Matthew 12:14

KJV

¶ Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} the Pharisees {G5330} went out {G1831}, and held {G2983} a council {G4824} against {G2596} him {G846}, how {G3704} they might destroy {G622} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the P'rushim went out and began plotting how they might do away with Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

American Standard Version

But the Pharisees went out, and took counsel against him, how they might destroy him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:14 marks a critical turning point in the Gospels, revealing the escalating hostility of the Pharisees towards Jesus. Following His compassionate healing on the Sabbath, an act they deemed a violation of their strict interpretations of the Law, the Pharisees moved beyond mere theological dispute to a malicious conspiracy. This verse vividly portrays their immediate, unified, and deadly intent to eliminate Jesus, underscoring the profound conflict between divine compassion and rigid legalism that characterized His ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' healing of a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath in [Matthew 12:9-13](/matthew/12-9-13 "Matthew 12:9-13 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath"). The preceding verses highlight the Pharisees' watchful scrutiny of Jesus, hoping to find grounds for accusation. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, deliberately challenged their legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath by performing a miraculous act of mercy. He posed a rhetorical question, asking if it was lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath, to save life or to destroy it, thereby exposing their hypocrisy and lack of compassion. The healing itself, performed openly and intentionally, served as a direct confrontation to their authority and a demonstration of His divine power and true understanding of God's law. The Pharisees' reaction in [Matthew 12:14](/matthew/12-14 "Matthew 12:14 - The Pharisees Plot Against Jesus") is thus a direct, enraged response to Jesus' actions and His implicit claim to be Lord of the Sabbath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath was a foundational pillar of Jewish life and law, enshrined in the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - Remember the Sabbath Day")). Over centuries, rabbinic traditions, particularly those espoused by the Pharisees, had developed an intricate system of detailed regulations concerning what was permissible and forbidden on the Sabbath. These traditions, often called the "oral law," were considered by the Pharisees to be as binding as the written Torah. Healing, especially non-life-threatening conditions, was generally forbidden on the Sabbath unless a life was in immediate danger. Jesus' healing of the withered hand, while an act of profound compassion, was interpreted by the Pharisees as a direct transgression of their established rules, a challenge to their authority as interpreters of the Law, and an affront to their understanding of holiness. Their "council" would likely have been an informal gathering of leading Pharisees, perhaps in a synagogue or private home, to strategize how to deal with this perceived threat.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 12:14](/matthew/12-14 "Matthew 12:14 - The Pharisees Plot Against Jesus") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **escalating conflict** between Jesus and the religious establishment, moving from verbal disputes and challenges (as seen in [Matthew 9:11](/matthew/9-11 "Matthew 9:11 - Jesus Eats with Sinners") and [Matthew 12:2](/matthew/12-2 "Matthew 12:2 - Disciples Pluck Grain on the Sabbath")) to a deliberate plot to end His life. Secondly, it highlights the stark contrast between **legalism and true righteousness/compassion**. The Pharisees' rigid adherence to external rules, even at the expense of human well-being and the spirit of the Law, is juxtaposed with Jesus' emphasis on mercy and love ([Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice")). Finally, this verse introduces the theme of **conspiracy against God's Messiah**, foreshadowing the ultimate betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus, which was orchestrated by the very religious leaders who should have recognized Him ([Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3-4 "Matthew 26:3-4 - The Chief Priests Plot to Arrest Jesus")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pharisees (Greek, _Pharisaîos'_):** Derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to separate," the Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious and political sect during the Second Temple period. They were known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and their extensive oral traditions, believing them to be divinely inspired. In the Gospels, they frequently appear as antagonists to Jesus, challenging His authority and interpretations of the Law. Their opposition in this verse is not merely theological but deeply personal and intensely hostile.
* **council (Greek, _symboúlion'_):** This term refers to an advisement or a deliberative body, indicating a formal or semi-formal consultation. It suggests a deliberate, strategic meeting rather than a casual discussion. The Pharisees "held a council," meaning they actively engaged in a concerted effort to formulate a plan. This was a calculated move to address what they perceived as a significant threat to their authority and religious order.
* **destroy (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** This strong verb means "to destroy fully," "to perish," or "to lose." It denotes utter ruin or annihilation, often implying death. The use of this word reveals the extreme and murderous intent of the Pharisees. They were not merely seeking to discredit Jesus or silence Him, but to utterly eliminate Him, indicating the depth of their animosity and fear.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the Pharisees went out,"**: This phrase indicates an immediate and decisive action following Jesus' healing of the withered hand. Their departure from the synagogue or public place where Jesus performed the miracle signifies their withdrawal to a private setting to strategize. It suggests a deliberate separation from the public eye to engage in their malicious plotting.
* **"and held a council against him,"**: This clause reveals the nature of their meeting. It was not a casual conversation but a formal "council" or consultation, implying a deliberate and organized effort to devise a strategy. The phrase "against him" explicitly states their adversarial stance, highlighting that their entire purpose was to oppose and undermine Jesus.
* **"how they might destroy him."**: This concluding clause unveils the ultimate, sinister objective of their council. Their aim was not merely to refute Jesus' teachings or to curb His influence, but to "destroy" Him, meaning to kill Him. This marks a significant escalation in their opposition, demonstrating that their theological disagreements had morphed into a murderous conspiracy, driven by fear, jealousy, and a rigid adherence to their own traditions over God's true will.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 12:14 is rich with literary significance. The most prominent device is **Foreshadowing**, as this verse explicitly states the Pharisees' intent to "destroy" Jesus, directly anticipating His eventual crucifixion. This early declaration of a murderous plot sets a dark tone and alerts the reader to the escalating danger Jesus faces, preparing them for the ultimate sacrifice. There is also profound **Irony** at play: the very religious leaders who claimed to uphold God's law and represent His will are shown plotting murder on the Sabbath, a day meant for rest and holiness, and immediately after Jesus performs an act of divine compassion. This highlights their spiritual blindness and hypocrisy. Furthermore, the verse encapsulates the **Conflict** between light and darkness, truth and deception, and divine compassion versus human legalism, a central theme throughout the Gospels.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the depths of human sin and opposition to divine truth. The Pharisees, representatives of religious authority, demonstrate how rigid adherence to human traditions and a desire to maintain power can blind individuals to the very presence of God in their midst. Their plot to destroy Jesus reveals the inherent hostility of the fallen human heart towards the light and truth of God, especially when that truth challenges established norms or personal comfort. Yet, even in this dark moment of conspiracy, God's sovereign plan is unfolding. The plot against Jesus, far from thwarting God's will, becomes the very means through which His redemptive purposes are accomplished, leading ultimately to the cross and resurrection.

