New International VersionBut go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
New Living TranslationThen he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
English Standard VersionGo and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Berean Standard BibleBut go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Berean Literal BibleBut having gone, learn what is, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
King James BibleBut go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
New King James VersionBut go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
New American Standard BibleNow go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, RATHER THAN SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
NASB 1995“But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
NASB 1977“But go and learn what this means, ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Legacy Standard BibleBut go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Amplified BibleGo and learn what this [Scripture] means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION [for those in distress], AND NOT [animal] SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call [to repentance] the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to change], but sinners [those who recognize their sin and actively seek forgiveness].”
Christian Standard BibleGo and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleGo and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
American Standard VersionBut go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.
Contemporary English VersionGo and learn what the Scriptures mean when they say, 'Instead of offering sacrifices to me, I want you to be merciful to others.' I didn't come to invite good people to be my followers. I came to invite sinners."
English Revised VersionBut go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationLearn what this means: 'I want mercy, not sacrifices.' I've come to call sinners, not people who think they have God's approval."
Good News TranslationGo and find out what is meant by the scripture that says: 'It is kindness that I want, not animal sacrifices.' I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts."
International Standard VersionGo and learn what this means: 'I want mercy and not sacrifice,' because I did not come to call righteous people, but sinners."
NET BibleGo and learn what this saying means: 'I want mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
New Heart English BibleBut you go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
Webster's Bible TranslationBut go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Weymouth New TestamentBut go and learn what this means, 'It is mercy that I desire, not sacrifice'; for I did not come to appeal to the righteous, but to sinners." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
World English BibleBut you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbut having gone, learn what [this] is: Kindness I will, and not sacrifice; for I did not come to call righteous men, but sinners.”
Berean Literal BibleBut having gone, learn what is, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
Young's Literal Translation but having gone, learn ye what is, Kindness I will, and not sacrifice, for I did not come to call righteous men, but sinners, to reformation.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd having gone, learn what is this, I wish mercy, and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the just, but the sinful to repentance. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleGo then and learn what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice. For I am not come to call the just, but sinners.
Catholic Public Domain VersionSo then, go out and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the just, but sinners.”
New American BibleGo and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
New Revised Standard VersionGo and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleGo and learn what this means, I want mercy and not sacrifice; for I came not to invite righteous men, but sinners.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“Go learn what this says, 'I require mercy and not a sacrifice', for I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call righteous men, but sinners to repentance.
Godbey New Testament
But having gone, learned what this is, I wish mercy and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Haweis New Testament
Go then, and learn what is said, “I require mercy and not sacrifice:” for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mace New Testament
go then and learn the meaning of that expression, "I will have mercy and not sacrifice:" for I am not come to call saints, but sinners.
Weymouth New Testament
But go and learn what this means, 'It is mercy that I desire, not sacrifice'; for I did not come to appeal to the righteous, but to sinners."
Worrell New Testament
But, going, learn whatthis means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice;' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Worsley New Testament
"I desire mercy rather than sacrifice:" for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Calling of Matthew… 12On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13Butgoand learnwhatthis means:‘I desiremercy,notsacrifice.’ForI have not cometo callthe righteous,butsinners.”14At that time John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?”…
Cross References Hosea 6:6For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
Matthew 12:7If only you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.
Luke 5:32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Luke 19:10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
1 Timothy 1:15This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
Mark 2:17On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Micah 6:6-8With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? / Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? / He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Isaiah 1:11-17“What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. / When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you—this trampling of My courts? / Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me. New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations—I cannot endure iniquity in a solemn assembly. ...
Psalm 51:16-17For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings. / The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
Proverbs 21:3To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Matthew 23:23Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
Luke 15:7I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.
Luke 15:10In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”
Ezekiel 18:23Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?
