But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.

MATTHEW 12:2KJV
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Matthew 12:2 (KJV)

What does Matthew 12:2 mean?

Matthew 12:2 describes how the Pharisees noticed Jesus’ disciples doing something they believed was not allowed on the Sabbath and confronted Jesus about it. The Pharisees accused the disciples of breaking Sabbath law by their actions.

In this scene, the Pharisees (a strict Jewish religious group) are speaking to Jesus after seeing His disciples do something on the Sabbath that they considered “not lawful.” The focus is on the Pharisees’ concern for keeping Sabbath rules, and their willingness to challenge Jesus directly about His followers’ behavior.

The Greek behind Matthew 12:2

  • ἔξεστιν (exestin, “lawful”): This word means “permitted” or “allowed.” The Pharisees are not just saying the disciples broke a rule, but that what they did was not permitted by religious law, highlighting the seriousness of their accusation.
  • τοῖς σαββάτοις (tois sabbatois, “upon the sabbath day”): This phrase points to the specific day in question, the Sabbath, which was set apart for rest in Jewish tradition. The Pharisees’ concern is not about the action itself, but about its timing on this holy day.

Why Matthew 12:2 matters

  • Matthew 12:2 shows the tension between Jesus and the Pharisees over how to interpret and keep religious laws, especially about the Sabbath.
  • This verse sets up the discussion that follows, where Jesus explains a deeper understanding of the Sabbath and challenges the Pharisees’ strict approach.
  • The verse helps readers see that disputes about religious rules were a real part of Jesus’ ministry, and that His actions often questioned common interpretations of the law.

Where else these words appear

“is” Greek G1832 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 12:4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
  • Mark 2:26 How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
  • John 5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

“day” Greek G4521 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 12:1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
  • Luke 4:31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
  • John 5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

“Pharisees” Greek G5330 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Mark 2:24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
  • Luke 16:14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.