* [John 15:18](/john/15-18 "John 15:18 - The World Hates You")
* [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Determined Purpose and Foreknowledge")
* [1 John 3:12](/1_john/3-12 "1 John 3:12 - Cain, a Warning Against Hate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:14 serves as a sobering reminder that genuine faith is not merely about adhering to rules, but about embracing compassion, mercy, and the true spirit of God's law. The Pharisees' tragic example warns us against religious legalism that hardens the heart, blinds us to God's work, and leads to opposition against truth and grace. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we prioritizing human traditions or the love of God and neighbor? Do we welcome God's transformative work, even when it challenges our comfort zones or established ways, or do we resist it out of fear or a desire for control? This verse also reminds us that standing for truth and righteousness, as Jesus did, often invites opposition. We are called to be faithful, trusting that God's purposes will prevail, even amidst hostility and adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own religious practices or traditions inadvertently hinder my compassion or openness to God's new work?**
* **How do I react when my beliefs or comfort zones are challenged by God's truth or the needs of others?**
* **What does Jesus' example in the face of such hostility teach me about responding to opposition or criticism in my own life?**

### FAQ

**Why were the Pharisees so intent on destroying Jesus, rather than just debating Him?**

Answer: The Pharisees' desire to "destroy" Jesus, rather than merely debating Him, stemmed from a complex mix of theological, social, and political factors. Theologically, Jesus' actions (like healing on the Sabbath in [Matthew 12:9-13](/matthew/12-9-13 "Matthew 12:9-13 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath")) and teachings directly challenged their authority and their meticulously constructed interpretations of the Law. He frequently exposed their hypocrisy ([Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")), undermining their public image and influence. Socially, Jesus' popularity among the common people threatened their standing as the primary religious leaders. Politically, they feared that Jesus' growing following could provoke a Roman crackdown, endangering their fragile autonomy ([John 11:48](/john/11-48 "John 11:48 - The Sanhedrin's Fear of Rome")). For the Pharisees, Jesus was not just a theological opponent but an existential threat to their power, their way of life, and their understanding of how God's kingdom should operate. His divine authority, coupled with His compassionate disregard for their man-made rules, led them to conclude that He must be eliminated.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:14, with its chilling declaration of the Pharisees' plot to "destroy" Jesus, serves as a crucial early foreshadowing of the cross, where God’s ultimate redemptive plan would be accomplished. The very act of human malice and conspiracy against the Son of God becomes the means by which God’s eternal purpose is fulfilled. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was "led like a lamb to the slaughter" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")) not because He was powerless, but because He willingly submitted to the Father's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). The Pharisees' plot, born of hatred and spiritual blindness, was paradoxically woven into the fabric of divine providence. God, in His infinite wisdom, used the sin of humanity to bring about the salvation of humanity. Thus, the "destroying" of Jesus, orchestrated by human hands, became the glorious act through which sin and death were destroyed, offering new life and reconciliation to all who believe in Him ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Over the Powers")). The cross, the ultimate expression of human depravity, is simultaneously the ultimate demonstration of God's boundless love and power.

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

John 11:53

Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

Luke 6:11

And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

John 10:39

¶ Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

Mark 3:6

And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

John 5:18

Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

Matthew 26:4

And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill [him].

John 11:57

Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew [it], that they might take him.