Ezekiel 33:11Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’
Treasury of Scripture But go you and learn what that means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. go. Matthew 12:3,5,7 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; … Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which madethem at the beginning made them male and female, Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? I will. Proverbs 21:3 To do justice and judgmentis more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Micah 6:6-8 Wherewith shall I come before the LORD,and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? … to call. Matthew 18:11-13 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost… Mark 2:17 When Jesus heardit, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. but. Matthew 3:2,8 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand… Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 11:20,21 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: … Jump to Previous AppealCompassionDesireHeartKindnessLearnMeanethMeansMercyOfferingsReformationRepentanceRighteousSacrificeSenseSinnersWordsJump to Next AppealCompassionDesireHeartKindnessLearnMeanethMeansMercyOfferingsReformationRepentanceRighteousSacrificeSenseSinnersWordsMatthew 9 1.Jesus heals a paralytic9.calls Matthew from the receipt of custom;10.eats with tax collectors and sinners;14.defends his disciples for not fasting;20.cures the sick woman;23.raises Jairus' daughter from death;27.gives sight to two blind men;32.heals a mute man possessed of a demon;36.and has compassion on the multitude.But go and learn what this means:This phrase is a directive from Jesus, emphasizing the importance of understanding the deeper meaning of His teachings. It reflects a rabbinic style of teaching, where learners are encouraged to seek out the meaning of scripture actively. This approach is consistent with Jewish educational practices of the time, where students were often challenged to engage with the text deeply. ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’
This quote is fromHosea 6:6, where God expresses a preference for mercy over ritualistic sacrifices. In the historical context, the Israelites often fell into the trap of performing religious rituals without genuine repentance or compassion. Jesus uses this Old Testament reference to highlight the importance of inner transformation and genuine love over mere external compliance with religious duties. This teaching aligns with the prophetic tradition that calls for justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8). For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Here, Jesus clarifies His mission, which is to reach out to those who recognize their need for repentance and transformation. The term "righteous" in this context refers to those who consider themselves morally upright and in no need of a savior, often the Pharisees and religious leaders of the time. By contrast, "sinners" refers to those marginalized by society, such as tax collectors and others deemed unworthy. This statement underscores the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry and His role as a physician for the spiritually sick (Mark 2:17). It also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's grace and redemption for all who acknowledge their need for Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching about the nature of mercy and sacrifice. 2. PhariseesA religious group known for strict adherence to the Law, questioning Jesus' association with sinners. 3. MatthewThe author of the Gospel, a former tax collector, whose calling by Jesus precedes this verse. 4. Sinners and Tax CollectorsIndividuals considered outcasts by the religious elite, whom Jesus came to call. 5. House of MatthewThe setting for the meal where Jesus dines with tax collectors and sinners, prompting the Pharisees' question. Teaching Points Understanding MercyJesus emphasizes that God values mercy over ritualistic sacrifice. This challenges believers to prioritize compassion and kindness in their daily interactions. Self-Reflection on RighteousnessThe Pharisees' focus on legalism serves as a warning against self-righteousness. Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and motives, ensuring they align with God's desire for mercy. Mission to the MarginalizedJesus' association with sinners highlights His mission to reach the lost. Christians are called to engage with and show love to those society often overlooks. Scriptural ConsistencyJesus' reference to Hosea 6:6 demonstrates the consistency of God's message throughout Scripture. Believers should seek to understand the broader biblical account and its application to their lives. Repentance and TransformationJesus' call to sinners is an invitation to repentance and transformation. Christians are reminded of the ongoing need for personal growth and change in their walk with God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Matthew 9:13?
2.How does Matthew 9:13 emphasize mercy over sacrifice in our daily lives?
3.What does "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" reveal about God's character?
4.How can Matthew 9:13 guide our interactions with non-believers?
5.How does Hosea 6:6 relate to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 9:13?
6.In what ways can we prioritize mercy in our church community?
7.What does "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" mean in Matthew 9:13?
8.How does Matthew 9:13 challenge traditional religious practices?
9.Why does Jesus reference Hosea 6:6 in Matthew 9:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 9?
11.Can Christians befriend non-Christians?
12.What is the meaning of Jesus eating with sinners?
13.What does "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" mean?
14.What does "Mercy, Not Sacrifice" mean?What Does Matthew 9:13 Mean But go and learn what this meansJesus speaks these words to the Pharisees after they criticize Him for eating with tax collectors and sinners. By telling them to “go and learn,” He sends recognized teachers back to Scripture—implying they have missed its heart. •Hosea 6:6 (quoted here) had long been in their scrolls, yet their lives showed little understanding of it. •Micah 6:6-8 underscores that God’s requirements begin with “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly.” •1 Samuel 15:22 reminds that “to obey is better than sacrifice.” Christ’s directive still calls us to examine our own handling of God’s Word, not merely to know verses but to live them.
I desire mercy, not sacrificeQuotingHosea 6:6, Jesus affirms that heartfelt compassion outranks ritual performance. Sacrifices were commanded, but they were never a substitute for love. •Isaiah 1:11-17 reveals God weary of offerings divorced from justice and care for the oppressed. •Proverbs 21:3 agrees: “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” •Matthew 12:7 shows Jesus repeating this truth when His disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath. Mercy reflects God’s own character; sacrifice without mercy is empty religion.
For I have not come to call the righteousThe Lord is not saying some people are truly righteous on their own; rather, He addresses those who think they are. •Romans 3:10 insists, “There is no one righteous, not even one.” •Isaiah 64:6 pictures all self-made righteousness as “filthy rags.” •Luke 5:31-32 (parallel account) explains, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor.” Self-satisfied hearts feel no need for the Great Physician, so they miss the call.
