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Matthew 9:12

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But when Jesus heard [that], he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

But {G1161} when Jesus {G2424} heard {G191} that, he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, They that be {G2192} whole {G2480} need {G5532} not {G3756} a physician {G2395}, but {G235} they that are {G2192} sick {G2560}.

But Yeshua heard the question and answered, "The ones who need a doctor aren't the healthy but the sick.

On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

But when he heard it, he said, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick.

Commentary

Matthew 9:12 presents Jesus' profound response to the Pharisees' criticism regarding His association with tax collectors and "sinners." Using a simple yet powerful analogy, Jesus declares His mission: to bring spiritual healing and salvation to those who acknowledge their need for it, rather than to those who perceive themselves as spiritually "whole" or righteous.

Context

This verse is a pivotal moment following the calling of Matthew (also known as Levi), a tax collector, to be one of Jesus' disciples. The preceding verses in Matthew 9:9-11 describe Jesus dining at Matthew's house, where many tax collectors and "sinners" were also present. The Pharisees, a strict religious sect known for their adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, were scandalized by Jesus' willingness to associate with such people, whom they considered unclean and morally corrupt. Their questioning of Jesus' disciples prompts this direct and insightful reply from Jesus Himself, explaining the very nature and purpose of His ministry.

Key Themes

  • The Purpose of Jesus' Ministry: Jesus explicitly states that His mission is not to affirm the self-righteous, but to spiritually heal those who are "sick" with sin. He came as a divine physician for the soul.
  • Spiritual Sickness vs. Self-Righteousness: The "sick" are those who recognize their sinfulness and need for repentance, making them receptive to God's grace. The "whole" are those, like the Pharisees, who believe themselves to be righteous and therefore see no need for a Savior, effectively shutting themselves off from God's transformative power.
  • God's Mercy and Compassion: This statement underscores God's heart for the marginalized and the lost. Jesus' actions demonstrate a profound compassion that transcends human religious and social barriers, prioritizing the spiritual healing of souls over strict adherence to ritualistic purity or social separation. This theme is further emphasized in Matthew 9:13, where Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6: "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice."

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word translated "whole" is ischuontes (ἰσχύοντες), which literally means "those who are strong" or "healthy." This refers to those who are self-sufficient or self-righteous in their own eyes, believing they have no spiritual ailments. Conversely, "sick" is translated from kakos echontes (κακῶς ἔχοντες), meaning "those who are badly off" or "have evil." This term encompasses physical illness but, in this context, clearly points to spiritual brokenness and moral corruption. Jesus identifies Himself as the "physician" (iatros, ἰατρός), the one capable of diagnosing and curing these deep spiritual conditions, emphasizing His unique role as the bringer of salvation and spiritual restoration.

Practical Application

Matthew 9:12 challenges us to honestly assess our own spiritual condition. Do we see ourselves as "whole" and therefore in no need of a physician, or do we humbly acknowledge our spiritual "sickness" and our constant need for Jesus' healing grace? This verse reminds believers that the core of the Christian faith is recognizing our dependence on God and His mercy. It also serves as a powerful call to action for the church and individual Christians to embrace compassion and outreach, extending the invitation of salvation to those who are spiritually lost and broken, just as Jesus did. The focus should always be on reaching out with love and truth to those who are "sick," rather than retreating into self-righteous exclusivity. The mission of Christ, and by extension His followers, is to seek and to save that which was lost.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 5:31 (14 votes)

    And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

  • Revelation 3:17 (11 votes)

    Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

  • Revelation 3:18 (11 votes)

    I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

  • Mark 2:17 (10 votes)

    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 9:11 (10 votes)

    And the people, when they knew [it], followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

  • Jeremiah 33:6 (10 votes)

    Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.

  • Psalms 147:3 (9 votes)

    He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.