And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?

MATTHEW 12:11KJV
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Matthew 12:11 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:11 mean?

Matthew 12:11 describes Jesus asking the religious leaders whether any one of them, if he had a sheep that fell into a pit on the Sabbath, would not take hold of it and lift it out, even though it was the Sabbath. Jesus uses this question to highlight the value of mercy and practical help over strict Sabbath rules.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to the Pharisees, who were challenging Him about healing on the Sabbath. By bringing up the example of rescuing a sheep, Jesus points to a common-sense exception that even His critics would accept. The verse sets up His argument that caring for people is even more important than caring for animals, and that doing good should not be limited by rigid interpretations of religious law.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:11

  • ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos): This word means "man" or "person." Jesus frames His question in a way that invites the listeners to see themselves in the situation, making the point personal and relatable.
  • πρόβατον (probaton): This is the word for "sheep." Sheep were valuable property, and their well-being mattered to their owners, which makes the example practical and familiar.
  • κρατήσει (kratēsei): Translated here as "lay hold on," this word carries the sense of firmly grabbing or seizing. It suggests decisive action, not just a casual attempt, emphasizing the urgency and importance of rescuing the sheep.
  • ἐξαναίρει (exanairei): This word means "lift out" or "take out." It highlights the act of actually removing the sheep from danger, not just comforting it or waiting for another day.

Why Matthew 12:11 matters

  • Matthew 12:11 clarifies that even those who are strict about Sabbath laws recognize the need for compassion and practical help in emergencies.
  • The verse challenges the idea that religious rules should override basic kindness and care for others, setting the stage for Jesus’ teaching about the true purpose of the Sabbath.
  • This question from Jesus exposes the inconsistency in the Pharisees’ thinking and prepares the reader for the following verses, where Jesus explains the greater value of helping people.

Where else these words appear

“pit” Greek G999 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
  • Luke 6:39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

“fall” Greek G1706 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
  • 1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
  • 1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

“sheep” Greek G4263 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
  • Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
  • John 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

“he” Greek G2902 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 9:25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
  • Mark 7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
  • Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.