Matthew 12:13

KJV

Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched [it] forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} saith {G3004} he to the man {G444}, Stretch forth {G1614} thine {G4675} hand {G5495}. And {G2532} he stretched it forth {G1614}; and {G2532} it was restored {G600} whole {G5199}, like as {G5613} the other {G243}.

Complete Jewish Bible

became restored, as sound as the other one.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored to full use, just like the other.

American Standard Version

Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, as the other.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:13 records a profound moment where Jesus, in a synagogue on the Sabbath, miraculously heals a man with a withered hand. This act serves as a powerful demonstration of His divine authority and boundless compassion, directly challenging the rigid legalism of the Pharisees and revealing the true purpose of the Sabbath as a day for doing good and showing mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This healing event is strategically placed within a broader narrative of escalating conflict between Jesus and the Jewish religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees, regarding the proper observance of the Sabbath. Immediately preceding this account, Jesus' disciples are accused of unlawfully plucking grain on the Sabbath, prompting Jesus to declare that [the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus' Lordship Over the Sabbath"). The Pharisees then directly challenge Jesus by asking if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath, setting a trap (as seen in [Matthew 12:9-10](/matthew/12-9-10 "Matthew 12:9-10 - The Pharisees' Trap")). Jesus responds with a logical argument about the lawfulness of rescuing a sheep from a pit on the Sabbath, emphasizing that a human life is of far greater value. The healing of the man's hand, therefore, is not merely a miracle but a deliberate, public demonstration of Jesus' authority over the Sabbath and His compassionate priority for human well-being over man-made legalistic interpretations. This act further solidifies the Pharisees' resolve to destroy Him, as noted in [Matthew 12:14](/matthew/12-14 "Matthew 12:14 - Pharisees Conspire Against Jesus").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath, a cornerstone of Jewish identity and the Mosaic Law, had, by the time of Jesus, become encumbered with numerous rabbinic regulations that extended far beyond the biblical commands. These traditions, known as *halakha*, detailed what constituted "work" and thus what was forbidden on the Sabbath. Healing, unless it was a life-threatening emergency, was generally considered "work" by the Pharisees, who were strict adherents to these oral traditions. The man's "withered hand" (Greek: *xēran*) indicates a chronic, non-life-threatening condition, such as atrophy or paralysis, which made the healing particularly contentious in the eyes of the Pharisees. By performing this healing publicly in the synagogue on the Sabbath, Jesus directly confronted the prevailing legalistic interpretations, asserting a higher authority and a different understanding of God's will concerning mercy and human need.
* **Key Themes:** The account in [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus and the Sabbath") powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Authority and Power**, as Jesus' simple command results in an instantaneous and complete restoration, demonstrating His sovereign control over disease and physical infirmity. Secondly, it highlights the **Sabbath Controversy**, revealing Jesus' radical reinterpretation of the Sabbath's purpose, shifting focus from rigid adherence to human traditions to the divine mandate for compassion and doing good. Jesus consistently prioritizes human flourishing over legalistic rules, asserting that [the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - The Purpose of the Sabbath"). Thirdly, the narrative emphasizes the theme of **Compassion Over Legalism**, showcasing Jesus' unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering even when it meant transgressing the man-made boundaries of religious law. Finally, the man's act of stretching out his withered hand, despite its apparent impossibility, exemplifies **Faith and Obedience**. His willingness to respond to Jesus' command, even in his disabled state, is met with divine power, illustrating a recurring principle in the Gospels where faith and obedience are often prerequisites for miraculous intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Greek, _légō_):** G3004, a primary verb meaning "to 'lay' forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words, usually of systematic or set discourse); by implication, to mean." In this context, Jesus' use of *légō* signifies a deliberate, authoritative utterance, not merely a casual remark. His words are commands, carrying divine weight and power, demonstrating His intentionality in challenging the Pharisees and effecting the miracle.
* **Stretch forth (Greek, _ekteínō_):** G1614, derived from *ek* (out) and *teino* (to stretch), meaning "to extend; to cast, put forth, stretch forth (out)." This imperative command from Jesus requires a physical action from the man, despite his withered hand. It is an act of faith and obedience, a response to divine instruction that precedes and enables the miracle. The man's compliance, though seemingly impossible, is crucial to the unfolding of the healing.
* **restored whole (Greek, _apokathístēmi_ and _hygiḗs_):** G600 (*apokathístēmi*) means "to reconstitute (in health, home or organization); to restore (again)." G5199 (*hygiḗs*) means "healthy, i.e. well (in body); figuratively, true (in doctrine); sound, whole." The combination of these two words powerfully conveys the completeness and perfection of the healing. The hand was not merely improved or partially functional; it was brought back to its original, healthy, and fully functional state, "like as the other," emphasizing the comprehensive and instantaneous nature of Jesus' restorative power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then saith he to the man":** This phrase immediately follows Jesus' rhetorical question to the Pharisees about the lawfulness of doing good on the Sabbath. It marks a decisive shift from verbal debate to miraculous action. Jesus directly addresses the man, asserting His authority and initiating the healing process.
* **"Stretch forth thine hand":** This is Jesus' direct command, seemingly impossible for a man with a withered, useless hand. It serves as a test of faith and obedience for the man, requiring him to act on Jesus' word despite his physical limitation. This command also publicly demonstrates Jesus' intention to heal, challenging the Pharisees' legalistic stance.
* **"And he stretched [it] forth":** This clause highlights the man's immediate and obedient response. Despite the apparent impossibility of the task, the man chose to trust and obey Jesus' command. This act of faith, however small or difficult, was the conduit through which divine power flowed.
* **"and it was restored whole, like as the other":** This describes the instantaneous and complete result of the miracle. The withered hand was not merely improved but perfectly restored to its original, healthy condition, matching his other sound hand. This verifiable and undeniable healing served as irrefutable proof of Jesus' divine power and His lordship over the Sabbath.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is evident in the Pharisees' rigid adherence to the letter of the law, which ironically prevents them from recognizing or celebrating an act of divine mercy and healing on the very day meant for rest and worship. The **Contrast** between the withered, useless hand and its immediate, complete restoration underscores the magnitude of Jesus' power. Furthermore, there is a stark contrast between the legalistic, uncompassionate stance of the Pharisees and the merciful, life-giving actions of Jesus. **Symbolism** can be seen in the withered hand itself, which might represent spiritual paralysis or the inability of humanity to achieve wholeness apart from divine intervention. Its restoration, therefore, symbolizes the spiritual wholeness and new life offered through Christ. The use of **Direct Discourse** ("Stretch forth thine hand") makes the command immediate and impactful, drawing the reader into the tension and the miraculous unfolding of the event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:13 powerfully encapsulates several core theological truths about Jesus and the nature of God's kingdom. It unequivocally asserts Jesus' divine authority, demonstrating His power not only over disease but also over the very laws and traditions that had become burdensome. This miracle serves as a practical exposition of Jesus' teaching that the Sabbath was made for the benefit of humanity, not as a restrictive burden, thereby prioritizing compassion and human well-being over rigid legalism. The man's act of obedience, despite his physical limitation, illustrates the principle that faith, even a struggling faith, is met with God's transformative power. This event foreshadows the broader spiritual restoration that Jesus offers, healing not just physical infirmities but the deeper brokenness of sin and alienation from God.

* [Mark 3:1-6](/mark/3-1-6 "Mark 3:1-6 - Parallel Account of Healing on the Sabbath")
* [Luke 6:6-11](/luke/6-6-11 "Luke 6:6-11 - Parallel Account of Healing on the Sabbath")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the withered hand challenges us to examine our own lives and priorities. Just as the man was called to stretch forth a hand that seemed incapable of movement, we are often called to step out in faith in areas where we feel most limited, weak, or "withered." This might involve extending forgiveness when it feels impossible, pursuing reconciliation when the relationship seems beyond repair, or serving others when we feel depleted. Jesus' command reminds us that our obedience, however small or difficult, opens the door for His power to work. Furthermore, this passage serves as a vital reminder that true faith is not about rigid adherence to rules or traditions for their own sake, but about embodying the compassion and love of God. We are called to prioritize human flourishing, mercy, and doing good, especially for those in need, even when it challenges conventional norms or personal comfort. Jesus' power to restore is not limited to physical ailments; He is capable of bringing wholeness to our spiritual, emotional, and relational "withered hands" if we are willing to stretch them out to Him in faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "withered hands" or areas of perceived impossibility in my life am I being called to "stretch forth" in faith and obedience to Jesus?**
* **In what ways might my own traditions, comforts, or interpretations of spiritual rules hinder me from showing genuine compassion or doing good for others?**
* **How does Jesus' immediate and complete restoration of the man's hand challenge my understanding of God's power and my own limitations?**

### FAQ

**Why was healing on the Sabbath controversial for the Pharisees?**

Answer: For the Pharisees, healing on the Sabbath was controversial because their interpretation of the Mosaic Law, augmented by extensive oral traditions (*halakha*), prohibited any form of "work" on the Sabbath, unless it was a life-threatening emergency. Since the man's withered hand was a chronic condition and not an immediate threat to life, they considered Jesus' act of healing a violation of the Sabbath law. They were more concerned with the letter of their traditions than with the spirit of compassion or the demonstration of divine power, seeking to find fault with Jesus rather than celebrate a miracle (see [Matthew 12:10](/matthew/12-10 "Matthew 12:10 - The Pharisees' Question")).

**What does "withered hand" imply about the man's condition?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "withered" (*xēran*) indicates a hand that was shriveled, dried up, or atrophied, likely due to paralysis or some chronic disease. This condition would have rendered the hand useless, severely impacting the man's ability to work or care for himself. The fact that it was a chronic, non-emergency condition further highlights the Pharisees' legalistic stance, as they would have argued that the healing could have waited until after the Sabbath.

**What is the significance of the phrase "like as the other"?**

Answer: The phrase "like as the other" emphasizes the completeness and perfection of the healing. It signifies that the man's withered hand was not merely improved or partially restored, but brought back to its original, healthy, and fully functional state, indistinguishable from his good hand. This detail underscores the absolute and comprehensive nature of Jesus' divine power, demonstrating that His miracles are not partial or temporary, but total and lasting.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The healing of the man with the withered hand in [Matthew 12:13](/matthew/12-13 "Matthew 12:13 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath") is a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate source of restoration and the true embodiment of God's compassionate heart. Just as Jesus restored the man's physically withered hand, He offers spiritual restoration to all who are withered by sin, brokenness, and alienation from God. His command to "stretch forth thine hand" foreshadows the call to faith and obedience that is central to the Gospel. Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus provides complete healing for our spiritual infirmities, taking away the sin that paralyzes us and making us new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). He is the one who truly fulfills the Sabbath, not through rigid adherence to rules, but by being our ultimate rest and peace ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The True Sabbath Rest")). His authority over the Sabbath demonstrates His lordship over all creation, including the power to give life and wholeness. Ultimately, the miracle of the withered hand reveals Jesus as the compassionate Savior who prioritizes mercy over sacrifice ([Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Jesus Desires Mercy")), offering complete and perfect restoration to all who respond to His call in faith, enabling them to live a life of spiritual vitality and purpose, "whole, like as the other" hand of righteousness He provides.

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

Luke 13:13

And he laid [his] hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

Acts 3:7

And he took him by the right hand, and lifted [him] up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

Acts 3:8

And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.