Matthew 12:6

KJV

But I say unto you, That in this place is [one] greater than the temple.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} in this place {G5602} is one {G2076} greater than {G3187} the temple {G2411}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I tell you, there is in this place something greater than the Temple!

Berean Standard Bible

But I tell you that something greater than the temple is here.

American Standard Version

But I say unto you, that one greater than the temple is here.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 12:6, Jesus directly challenges the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of the Sabbath law by declaring His own supremacy over the Temple, the most sacred institution in Judaism. This profound statement, made in the context of His disciples' actions on the Sabbath, asserts His divine authority and foreshadows the shift from a worship system centered on a physical edifice and ritual law to one focused on His person and the new covenant He inaugurates. It underscores that God's presence and redemptive work are now fully embodied in Christ, surpassing all previous forms of worship and religious practice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a significant confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath. The preceding verses ([Matthew 12:1-2](/matthew/12-1-2 "Matthew 12:1-2 - Disciples Pluck Grain on the Sabbath")) describe Jesus' disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath, an act the Pharisees deemed unlawful work. Jesus defends them by citing two Old Testament precedents: David eating the consecrated showbread, which was unlawful for anyone but priests ([1 Samuel 21:1-6](/1_samuel/21-1-6 "1 Samuel 21:1-6 - David and the Showbread")), and priests performing necessary Temple duties on the Sabbath without incurring guilt ([Numbers 28:9-10](/numbers/28-9-10 "Numbers 28:9-10 - Sabbath Offerings")). These examples highlight that human need and divine service can supersede strict legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath. Jesus then introduces a principle of mercy over sacrifice ([Matthew 12:7](/matthew/12-7 "Matthew 12:7 - Mercy Over Sacrifice")), culminating in His declaration that He is "Lord even of the sabbath day" ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")). Verse 6, therefore, serves as a pivotal assertion of His unique authority, setting the stage for His claim as Lord of the Sabbath.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Temple in Jerusalem was the epicenter of Jewish religious, national, and even cultural life. It was considered the dwelling place of God's presence (Shekinah), the site of all sacrificial atonement, and the ultimate symbol of Israel's covenant relationship with God. Jewish identity was deeply intertwined with the Temple and its elaborate sacrificial system. The Pharisees, a prominent Jewish sect, were zealous in their adherence to the Mosaic Law and the oral traditions that had developed around it, particularly regarding the Sabbath. They believed strict observance of these laws was essential for maintaining ritual purity and national righteousness. Jesus' statement, "in this place is one greater than the temple," would have been profoundly shocking and blasphemous to those who held the Temple in such high esteem, directly challenging their understanding of divine presence and religious authority.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 12:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' supreme authority** as the Messiah, demonstrating His preeminence over even the most sacred Jewish institutions and traditions. This theme is further developed as Jesus asserts His authority over the Sabbath itself in [Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath"). Secondly, it highlights the **redefinition of true worship and righteousness**. Jesus shifts the focus from external rituals and a physical location (the Temple) to His own person, anticipating the New Covenant where worship is "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thirdly, the verse speaks to the **fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets** in Christ. Jesus is not abolishing the Law but bringing it to its intended culmination. His presence signifies that the Temple's sacrificial system, which pointed to the ultimate sacrifice, is now superseded by the reality of His atoning work ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Greek, _légō'_):** This verb (G3004) indicates a deliberate, systematic, and authoritative declaration. When Jesus uses "légō" here, it's not a casual remark but a profound statement of truth, laying forth a foundational principle. It underscores the weight and intentionality behind His assertion of superiority over the Temple.
* **greater (Greek, _meízōn'_):** The comparative adjective (G3187) signifies superiority in importance, rank, quality, or magnitude. It is not merely "larger" in a physical sense, but fundamentally superior in essence and significance. Jesus is claiming a qualitative and hierarchical preeminence over the Temple, positioning Himself as possessing a higher status and greater authority than the most revered institution of His time.
* **temple (Greek, _hierón'_):** This noun (G2411) refers to the entire sacred precinct of the Temple in Jerusalem, including its courts and surrounding structures, rather than just the inner sanctuary (ναός, _naos_). By referring to the broader "hierón," Jesus emphasizes His supremacy over the entirety of the established religious system and its physical manifestation, which represented the presence of God and the means of atonement for Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I say unto you,"**: This introductory phrase, marked by the adversative particle "But" (dé, G1161), signals a contrast or a significant counter-statement to the Pharisees' accusations and their understanding of the law. Jesus is not merely offering an opinion but making an authoritative declaration directly to His accusers, asserting His unique prerogative to interpret and fulfill God's will.
* **"That in this place is [one]"**: The conjunction "That" (hóti, G3754) introduces the content of Jesus' astonishing claim. The phrase "in this place" (hōde, G5602) points to the immediate physical presence of Jesus and His disciples. The "[one]" (implied by "is," estí, G2076) clearly refers to Jesus Himself, subtly yet powerfully identifying Him as the subject of this extraordinary statement.
* **"greater than the temple."**: This is the climactic assertion of the verse. Jesus explicitly declares His superiority to the Temple. This claim would have been shocking, as the Temple was considered the holiest place on earth, the very dwelling place of God. By stating He is "greater" (meízōn, G3187) than the Temple, Jesus implies that He embodies God's presence and redemptive purpose in a way that surpasses the physical structure and its sacrificial system.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 12:6 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is present, not in the sense of exaggeration, but in the profound and seemingly audacious nature of Jesus' claim. To declare oneself "greater than the temple" would have been an unthinkable statement for any ordinary person, highlighting the extraordinary nature of Jesus' identity. The verse also functions as a form of **implicit self-disclosure**, where Jesus, without explicitly stating "I am the Messiah" or "I am God," reveals His divine authority and unique status. This is further reinforced by **contrast**, as Jesus juxtaposes His own person against the most revered institution of Judaism, thereby elevating His authority above all human religious structures. Finally, the statement contains profound **symbolism**, as the Temple itself was a symbol of God's presence and the means of atonement. By claiming to be greater, Jesus symbolically declares Himself to be the ultimate reality to which the Temple pointed, the true locus of God's presence and the ultimate means of reconciliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:6 is a pivotal theological statement, asserting Jesus' divine authority and His role as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. It signifies a profound shift in salvation history, moving from a system centered on a physical temple and ritual sacrifice to one centered on the person of Christ. Jesus, as the embodied presence of God, renders the Temple's purpose ultimately fulfilled and superseded. This declaration anticipates the New Covenant, where access to God is no longer mediated by a physical structure or priestly lineage but directly through Jesus, who is both the High Priest and the perfect sacrifice. It challenges the legalistic mindset that prioritizes external religious observance over the divine presence and mercy found in Christ.

