Matthew 12:14

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 12:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But the Pharisees went out, and took counsel against him, how they might destroy him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But the Pharisees went out, and took counsel against him, how they might destroy him.
Matthew 12:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14But the Pharisees went out, and took counsel against him, how they might destroy him.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then the Pharisees went out, etc.] Of the synagogue, being, as Luke says, filled with madness, at the unanswerableness of his arguments; and because of the violation of the sabbath, as they thought; and most of all, because of the miracle wrought by him; and which was so glaringly a proof of his being Lord of the sabbath, and could not fail of creating him esteem among the people: and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. Mark says, the council was held by them with the Herodians; of whom, (see Gill on “<402216>Matthew 22:16”) who, though they differed from them both in religion and politics, yet might be thought very proper persons to advise with about this matter; and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him--This is the first explicit mention of their murderous designs against our Lord. Luke (Luk 6:11) says, they were filled with madness, and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus." But their doubt was not, whether to get rid of Him, but how to compass it. Mark (Mar 3:6), as usual, is more definite: "The Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him." These Herodians were supporters of Herod's dynasty, created by CÃ&brvbrsar--a political rather than religious party. The Pharisees regarded them as untrue to their religion and…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“This account is found also in Mark 3:6-12. Matthew 12:14 The Pharisees ... held a council ... - Mark adds that the Herodians also took a part in this plot. They were probably a “political” party attached firmly to Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, tetrarch of Galilee. He was the same man who had imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist, and to whom the Saviour, when arraigned, was sent by Pilate. See the notes at Luke 3:1. He was under Roman authority, and was a strong advocate of Roman power. All the friends of the family of Herod were opposed to Christ, and ever ready to join any plot against his life. They remembered, doubtless, the attempts of Herod the Great against him when he was…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“went: Mat 27:1; Mar 3:6; Luk 6:11; Joh 5:18, Joh 10:39, Joh 11:53, Joh 11:57 held a council: or, took counsel Matthew 12:15”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification