Matthew 12:9

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

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

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

Moving on from there, Jesus entered their synagogue,

And he departed thence, and went into their synagogue:

Commentary

Context of Matthew 12:9

This verse serves as a crucial transition point in Matthew's narrative, immediately following a significant Sabbath controversy where Jesus defended His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-8). Having departed from the fields, Jesus intentionally enters "their synagogue." This setting is vital because synagogues were central to Jewish community life and worship, and often the very places where the religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, exercised their authority and observed others. Jesus' move into the synagogue sets the stage for the next direct confrontation over the proper observance of the Sabbath, specifically concerning healing.

Key Themes

  • Transition and Continuity of Ministry: Matthew 12:9 shows Jesus' seamless movement from one scene to the next, indicating His unwavering commitment to His ministry of teaching and healing, regardless of recent conflicts.
  • Deliberate Confrontation: By entering the synagogue, especially after the previous Sabbath dispute, Jesus deliberately places Himself in a context where His actions would likely be scrutinized by the religious authorities. This foreshadows the direct challenge to their legalistic interpretations of the Law.
  • Sabbath Observance: While not directly addressing the Sabbath, this verse is the immediate prelude to a significant Sabbath event – the healing of the man with the withered hand (Matthew 12:10-14). It highlights the ongoing tension between Jesus' compassionate, life-giving understanding of the Sabbath and the Pharisees' rigid, rule-bound approach.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "their synagogue" (Greek: synagōgΔ“) is significant. A synagogue was a local Jewish assembly place for worship, prayer, and study of the Law. The possessive "their" emphasizes that it was a local synagogue belonging to the Jewish community, likely where the Pharisees, who had just challenged Jesus, held influence. It underscores the public nature of Jesus' ministry and His willingness to engage with the very people who opposed Him in their own established settings.

Significance and Application

Matthew 12:9 might seem like a simple transitional verse, but it carries profound significance. It reveals Jesus' purposeful engagement with the established religious structures of His time. He doesn't shy away from places of potential opposition but rather brings His message and power directly into them. For us today, this verse can serve as a reminder of:

  • Boldness in Ministry: Jesus demonstrates courage by continuing His work even when facing scrutiny and conflict.
  • Purposeful Presence: He goes to where people are, even if it means entering challenging environments, to teach and bring healing. This aligns with His broader mission to seek and save the lost.

The verse sets the stage for one of Jesus' most powerful lessons on the true meaning of the Sabbath, emphasizing mercy over rigid tradition, a theme echoed throughout His ministry (e.g., Luke 6:9).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ΒΆ 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.
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