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Matthew 12:2

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 12:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do upon the sabbath.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do upon the sabbath.
Matthew 12:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1At that season Jesus went on the sabbath day through the grainfields; and his disciples were hungry and began to pluck ears and to eat.
2But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do upon the sabbath.
3But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him;
4how he entered into the house of God, and ate the showbread, which it was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them that were with him, but only for the priests?
5Or have ye not read in the law, that on the sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are guiltless?
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But when the Pharisees saw it, etc.] Who went along with him, or followed him, being employed to make observation on his words and actions, they said unto him; Luke says, “unto them”, the disciples: it seems, they took notice of this action both to Christ and his disciples, and first spoke of it to the one, and then to the other, or to both together: behold thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day! they mention it with astonishment, and indignation. What they refer to, is not their walking on the sabbath day: this they might do, according to their canons, provided they did not exceed two thousand cubits, which were a sabbath day’s journey f707 nor was it their…”
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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
“But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day--The act itself was expressly permitted (Deu 23:25). But as being "servile work," which was prohibited on the sabbath day, it was regarded as sinful.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Upon the Sabbath day - The Pharisees, doubtless desirous of finding fault with Christ, said that in plucking the grain on the “Sabbath day” they had violated the commandment. Moses had commanded the Hebrews to abstain from all servile work on the Sabbath, Exodus 20:10; Exodus 35:2-3; Numbers 15:32-36. On any other day this would have been clearly lawful, for it was permitted, Deuteronomy 23:25. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Behold: Mat 12:10; Exo 20:9-11, Exo 23:12, Exo 31:15-17, Exo 35:2; Num 15:32-36; Isa 58:13; Mar 3:2-5; Luk 6:6-11, Luk 13:10-17, Luk 23:56; Joh 5:9-11, Joh 5:16, Joh 5:17, Joh 7:21-24; Joh 9:14-16 Matthew 12:3”
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Related study paths

Read Matthew 12 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification