Matthew 12:3

But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;

But {G1161} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Have ye {G314} not {G3756} read {G314} what {G5101} David {G1138} did {G4160}, when {G3753} he {G846} was an hungred {G3983}, and {G2532} they {G3326} that were with him {G846};

But he said to them, "Haven't you ever read what David did when he and those with him were hungry?

Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?

But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him;

In Matthew 12:3, Jesus is responding to an accusation from the Pharisees that His disciples were breaking the Sabbath law by plucking and eating grain as they walked through a field (Matthew 12:2). Jesus challenges their strict interpretation of the law by referencing an event from the Old Testament involving King David.

Context and Background

The Sabbath was a sacred day of rest and worship in ancient Israel, central to Jewish identity and commanded by God (Exodus 20:8-11). The Pharisees, known for their rigorous adherence to Mosaic Law and their extensive oral traditions, considered the disciples' actions (plucking and rubbing grain) to be forms of harvesting and threshing, which were forbidden labors on the Sabbath.

Jesus counters their accusation by citing an incident recorded in 1 Samuel 21:1-6. In this account, David, fleeing from King Saul and in desperate hunger along with his men, ate the holy showbread (or "shewbread" as in KJV) from the tabernacle, which was ordinarily reserved only for priests. This act, though technically outside the prescribed law, was permissible due to dire necessity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Necessity Over Ritual: Jesus highlights that human need and mercy can, in extraordinary circumstances, take precedence over the rigid application of ceremonial laws. David's hunger justified his eating of the showbread, which was otherwise unlawful for him. This principle is foundational to understanding God's heart for humanity.
  • Understanding Scripture: By asking, "Have ye not read," Jesus implies that the Pharisees, as religious scholars, should have been familiar with this precedent and understood its implications. He challenges their narrow, legalistic interpretation of the Old Testament, suggesting they missed the spirit of the law while focusing on its letter.
  • Jesus's Authority: This verse sets the stage for Jesus to assert His authority over the Sabbath, ultimately declaring Himself "Lord even of the sabbath day" in Matthew 12:8. He demonstrates that He embodies the true purpose and meaning of the Sabbath.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "an hungred" is an archaic KJV English form meaning "hungry" or "famished." It vividly conveys the desperate situation of David and his men, emphasizing the pressing need that justified their actions.

Practical Application

This passage encourages believers to seek a deeper understanding of God's Word, moving beyond mere rule-following to grasp the underlying principles of love, mercy, and compassion. It reminds us that while God values obedience, He also prioritizes human welfare and spiritual intention over rigid formalism. It challenges us to consider whether our adherence to traditions or rules truly reflects the heart of God, especially when faced with genuine need.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Samuel 21:3

    Now therefore what is under thine hand? give [me] five [loaves of] bread in mine hand, or what there is present.

  • 1 Samuel 21:6

    So the priest gave him hallowed [bread]: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.

  • Luke 6:3

    And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;

  • Mark 2:25

    And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?

  • Mark 2:26

    How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?

  • Mark 12:10

    And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

  • Matthew 21:16

    And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
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