Bible Strands
Matthew 12:13
Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored to full use, just like the other.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to a man with a withered hand during a Sabbath confrontation, immediately after declaring that doing good on the Sabbath is lawful. He issues the instruction while Pharisees watch to find grounds for accusation.
The words — The imperative ἔκτεινον (ekteinon) literally means “do stretch out,” directed at τὴν χεῖρα (tēn cheira), “the hand.” The narrative then records the man’s compliance and the immediate restoration of the limb.
The thread — The same Sabbath healing event is recorded in Luke 6:6–11 with identical structural details. The broader biblical pattern of spoken word producing physical restoration appears in Luke 13:13 and Acts 3:7 without emphasizing verbal obedience.
Why it lands — The text presents a direct command followed by instantaneous physical restoration. A reader must accept that Sabbath practice here is governed by tangible mercy rather than ritual limitation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.
Cross-references
- Luke 13:13 Then He placed His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and began to glorify God.
- Acts 3:7 Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong.