Matthew 12:5

Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are innocent?

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Jesus speaks to the Pharisees during a Sabbath dispute, immediately after referencing David’s eating of consecrated bread and before declaring himself greater than the temple. He addresses them directly in the context of their accusation against his disciples.

The words — Ἢ (Ē) and οὐκ (ouk) form the opening rhetorical frame "Or have you not read," directing attention to the written Law. The phrase ἐν τῷ νόμῳ (en tō nōmō) specifies the authoritative text Jesus demands they examine.

The thread — The verse points to priestly temple duties that override Sabbath restrictions, echoing Sabbath sacrifice commands in Numbers 28:9 and Sabbath work exceptions in John 7:22. It stands in contrast to Nehemiah 13:17, where leaders are rebuked for allowing Sabbath profanation.

Why it lands — The text states that priests break Sabbath regulations yet remain innocent when performing temple service. It asks readers to recognize that Scripture itself permits necessary religious duty over rigid ritual observance.

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

Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?

Cross-references

Numbers 28:9 On the Sabbath day, present two unblemished year-old male lambs, accompanied by a grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, as well as a drink offering.
John 7:22 But because Moses gave you circumcision, you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath (not that it is from Moses, but from the patriarchs.)
Nehemiah 13:17 Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?
Ezekiel 24:21 Tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I am about to desecrate My sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and the delight of your soul. And the sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword.’