Matthew 9:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!"

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this pivotal statement, Jesus challenges the legalistic worldview of the Pharisees, asserting that God's primary desire is for compassionate mercy rather than mere ritualistic sacrifice. He clarifies the core mission of His earthly ministry: not to affirm those who perceive themselves as already righteous, but to extend a transformative call to repentance to those who recognize their spiritual brokenness and need for divine grace. This verse encapsulates a fundamental reorientation of religious priorities from external observance to internal disposition and relational compassion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This profound declaration by Jesus directly follows His controversial act of calling Matthew, a tax collector (and thus, a social and religious outcast), to be His disciple in [Matthew 9:9](/matthew/9-9 "Matthew 9:9 - Jesus Calls Matthew"). Immediately after, Matthew hosts a feast where Jesus dines with a multitude of "publicans and sinners." The Pharisees, observing this, question Jesus' disciples, "Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?" ([Matthew 9:11](/matthew/9-11 "Matthew 9:11 - Pharisees Question Jesus")). Jesus, hearing their self-righteous critique, responds directly to them, first with the analogy of a physician coming for the sick, not the healthy ([Matthew 9:12](/matthew/9-12 "Matthew 9:12 - Physician for the Sick")), and then with the powerful theological statement of [Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Mercy Not Sacrifice"). This verse serves as Jesus' definitive justification for His inclusive ministry, exposing the spiritual blindness of His critics.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly as represented by the Pharisees, placed immense emphasis on ritual purity, adherence to the Mosaic Law, and separation from "sinners" (a broad category including tax collectors, prostitutes, and anyone who did not strictly observe their interpretations of the Law). Tax collectors were especially despised as collaborators with the Roman occupiers and often extorted money from their own people. To associate with such individuals, let alone share a meal (a sign of fellowship and acceptance), was considered defiling and scandalous for a rabbi. The Pharisees believed that God's favor was earned through meticulous obedience to the Law, including sacrificial rites, and that association with the unrighteous would compromise one's own standing before God. Jesus' actions and words directly challenged this prevailing social and religious hierarchy, revealing a radically different understanding of God's character and priorities.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Mercy Not Sacrifice") is central to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. It highlights the theme of **God's compassionate heart** and His preference for genuine mercy over rigid ritualism, echoing prophetic critiques of empty religious observance found in the Old Testament (e.g., [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice") and [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11-17 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God Desires Justice Not Empty Rituals")). It also underscores the **inclusive nature of the Kingdom of Heaven**, demonstrating that God's call extends to all, especially those marginalized and deemed unworthy by human standards. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the critical importance of **repentance** as the gateway to experiencing God's healing and salvation, contrasting it with a self-righteousness that precludes the need for change. This theme is foundational to Jesus' initial preaching in [Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mercy (Greek, _éleos'_):** G1656. This term signifies compassion, especially active compassion, whether human or divine. In the context of the Old Testament quote from Hosea, it often translates the Hebrew _chesed_, which denotes steadfast love, loyal kindness, and covenant faithfulness. Here, it emphasizes God's active benevolence and compassion towards those in need, prioritizing genuine care and empathy over strict adherence to ceremonial law.
* **Sacrifice (Greek, _thysía'_):** G2378. Refers to the act of offering a victim or the victim itself, whether literally or figuratively. In this context, it represents the elaborate system of temple rituals and ceremonial observances prescribed by the Mosaic Law. Jesus' statement "not sacrifice" does not abolish the practice but rather subordinates it to the higher principle of mercy, indicating that outward religious acts are meaningless if devoid of a heart of compassion and justice.
* **Repentance (Greek, _metánoia'_):** G3341. This word denotes a change of mind, a compunction for guilt, leading to reformation. It implies a fundamental turning away from sin and towards God, a transformative shift in one's life direction, values, and actions. It is not merely sorrow for sin but a decisive reorientation of one's entire being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But go ye and learn what that meaneth":** Jesus issues a direct command and challenge to the Pharisees. The phrase "go ye and learn" is a rabbinic idiom, urging them to deeply consider and understand a scriptural truth they have apparently overlooked or misinterpreted. He implies their current understanding is deficient and requires further theological study and spiritual insight.
* **"I will have mercy, and not sacrifice":** This is a direct quotation from [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice"), a prophetic utterance that critiques Israel's superficial religiosity. Jesus uses it to highlight God's true priorities: a heart of compassion and active love (mercy) is more pleasing to Him than mere external religious observances (sacrifice), especially when those observances are devoid of genuine piety or used as a means of self-righteousness.
* **"for I am not come to call the righteous":** Jesus explains the reason for His association with sinners. He states His mission is not directed towards those who consider themselves morally upright and without need of spiritual healing or change. This is a subtle yet sharp critique of the Pharisees' self-perception, as they saw themselves as the "righteous."
* **"but sinners to repentance":** This clarifies the true object and purpose of His ministry. Jesus has come specifically for those who acknowledge their spiritual sickness and their need for God's grace. His call is not merely to acknowledge sin, but to undergo a fundamental transformation of mind and life, turning from sin towards God.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in [Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Mercy Not Sacrifice"). The most prominent is **Quotation**, as He directly cites [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice"), grounding His radical claim in the authoritative words of the Old Testament prophets. This serves to legitimize His actions and expose the Pharisees' selective reading of their own scriptures. A strong **Contrast** is established between "mercy" and "sacrifice," and between "the righteous" and "sinners," highlighting the divergent priorities of God and the Pharisees. This contrast is not absolute (God did institute sacrifices), but one of priority and emphasis, where the heart's disposition (mercy) takes precedence over external ritual (sacrifice). Furthermore, the verse carries profound **Irony**; the "righteous" (Pharisees) are precisely those who miss the true nature of God's call, while the "sinners" are the ones receptive to it. This underscores the paradox of the Kingdom of God, where the last are often first.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 9:13 is a theological linchpin, revealing God's fundamental character as one who desires relationship and genuine transformation over mere outward religious performance. It challenges the human tendency to prioritize ritual and self-righteousness, redirecting focus to the heart of God's law: love and compassion. This verse affirms that God's redemptive plan is for all humanity, especially those who recognize their need for grace, dismantling artificial barriers of social and religious purity. It underscores the universal call to repentance as the necessary prelude to experiencing God's mercy and entering His Kingdom.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What Does the Lord Require?")
* [Luke 5:31-32](/luke/5-31-32 "Luke 5:31-32 - The Sick Need a Physician")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 9:13 serves as a profound mirror for self-examination, urging us to consider whether our faith is characterized by genuine compassion and a humble recognition of our own need for grace, or by a self-righteous adherence to external forms that might obscure the heart of God. It challenges us to move beyond judgmentalism and extend mercy to those whom society, or even our own religious circles, might deem "unworthy." True spiritual health is not found in claiming perfection, but in acknowledging our brokenness and embracing the transformative call to repentance. This verse compels us to embody God's mercy in our interactions, actively seeking out and ministering to those who are spiritually sick, rather than isolating ourselves in a bubble of perceived righteousness. It reminds us that our mission, like Christ's, is to invite others into a life-changing encounter with divine grace, fostering an environment where all are welcome to find healing and forgiveness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be prioritizing "sacrifice" (outward religious acts, traditions, or self-perceived righteousness) over "mercy" (genuine compassion, love, and humility)?**
* **Do I tend to associate primarily with those who affirm my beliefs and practices, or am I willing to extend grace and build relationships with those considered "sinners" by society or even by my own community?**
* **What does "repentance" truly mean for me today, and how am I actively responding to God's call for a change of mind and life direction?**
* **How can I better reflect God's heart of mercy in my daily interactions, especially with those who are marginalized or struggling?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice"?**

