Bible Strands
Matthew 9:11
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Pharisees observe Jesus dining at Matthew’s house with tax collectors and sinners, then direct a question to His disciples about why their Teacher shares meals with such individuals.
The words — The participle ἰδόντες (idontes) means “having seen,” recording the Pharisees’ direct observation, while the verb ἔλεγον (elegon) translates to “was saying,” introducing their formal inquiry.
The thread — This confrontation over table fellowship recurs in Mark 2:16 and Luke 5:30, where religious observers similarly question Jesus’ association with marginalized guests, while Matthew 11:19 records broader public criticism of His lifestyle.
Why it lands — The text presents a direct challenge to religious exclusivity, requiring the reader to weigh whether social boundaries should restrict spiritual association before Jesus provides the medical metaphor in Matthew 9:12.
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
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
Cross-references
- Matthew 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”
- Luke 5:30 But the Pharisees and their scribes complained to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
- Mark 2:16 When the scribes who were Pharisees saw Jesus eating with these people, they asked His disciples, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
- Luke 15:1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus.
- 1 Corinthians 5:9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.
- Galatians 2:15 We who are Jews by birth and not Gentile “sinners”
- Hebrews 5:2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness.
- Isaiah 65:5 They say, ‘Keep to yourself; do not come near me, for I am holier than you!’ Such people are smoke in My nostrils, a fire that burns all day long.
- Luke 19:7 And all who saw this began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinful man!”
- 2 John 1:10 If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.