Matthew 12:2

KJV

But when the Pharisees saw [it], they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when the Pharisees {G5330} saw {G1492} it, they said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Behold {G2400}, thy {G4675} disciples {G3101} do {G4160} that which {G3739} is {G1832} not {G3756} lawful {G1832} to do {G4160} upon {G1722} the sabbath day {G4521}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On seeing this, the P'rushim said to him, "Look! Your talmidim are violating Shabbat!"

Berean Standard Bible

When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”

American Standard Version

But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do upon the sabbath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:2 captures a pivotal confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees, immediately following His disciples' actions of plucking grain on the Sabbath. The verse succinctly presents the Pharisees' accusation that Jesus' disciples were performing an unlawful act on the Sabbath, setting the stage for Jesus' profound teachings on the true purpose of the Sabbath and His own authority over it. This incident highlights the deep-seated tension between rigid legalism and the compassionate spirit of God's law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the direct response of the Pharisees to the events described in [Matthew 12:1](/matthew/12-1 "Matthew 12:1 - Disciples Pluck Grain on the Sabbath"). In the preceding verse, Jesus' disciples, being hungry, began to pluck heads of grain and eat them as they walked through a field on the Sabbath. This action, while permitted for personal consumption from a neighbor's field under [Deuteronomy 23:25](/deuteronomy/23-25 "Deuteronomy 23:25 - Right to Pluck Grain"), was deemed a violation of Sabbath regulations by the Pharisees, who considered it a form of reaping or threshing. The immediate accusation in [Matthew 12:2](/matthew/12-2 "Matthew 12:2 - Pharisees Accuse Disciples") serves as the catalyst for Jesus' subsequent discourse on the Sabbath, His authority, and the true meaning of mercy over sacrifice, which unfolds throughout the rest of [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath, observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, was a cornerstone of Jewish life, commemorating God's rest after creation ([Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2-3 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")) and Israel's deliverance from slavery ([Deuteronomy 5:12-15](/deuteronomy/5-12-15 "Deuteronomy 5:12-15 - Remember the Sabbath Day")). While the Mosaic Law forbade work on the Sabbath ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")), it did not explicitly detail every permissible or impermissible act. Over centuries, particularly by the time of Jesus, the Pharisees had developed an extensive body of oral traditions (later codified in the Mishnah) that meticulously defined "work" into 39 forbidden categories, including reaping, threshing, and preparing food. Their interpretation was extremely strict, often prioritizing the letter of these human-made rules over the spirit of the law or human need. This cultural backdrop explains why a seemingly innocuous act like plucking grain could provoke such a strong accusation from the Pharisees.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several critical themes within the Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it highlights the **Sabbath controversy**, which is a recurring point of contention between Jesus and the religious authorities, demonstrating Jesus' challenge to their legalistic interpretations. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Jesus' authority**; although the accusation is leveled at the disciples, it is a direct challenge to Jesus as their teacher and leader. His response in the following verses ([Matthew 12:3-8](/matthew/12-3-8 "Matthew 12:3-8 - Jesus' Defense and Authority")) clearly asserts His unique position, culminating in His declaration as "[Lord even of the sabbath day](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")". Thirdly, the incident vividly contrasts **legalism with compassion**. The Pharisees' focus on rigid rules, even in the face of the disciples' hunger, exposes a lack of mercy, a theme Jesus directly addresses by quoting [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice") in [Matthew 12:7](/matthew/12-7 "Matthew 12:7 - I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice").

### 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 zealous adherence to the Mosaic Law and the extensive body of oral traditions they believed clarified and expanded upon it. While often portrayed as antagonists in the Gospels, their commitment to holiness and the Law was genuine, though their rigid interpretations often led them to prioritize external observance over the spirit of the law, as seen in this encounter.
* **lawful (Greek, _éxesti'_):** This impersonal verb literally means "it is permitted" or "it is right." Its use here, in the negative ("not lawful," _ou exesti_), indicates that the Pharisees perceived the disciples' action as a direct transgression against established religious law and tradition. For them, the disciples were not just being careless; they were actively violating a divine command, as interpreted by their authoritative tradition.
* **sabbath day (Greek, _sábbaton'_):** Originating from the Hebrew word _shabbat_ meaning "rest" or "cessation," the Sabbath was the seventh day of the week, consecrated by God for rest from labor and for worship. For the Pharisees, the Sabbath was a sacred institution, and its observance was a hallmark of Jewish identity. Their accusation reveals their understanding of the Sabbath as a day of absolute cessation from any activity that could be construed as "work," even if it was for a basic human need like eating.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when the Pharisees saw [it]":** This clause immediately establishes the antagonists and their observant, critical posture. The "it" refers to the disciples' action of plucking grain from the field, as described in the preceding verse. The Pharisees were not merely passing by; they were actively scrutinizing the behavior of Jesus and His followers, looking for deviations from their strict interpretations of the Law.
* **"they said unto him":** The accusation is directed not at the disciples, but directly at Jesus. This indicates that the Pharisees recognized Jesus' authority over His disciples and held Him responsible for their actions. It also highlights their intent to challenge Jesus' teaching and leadership, making this a direct confrontation with Him.
* **"Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day":** This is the core of the accusation. "Behold" (Greek, _idoú_) draws attention to the perceived transgression. The Pharisees explicitly state that the disciples' actions (plucking and eating grain) were "not lawful" on the Sabbath. For them, this was a clear violation of their detailed Sabbath regulations, which categorized such actions as "reaping" or "threshing," forbidden activities on the holy day. This statement sets the stage for Jesus' defense and reinterpretation of the Sabbath's true purpose.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and set the scene for the ensuing discourse. **Conflict** is immediately established through the direct confrontation between the Pharisees and Jesus. The Pharisees' accusatory tone and their focus on "lawful" actions highlight the **antagonism** between their legalistic interpretation of the Law and Jesus' more compassionate approach. There is also an element of **irony** present: those who are most zealous for God's law are the ones who fail to grasp its true spirit of mercy and human welfare, prioritizing their traditions over the needs of the hungry disciples. This incident serves as **foreshadowing**, indicating that the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities will escalate, leading to greater conflicts over His authority and teachings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:2 is a crucial theological anchor, underscoring the profound tension between rigid legalism and the liberating spirit of God's law. The Pharisees' accusation reveals a system that had elevated human traditions and meticulous rules above the divine intent of compassion and human flourishing. This incident serves as a foundational moment for Jesus to articulate the true purpose of the Sabbath, not as a burden of prohibitions, but as a day designed for rest, worship, and acts of mercy. It highlights Jesus' role as the ultimate interpreter and fulfiller of the Law, who prioritizes the needs of people over strict adherence to man-made regulations. This theme resonates throughout the Gospels, establishing Jesus' authority as superior to even the most revered religious traditions.

