Matthew 12:9

KJV

And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he was departed {G3327} thence {G1564}, he went {G2064} into {G1519} their {G846} synagogue {G4864}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue.

Berean Standard Bible

Moving on from there, Jesus entered their synagogue,

American Standard Version

And he departed thence, and went into their synagogue:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:9 serves as a pivotal transitional verse, depicting Jesus' deliberate movement from the scene of a Sabbath controversy in the grain fields to a local synagogue. This intentional shift in setting immediately after challenging the Pharisees' legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath foreshadows a direct confrontation with religious authorities in their own domain, setting the stage for another significant demonstration of Jesus' authority and compassion on the Sabbath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the intense Sabbath controversy in which Jesus' disciples were accused of unlawfully plucking grain on the Sabbath, and Jesus defended their actions by asserting His authority as "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Matthew 12:1-8](/matthew/12-1-8 "Matthew 12:1-8 - Lord of the Sabbath")). Having departed from that specific location, Jesus deliberately enters "their synagogue," a move that is not incidental but purposeful. This transition directly sets the stage for the subsequent narrative, where Jesus will once again confront the Pharisees over Sabbath observance by healing a man with a withered hand ([Matthew 12:10-14](/matthew/12-10-14 "Matthew 12:10-14 - Healing on the Sabbath")). The verse acts as a narrative bridge, connecting the previous dispute to the one about to unfold, highlighting Jesus' unwavering commitment to His mission despite escalating opposition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Synagogues were the central institutions of Jewish community life in the first century, serving not only as places of worship and prayer but also as schools, community centers, and local courts. They were where the Law and Prophets were read and expounded, and where religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, held significant influence and observed community members. For Jesus to enter "their synagogue" (emphasizing local ownership and influence, likely by those who opposed Him) immediately after the previous Sabbath dispute was a bold and deliberate act. It placed Him directly in the public eye and in a setting where His actions, especially concerning the Sabbath, would be meticulously scrutinized by the very individuals who sought to entrap Him. This context underscores the high stakes of Jesus' ministry and His willingness to challenge established religious norms from within their own structures.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 12:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Jesus' Authority and Lordship over the Sabbath**. By intentionally entering a synagogue after the previous confrontation, Jesus continues to assert His divine prerogative to interpret and fulfill the Law, directly challenging the rigid, human-made traditions that had overshadowed the true intent of the Sabbath. This sets up the next demonstration of His authority in [Matthew 12:10-14](/matthew/12-10-14 "Matthew 12:10-14 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Jesus' Deliberate Confrontation with Religious Hypocrisy**. His entry into "their synagogue" is not an avoidance of conflict but a direct engagement with the very system and leaders who opposed His message of grace and mercy. This intentionality underscores His mission to expose the spiritual blindness of those who prioritized legalistic adherence over compassion. Finally, it speaks to the **Continuity and Scope of Jesus' Ministry**. Despite facing intense scrutiny and opposition, Jesus remains steadfast in His work of teaching, healing, and proclaiming the Kingdom of God, moving seamlessly from one setting to another to fulfill His divine purpose, a pattern seen throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus' Ministry in Galilee").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **And (Greek, _kaí'_):** This primary particle serves as a copulative, connecting the events of Matthew 12:9 directly to the preceding Sabbath controversy. It indicates a continuation of the narrative, linking Jesus' departure from the grain fields to His immediate entry into the synagogue, suggesting a seamless flow of events and an intentional progression in His ministry and confrontation with the religious leaders.
* **departed (Greek, _metabaínō'_):** Derived from "meta" (change) and "basis" (a stepping), this verb literally means "to change place." In this context, it signifies Jesus' physical movement from the location of the previous Sabbath dispute. This departure is not a retreat but a strategic relocation, setting the stage for the next phase of His ministry and the ensuing confrontation.
* **synagogue (Greek, _synagōgḗ'_):** From "synagō" (to gather together), this term refers to an "assemblage of persons," specifically a Jewish "synagogue" as both the meeting itself and the place of meeting. The use of "their synagogue" emphasizes that this was a local Jewish assembly hall, likely where the Pharisees who had just challenged Jesus held influence. It signifies a public, established religious setting, making Jesus' entry and subsequent actions all the more significant and confrontational.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was departed thence,"**: This clause establishes a direct chronological and geographical link to the preceding narrative. "Thence" refers to the location where the Sabbath controversy regarding the plucking of grain had just occurred. Jesus' departure signifies a physical movement away from that specific field, indicating a shift in immediate context but not in purpose. It highlights His intentionality in moving to the next scene of His ministry.
* **"he went into their synagogue:"**: This part of the verse reveals Jesus' deliberate action of entering a specific, public, and religiously significant space. The phrase "their synagogue" is crucial, emphasizing that this was a local Jewish assembly place, likely under the influence of the very religious authorities who had just challenged Him. This entrance is not casual; it is a purposeful step into a setting where His actions would be observed and scrutinized, setting the immediate stage for another direct confrontation regarding the true nature of the Sabbath and His authority.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 12:9 effectively employs several literary devices. Primarily, it functions as a **Transition**, smoothly bridging the narrative from the Sabbath controversy in the grain fields to the subsequent event in the synagogue. This narrative movement is not merely a change of scene but a deliberate progression of the plot. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the impending conflict and demonstration of Jesus' authority that will unfold within the synagogue. By placing Jesus in this specific setting immediately after the previous dispute, the text prepares the reader for another confrontation over the Sabbath. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** or **Dramatic Setup** in Jesus' entrance into "their synagogue." The Lord of the Sabbath, who has just been accused of violating its rules, now intentionally places Himself in the very heart of the religious establishment where those rules are rigidly enforced, setting the stage for a powerful display of His compassionate authority that will directly challenge their legalistic interpretations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:9, though brief, is pregnant with theological significance, underscoring Jesus' unwavering commitment to His mission and His sovereign authority over religious institutions and traditions. His deliberate entry into "their synagogue" immediately after a conflict over the Sabbath reveals His intentionality in confronting the legalistic interpretations of the Law. This act is not one of evasion but of direct engagement, demonstrating that the Kingdom of God is not confined to open fields but actively penetrates established religious spaces, challenging their spiritual complacency. Jesus consistently brings His message of truth and healing into the very heart of opposition, asserting that true worship and obedience to God involve compassion and mercy, not rigid adherence to human-made rules. This verse thus sets the stage for a profound theological lesson on the true meaning of the Sabbath, shifting the focus from external observance to internal disposition and the life-giving power of God.

