But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
What does Matthew 9:12 mean?
Some time after his call, Matthew sought to bring his old associates to hear Christ. He knew by experience what the grace of Christ could do, and would not despair concerning them.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Matthew 9:10-13 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Matthew 9:12
But when Jesus heard that , he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. They that be whole ... - Jesus, in reply, said that the whole needed not a physician. Sick persons only needed his aid. A physician would not commonly be found with those that were in health. His proper place was among the sick. So, says he, "If you Pharisees are such as you think yourselves - already pure and holy - you do not need my aid. It would be of no use to you, and you would not thank me for it.
Key words
- Jesus
-
But when Jesus heard that , he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
- heard
-
But when Jesus heard that , he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
- that
-
But when Jesus heard that , he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
Context in Matthew 9
Show chapter context
Matthew 9 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as ministry and teaching blocks. Matthew presents Jesus as Davidic Messiah, new Moses, teacher of the kingdom, suffering Son of Man, and risen Lord who commissions the nations. Read this chapter with the wider themes of fulfillment, kingdom of heaven, and discipleship in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
Explore by topic
Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.