But sinnersHere is the mission statement of Christ’s earthly ministry. •1 Timothy 1:15: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” •Romans 5:8: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. •Luke 19:10: He came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” •1 John 1:9 promises forgiveness to any who confess. Jesus’ table fellowship with tax collectors foreshadowed the gospel invitation that still welcomes every repentant sinner today.
summaryMatthew 9:13 confronts empty religiosity and highlights God’s priority: compassionate obedience flowing from a humble heart. The Lord sends even the learned back to Scripture, declares mercy greater than ritual, exposes self-righteousness, and openly extends His call to sinners. His words compel us to cherish mercy, renounce self-reliance, and embrace the Savior who came specifically for the lost. (13) Go ye and learn.--The words of Hosea 6:6--cited once again by our Lord in reference to the Sabbath ( Matthew 12:7)--asserted the superiority of ethical to ceremonial law. To have withdrawn from contact with sinners would have been a formal "sacrifice," such as Pharisees delighted to offer, and from which they took their very name; but the claims or "mercy" were higher, and bade Him mingle with them. It was the very purpose of His coming, not to call "righteous men" (again with studied reference to their own estimate of themselves), but "sinners," and to call them, not to continue as they were, but, as St. Luke adds (the words are wanting in the best MSS. here and also in St. Mark), "to repentance." We may, perhaps, infer further, that when the scribes were told to consider what the prophet's words meant, there was also some reference to the context of those words. They would find their own likeness in the words, "Your goodness is as a morning cloud; . . . they . . . have transgressed the covenant; there have they dealt treacherously against me" ( Hosea 6:4; Hosea 6:7). Verse 13. - The first half of the verse comes in Matthew only . But go ye and learn. A common rabbinic phrase based on the fact that the disputants would not always have the cumbrous rolls of Scripture actually with them. These Pharisees pro-reseed to be students of Scripture, but had not yet learned the principle taught in this passage . What that meaneth, I willhave (I desire, Revised Version) mercy,and not sacrifice. Mercy ( ἔλεος). In the original connexion of this quotation ( Hosea 6:6) the words are without doubt (but cf. Dr. Taylor's 'Gospel in the Law,' p. 10) an expression of God's desire that his people should show mercy rather than only perform external sacrifices, and this meaning is probably intended by our Lord here also. The connexion will then be either (1) "I wish you to show mercy rather than perform external actions, for only thus will you resemble me in my coming to call sinners;" or (2) "I wish you to show this mercy, and therefore I practise it myself." The former seems the more natural. It is, however, possible that our Lord disregards the original context of the words, and uses them only as a summary of an important truth, that God prefers to show mercy rather than to insist on sacrifice. This would make excellent sense here, viz. "Learn the true principle by which God acts, free grace, for it is on this that I have acted in coming to call sinners." (So nearly Dr. Taylor, op. cit., p. 3.) The sentence is quoted again inMatthew 12:7, where the original thought of the words seems more certainly applicable.For Iam not come;for I came not (Revised Version). Christ refers to his historic coming in the Incarnation rather than to his abiding presence (cf. alsoMatthew 5:17).To call the righteous, but sinners (καλέσαιδικαίους ἀλλ ἁμαρτωλούς). The English generic article in the first term spoils the anarthrous expression of the Greek by lessening the contrast between the two classes. Dr. Taylor suggests the rendering, "notsaints,but sinners" (op. cit., p. 4).To repentance. Omitted by the Revised Version and Westcott and Herr. From the parallel passage in Luke.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.goπορευθέντες(poreuthentes)Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4198:To travel, journey, go, die.[and] learnμάθετε(mathete)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3129:Prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn.whatτί(ti)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.this means:ἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.‘I desireθέλω(thelō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2309:To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.mercy,Ἔλεος(Eleos)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1656:Pity, mercy, compassion. Of uncertain affinity; compassion.notοὐ(ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.sacrifice.’θυσίαν(thysian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2378:Abstr. and concr: sacrifice; a sacrifice, offering. From thuo; sacrifice.Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.I have not comeἦλθον(ēlthon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2064:To come, go.to callκαλέσαι(kalesai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2564:(a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.[the] righteous,δικαίους(dikaious)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1342:From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.butἀλλὰ(alla)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.sinners.”ἁμαρτωλούς(hamartōlous)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 268:Sinning, sinful, depraved, detestable. From hamartano; sinful, i.e. A sinner.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 9:13 But you go and learn what this (Matt. Mat Mt) |