* [Matthew 9:35](/matthew/9-35 "Matthew 9:35 - Jesus' Ministry of Teaching, Preaching, and Healing")
* [Luke 4:16](/luke/4-16 "Luke 4:16 - Jesus Teaches in the Synagogue at Nazareth")
* [John 18:20](/john/18-20 "John 18:20 - Jesus' Public Teaching in Synagogues and the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:9, though seemingly a simple transitional verse, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Jesus' deliberate and courageous entry into "their synagogue" immediately after a heated confrontation with the Pharisees serves as a powerful model for our own engagement with a world often resistant to the Gospel. He did not retreat from opposition; instead, He purposefully stepped into the very heart of it, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His mission and His authority. This challenges us to consider where God is calling us to be present and speak truth, even when it means entering environments that may be scrutinizing, hostile, or steeped in opposing ideologies. It reminds us that our faith is not meant to be confined to safe spaces but is to be lived out boldly and intentionally, bringing the light of Christ into challenging contexts. Just as Jesus sought to bring healing and redefine the true meaning of the Sabbath in a place of rigid tradition, we are called to be agents of grace and truth, willing to engage with those who hold differing views, always seeking to point them to the liberating power of the Gospel. Our presence, guided by love and wisdom, can transform even the most resistant "synagogues" of our modern world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' deliberate entry into "their synagogue" challenge our own comfort zones in sharing our faith or engaging with difficult situations?**
* **In what "synagogues" (places of potential opposition, rigid thinking, or spiritual darkness) is God calling you to be present with His truth and love today?**
* **What does Jesus' example of purposeful engagement teach us about confronting spiritual complacency or legalism in our own lives or communities?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that Jesus went "into their synagogue" immediately after the Sabbath controversy?**

Answer: This immediate transition is highly significant because it highlights Jesus' intentionality and courage. Rather than retreating from the conflict with the Pharisees over Sabbath observance in the grain fields ([Matthew 12:1-8](/matthew/12-1-8 "Matthew 12:1-8 - Lord of the Sabbath")), Jesus deliberately enters a synagogue, a central place of Jewish worship and legal interpretation, where the very religious leaders who opposed Him held sway. This act sets the stage for a direct, public confrontation, signaling Jesus' unwavering commitment to demonstrate His authority over the Sabbath and expose the hypocrisy of those who prioritized rigid rules over compassion and the true intent of God's law, as seen in the subsequent healing of the man with the withered hand ([Matthew 12:10-14](/matthew/12-10-14 "Matthew 12:10-14 - Healing on the Sabbath")).

**What was the typical role of a synagogue in Jewish life during Jesus' time?**

Answer: During Jesus' time, synagogues were far more than just places of worship. They served as vital community centers for Jewish life. In addition to prayer and the reading of the Law and Prophets, they were places for teaching and instruction, where scribes and Pharisees would expound on the scriptures. Synagogues also functioned as local courts where community disputes were settled and disciplinary actions were taken. They were centers for social gatherings, charitable activities, and the dissemination of news. Thus, Jesus' entry into "their synagogue" meant He was stepping into the heart of Jewish community, religious, and legal life, making His actions and teachings profoundly public and challenging to the established order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:9, though a transitional verse, profoundly points to Christ's identity and mission. Jesus' deliberate entry into "their synagogue" immediately after asserting His Lordship over the Sabbath foreshadows His ultimate fulfillment of the Law and the establishment of a new covenant. He is not merely a reformer of Jewish tradition but the very embodiment of the Sabbath's true meaning: rest, healing, and life. His willingness to enter the stronghold of legalism and opposition prefigures His ultimate confrontation with the powers of sin and death, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection. Just as He brings healing to the withered hand in the synagogue, He, as the Great Physician, comes to heal the withered souls of humanity. His presence in "their synagogue" symbolizes the breaking down of the old, rigid system and the ushering in of the new, living way through Him. He is the true temple, the ultimate gathering place for God's people ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), and the one in whom all the promises and purposes of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). His deliberate engagement with the established religious order ultimately leads to His sacrificial work on the cross, through which He provides the ultimate rest and reconciliation for all who believe ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")).

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 6:6

And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.

Luke 6:11

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

Mark 3:1

¶ And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.

Mark 3:6

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