* [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple")
* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, the Greater High Priest")
* [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-16 - Christ as the Substance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:6 calls believers to a radical reorientation of their faith and worship, placing Jesus Christ at the absolute center. If Jesus is greater than the Temple, the very dwelling place of God, then our devotion, trust, and obedience must be primarily directed towards Him, not towards religious institutions, traditions, or external practices that might inadvertently overshadow His preeminence. This verse challenges us to examine where our ultimate allegiance lies: Is it in rigid adherence to rules, or in a vibrant, living relationship with the Lord of the Sabbath, who prioritizes mercy and human flourishing over legalistic constraints? It reminds us that true worship is not about a building or a particular day, but about encountering and submitting to the living Christ, whose presence transforms our understanding of righteousness and service. Our faith should be characterized by a spirit of grace and compassion, reflecting the heart of Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like the Pharisees, prioritize religious traditions or external observances over the person and teachings of Jesus Christ?**
* **How does understanding Jesus as "greater than the temple" impact my view of corporate worship, personal devotion, and the role of the church building?**
* **Am I more concerned with outward religious performance, or with cultivating an inward relationship with Christ that manifests in mercy and love towards others?**
* **What specific areas of my life need to be re-centered on Christ's authority, rather than on human expectations or self-imposed rules?**

### FAQ

**Why was it so shocking for Jesus to say He was "greater than the temple"?**

Answer: Jesus' statement was profoundly shocking because the Temple was the most sacred and central institution in Jewish life. It was considered the literal dwelling place of God's presence (the Shekinah), the site of all sacrifices for atonement, and the ultimate symbol of God's covenant with Israel. To claim to be "greater than" this divinely ordained and revered structure was perceived as blasphemy by many, as it placed Jesus above the very institution that mediated God's presence and forgiveness. It was an implicit but powerful claim to divine authority, asserting His preeminence over the entire religious system and its physical manifestation, which was the bedrock of Jewish identity and worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:6 serves as a profound Christ-centered declaration, revealing Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment and supersession of the Old Covenant Temple. The Temple, with its sacrifices and rituals, was a shadow pointing to the coming reality of Christ ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law as a Shadow")). Jesus, by declaring Himself "greater than the temple," asserts that He is the new and living way to God, the true sanctuary where God's presence dwells in its fullness ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His body became the ultimate Temple, destroyed and raised in three days, offering a new access to God not bound by physical location or animal sacrifice ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus' Body, the Temple")). As the perfect High Priest, He entered the true, heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing eternal redemption through His own blood, rendering the earthly Temple's sacrificial system obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, the Greater High Priest")). Thus, Matthew 12:6 anticipates the New Covenant reality where believers, united with Christ, become living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit")), worshipping God not in a specific place, but "in spirit and truth" through Him ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

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 12:41

The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas [is] here.

Matthew 12:42

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon [is] here.

1 Peter 2:4

¶ To whom coming, [as unto] a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, [and] precious,

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

2 Chronicles 6:18

But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!

Ephesians 2:20

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];

Ephesians 2:22

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.