Matthew 9:13

But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

But {G1161} go ye {G4198} and learn {G3129} what {G5101} that meaneth {G2076}, I will {G2309} have mercy {G1656}, and {G2532} not {G3756} sacrifice {G2378}: for {G1063} I am {G2064} not {G3756} come {G2064} to call {G2564} the righteous {G1342}, but {G235} sinners {G268} to {G1519} repentance {G3341}.

As for you, go and learn what this means: `I want compassion rather than animal-sacrifices.' For I didn't come to call the `righteous,' but sinners!"

But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

But go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

In Matthew 9:13, Jesus delivers a profound statement that encapsulates the heart of His ministry, directly addressing the Pharisees' criticism of His association with tax collectors and sinners. This verse is a cornerstone for understanding God's priorities.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' call of Matthew, a tax collector, to be His disciple. After Matthew hosted a feast for Jesus, many other tax collectors and "sinners" joined them. The Pharisees, observing this, questioned Jesus' disciples, asking, "Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?" (Matthew 9:11). Jesus overhears their complaint and responds directly to them, using this verse as a sharp rebuke to their legalistic and self-righteous worldview.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Mercy Over Ritual: Jesus quotes from Hosea 6:6, emphasizing that God desires "mercy, and not sacrifice." This does not mean God rejects all sacrifices or religious rituals, but rather that He prioritizes genuine compassion, love, and a right heart attitude above mere outward religious observance or ceremonial purity. The Pharisees were meticulous about the latter but often lacked the former.
  • Calling Sinners to Repentance: Jesus clarifies His mission: "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." He likens Himself to a physician who comes for the sick, not the healthy (Matthew 9:12). This highlights that His ministry is specifically aimed at those who acknowledge their spiritual sickness and need for God's grace. Those who consider themselves "righteous" and without need for repentance often remain outside the scope of His healing work.
  • The Nature of Repentance: The call to "repentance" (Greek: metanoia) signifies a fundamental change of mind, a turning away from sin and towards God. It's not just feeling sorry for one's actions, but a transformative shift in one's life direction and values.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice" is a direct quote from the Old Testament prophet Hosea 6:6. The Hebrew word for "mercy" (חֶסֶד - chesed) in Hosea often carries the connotation of steadfast love, loyal kindness, and covenant faithfulness. In the Greek Septuagint and subsequently in Matthew, it's rendered as ἔλεος (eleos), emphasizing compassion and pity. The contrast is not an abolition of sacrifice but a prioritization of the internal, moral, and relational aspects of faith over the external, ceremonial aspects when they become ends in themselves, devoid of true heart-worship.

Practical Application

This verse remains profoundly relevant today. It challenges believers to examine their own priorities: are we more concerned with outward religious displays, strict adherence to rules, or judging others, rather than demonstrating genuine compassion and love? Jesus' example encourages us to reach out to those society might deem "unworthy" or "sinful," extending grace and inviting them to the transformative experience of repentance. It reminds us that true righteousness comes from a humble recognition of our own need for God's mercy, not from self-proclaimed perfection or adherence to human traditions. We are all called to be agents of God's mercy, reflecting His heart to a world in need of healing and forgiveness, just as He came to call sinners to repentance.

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.

  • Mark 2:17

    When Jesus heard [it], he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

  • Luke 19:10

    For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

  • Hosea 6:6

    For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

  • Luke 5:32

    I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

  • Matthew 12:7

    But if ye had known what [this] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

  • 1 Timothy 1:13

    Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief.

  • 1 Timothy 1:16

    Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

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