But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

MATTHEW 9:12KJV
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Matthew 9:12 (KJV)

What does Matthew 9:12 mean?

Matthew 9:12 records Jesus saying that healthy people do not need a doctor, but sick people do. Jesus uses this image to explain why he spends time with those considered spiritually or morally unwell, rather than only with those who see themselves as righteous.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to criticism from religious leaders who question why he eats with tax collectors and sinners. By comparing himself to a physician, Jesus points out that his mission is to help those who recognize their need for help, not those who believe they are already spiritually healthy. The verse highlights Jesus’ focus on compassion and reaching out to people in need.

The Greek behind Matthew 9:12

  • ὑγιαίνοντες (hygiainontes, “whole”): This word means healthy or sound, not just physically but also in a broader sense of well-being. Jesus uses it to describe those who think they do not need help.
  • ἰατρός (iatros, “physician”): This is the common Greek word for doctor. The image of a physician would have been familiar and practical, emphasizing care and restoration.
  • χρείαν (chreian, “need”): This word means necessity or need. Jesus stresses that only those who recognize their need seek out a healer, making the point that spiritual need is what draws people to him.
  • κακῶς ἔχοντες (kakōs echontes, “sick”): This phrase refers to those who are ill or in a bad condition. Jesus uses it to describe people who are aware of their brokenness or shortcomings.

Why Matthew 9:12 matters

  • Matthew 9:12 clarifies that Jesus’ ministry is directed toward those who are aware of their spiritual need, not those who are self-satisfied or think they have no need for help.
  • The verse challenges the idea that religious people should avoid those considered “sinners,” showing that Jesus intentionally seeks out and cares for them.
  • This saying sets up the next verse, where Jesus calls for mercy over sacrifice, deepening the theme of compassion and inclusion in his ministry.

Where else these words appear

“physician” Greek G2395 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, 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 4:23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
  • Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

“sick” Greek G2560 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Matthew 21:41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
  • Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

“whole” Greek G2480 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
  • Acts 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

“need” Greek G5532 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
  • Luke 22:71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
  • Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.