* [Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - The Sabbath Was Made for Man")
* [Luke 6:1-5](/luke/6-1-5 "Luke 6:1-5 - Disciples Pluck Grain on the Sabbath")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - For I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:2 challenges believers to critically examine their own understanding and application of God's commands, urging us to move beyond mere outward observance to grasp the compassionate heart of God's law. This passage serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of legalism, which can inadvertently obscure God's grace and mercy, turning faith into a burdensome set of rules rather than a joyful relationship. It calls us to prioritize genuine love for God and neighbor, recognizing that true righteousness flows from a heart transformed by Christ, not from perfect adherence to human traditions. We are invited to embrace the freedom found in Jesus, who liberates us from the bondage of external regulations and empowers us to live lives marked by grace, compassion, and true worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing human traditions or rigid rules over the spirit of God's law and compassion for others?**
* **How does Jesus' response to the Pharisees challenge my understanding of what it means to truly honor God?**
* **Am I more concerned with outward appearances of piety or with cultivating a heart of mercy and love?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Pharisees so upset about the disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath?**

Answer: The Pharisees were upset because, according to their extensive oral traditions and interpretations of the Mosaic Law, plucking grain on the Sabbath was considered a form of "reaping" or "threshing," which were forbidden activities on the holy day. While [Deuteronomy 23:25](/deuteronomy/23-25 "Deuteronomy 23:25 - Right to Pluck Grain") permitted plucking grain for immediate consumption, the issue for the Pharisees was the day on which it occurred. They believed the disciples were violating the Sabbath commandment ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")) as defined by their strict, detailed regulations, which had expanded significantly beyond the written law.

**Did the disciples actually break God's law?**

Answer: From Jesus' perspective, and the perspective of the original Mosaic Law, the disciples did not break God's law. Jesus' subsequent defense in [Matthew 12:3-8](/matthew/12-3-8 "Matthew 12:3-8 - Jesus' Defense and Authority") argues that their actions were permissible. He cites the example of David eating the consecrated bread ([1 Samuel 21:1-6](/1_samuel/21-1-6 "1 Samuel 21:1-6 - David Eats the Consecrated Bread")), and the priests performing work in the temple on the Sabbath, yet remaining blameless. Jesus asserts that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit, not as a burden, and ultimately declares Himself "[Lord even of the sabbath day](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")," indicating His authority to interpret and fulfill its true purpose. The "law" they broke was the Pharisees' interpretation and human tradition, not the divine command itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:2, with its depiction of the Pharisees' legalistic accusation, powerfully foreshadows Jesus' ultimate fulfillment of the Law and His role as the Lord of the Sabbath. The Pharisees' rigid adherence to human traditions, which obscured the compassionate heart of God's commands, stands in stark contrast to Jesus, who embodies the true spirit of the Law. He is the one for whom the Sabbath was made, not as a day of burdensome restrictions, but as a symbol of the true rest and liberation He offers. Just as the temple was greater than the Sabbath because it was God's dwelling, Jesus declares that "one greater than the temple is here" ([Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Matthew 12:6 - Something Greater Than the Temple")), identifying Himself as the ultimate place where God's presence dwells. His teaching that God desires "mercy, and not sacrifice" ([Matthew 12:7](/matthew/12-7 "Matthew 12:7 - I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice"), quoting [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice")) reveals that the true intent of the Law is love and compassion, not ritualistic adherence. Ultimately, Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, provides the perfect rest and freedom from the law's condemnation that the Sabbath only pointed to ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")). He is the true bread of life, satisfying spiritual hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), and the one who liberates His disciples from the bondage of legalism into the glorious liberty of the children of God ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Firm in Freedom")).

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

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.

John 7:21

Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.

John 7:24

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Luke 14:3

And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?

Exodus 20:9

Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

Exodus 20:11

For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Mark 3:2

And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.