowing the Pharisees were watching to accuse Him, Jesus asks if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath. Before they answer, Jesus provides an analogy in Matthew 12:11, asking if they would pull a sheep out of a pit on the Sabbath. This verse (12:12) serves as the logical conclusion to that analogy and the justification for the subsequent healing.

Key Themes

  • The Value of Human Life: Jesus argues that a human being is inherently more valuable than an animal (a sheep). If it is permissible to rescue an animal on the Sabbath, it is certainly permissible, even necessary, to help a person.
  • The Purpose of the Sabbath: Jesus highlights that the Sabbath was intended for good and for the benefit of humanity (see Mark 2:27). It was not meant to be a rigid restriction that prevented acts of mercy and healing.
  • Lawful to Do Good: The core assertion is that performing good deeds (doing well - ἀγαθοποιέω) is not only permitted but is the appropriate action on the Sabbath. This challenges the Pharisees' legalistic interpretation which prioritized strict adherence to rules over compassion.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "do well" translates the Greek word agathopoieō (ἀγαθοποιέω), which means "to do good," "to do what is right," or "to do good deeds." It emphasizes actively performing benevolent actions, not just refraining from work. This contrasts sharply with the Pharisees' focus on prohibitions on the Sabbath.

Reflection

This verse provides profound insight into Jesus' view of God's law and the Sabbath. It teaches us that mercy and compassion take precedence over rigid legalism when the two come into conflict. For believers today, it underscores the importance of prioritizing human need and actively seeking opportunities to "do well," understanding that acts of love and service are always appropriate, reflecting the heart of God. It encourages us to evaluate traditions and rules through the lens of love for God and neighbor.

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

  • Matthew 6:26

    Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

  • Luke 6:9

    Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy [it]?

  • Mark 3:4

    And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

  • Matthew 10:31

    Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

  • Luke 12:24

    Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
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