Answer: Jesus is quoting from [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice"). This statement does not mean that God rejects all sacrifices or religious rituals outright, as these were part of the Law He upheld. Rather, it emphasizes a divine priority. God desires genuine compassion, love, and a right heart attitude (mercy) more than He desires mere outward religious observance or ceremonial purity (sacrifice), especially when the latter becomes an end in itself, devoid of true heart-worship, justice, or love for others. It's a call for internal spiritual reality to take precedence over external religious form.

**Why does Jesus say He came "not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance"?**

Answer: Jesus is not implying that some people are truly "righteous" in a way that exempts them from needing Him. Instead, He is speaking ironically to the Pharisees, who considered themselves righteous and therefore believed they had no need for repentance or a physician ([Matthew 9:12](/matthew/9-12 "Matthew 9:12 - Physician for the Sick")). His mission is specifically aimed at those who acknowledge their spiritual sickness, their sinfulness, and their need for God's grace. Those who are self-righteous and perceive no need for change effectively disqualify themselves from receiving the healing and forgiveness that Jesus offers. He came to invite all to a transformative change of mind and life ([repentance](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand")), but only those who admit their need will respond.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:13 profoundly reveals the heart of Christ's mission and anticipates His ultimate work on the cross. Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, perfectly embodies the "mercy" that God desires, demonstrating it through His compassionate interactions with outcasts and His willingness to bear the sins of humanity. His coming was precisely to call "sinners to repentance," a call that culminates in His atoning sacrifice, which makes true repentance and forgiveness possible. He is the divine physician who came not for the healthy, but for the spiritually sick, offering Himself as the ultimate "sacrifice" that truly satisfies God's justice and provides a path to reconciliation. The cross, therefore, is the supreme act of mercy, where the Lamb of God takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ provides the means for all who acknowledge their sin and turn to Him to receive the righteousness that comes by faith ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). His ministry, initiated by calling sinners, finds its glorious fulfillment in His work as the Savior who redeems and transforms all who respond to His gracious invitation to repentance and faith ([1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners")).

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

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.