But 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.

MATTHEW 9:13KJV
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Matthew 9:13 (KJV)

What does Matthew 9:13 mean?

Matthew 9:13 records Jesus telling his listeners to learn the meaning of the phrase, "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice," explaining that his purpose is to call sinners, not those who consider themselves righteous, to repentance. Jesus is emphasizing that God values compassion and mercy over ritual offerings, and that his mission is to reach those who know they need help.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to religious leaders who criticized him for eating with tax collectors and sinners. He quotes a line from the Hebrew Scriptures to challenge their focus on outward religious acts instead of genuine care for people. Jesus clarifies that his calling is especially for those who recognize their faults and need for change, not for those who believe they are already righteous.

The Greek behind Matthew 9:13

  • ἔλεος (eleos, "mercy"): This word points to active compassion or kindness, not just feelings but practical help. Jesus contrasts this with θυσία (thysia, "sacrifice"), showing that God prefers merciful actions over ritual offerings.
  • θυσία (thysia, "sacrifice"): This refers to temple offerings. Jesus uses it to highlight that religious rituals are not as important to God as showing mercy to others.
  • ἁμαρτωλούς (hamartōlous, "sinners"): This word refers to people seen as morally or religiously outside the community. Jesus' focus on calling "sinners" shows his mission is to those who know they need forgiveness, not those who think they have no need.
  • μετάνοιαν (metanoian, "repentance"): This word means a change of mind or turning around. Jesus' call is not just to associate with sinners, but to invite them to real change.

Why Matthew 9:13 matters

  • Matthew 9:13 clears up the idea that God is most interested in religious rituals; Jesus says mercy and compassion are what God truly desires.
  • The verse highlights that Jesus' mission is to reach people who know they are flawed and need help, not those who are self-satisfied in their own goodness.
  • By quoting Scripture to the religious leaders, Jesus connects his teaching to the heart of the Hebrew Bible, showing that mercy has always been central to God's expectations.

Where else these words appear

“learn” Greek G3129 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
  • 1 Timothy 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

“repentance” Greek G3341 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
  • Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

“mercy” Greek G1656 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 12:7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
  • Romans 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
  • Titus 1:4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

“sacrifice” Greek G2378 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 12:7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
  • Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
  • Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.