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Matthew 9

And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

And he arose, and departed to his house.

But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

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

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.

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.

Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.

But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

What does Matthew 9:12 mean?

Explanation

This verse, spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, addresses the rationale behind His interaction with those deemed sinners or outcasts by the religious leaders of the time.

When Jesus states that "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick," He uses a metaphor where He compares His role to that of a doctor.

The literal meaning of the verse implies that just as a doctor's services are for the ill, not the healthy, Jesus' mission is especially directed toward those who recognize their spiritual shortcomings and need for redemption.

The deeper meaning here suggests a challenge to self-righteousness and complacency.

It emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize their spiritual state and seek healing or guidance from Jesus, who is presented as the healer of souls.

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Historical Context

The context of this verse is a meal that Jesus shared with many tax collectors and sinners.

During this time, tax collectors were despised as traitors and sinners for their collaboration with the Roman authorities, and they were often associated with corruption.

Their social status made them objects of scorn among the religious Pharisees and scribes.

In response to the criticism from the Pharisees for eating with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus issues this statement as a defense of His actions.

It reflects the tension between Jesus’ inclusive ministry and the more exclusive attitudes of the religious authorities during the early 1st century in Judea.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may focus on various aspects of this verse:

Evangelical Perspective: Emphasizes the idea that Jesus came to save sinners and that all have sinned and need Jesus as their spiritual physician.
Catholic Perspective: Might focus on the role of the Church as a hospital for sinners, with sacraments like Confession being the means for spiritual healing.
Progressive Christianity: Might use this verse to highlight social justice issues, seeing Jesus as an advocate for those marginalized by society.
Reformed Theology: Emphasizes total depravity and the universal need for Jesus' healing, underlining that all are spiritually sick and require His redemption.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life in several ways:

It encourages believers to adopt a humble and self-reflective stance, recognizing their own spiritual neediness.
It suggests that Christian ministry should be inclusive, reaching out to those who are marginalized or considered outcasts.
It teaches against judgmental attitudes, showing the importance of compassion and understanding for those struggling with sin.

Cross-References

Luke 5:31: "And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick."
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."
1 Timothy 1:15: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."

Language Study

Whole (υγιαίνοντες, hugiainontes): This Greek word literally refers to being healthy or sound.

Figuratively, it refers to those who perceive themselves as righteous or spiritually healthy.

Physician (ἰατρὸς, iatros): In this context, it symbolizes one who heals, not just the body, but the soul , Jesus Himself in this metaphorical use.
Sick (κακῶς, kakōs): Here, it implies those who are spiritually unwell or sinners in need of redemption.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Other healing deities and figures from ancient myths like Asclepius from Greek mythology or Dhanvantari in Hinduism also symbolize restoration and health but are more focused on physical rather than spiritual well-being.

In comparison, Jesus' statement shifts the focus to internal, moral, and spiritual health.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse metaphorically touches upon the concept of recognizing a need (acknowledging sickness) before seeking a solution (medical intervention), which aligns with modern psychological understanding of self-awareness and growth.

It acknowledges that recognition of a problem is the first step to healing, a concept supported in health sciences and psychology.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary: Suggests that the great physician has his eye as much upon the soul as upon the body and came into the world of afflicted, consoled, and spiritually diseased souls.
William Barclay's Daily Study Bible: Notes that Jesus is essentially stating that the doctor's place is in the sickroom; similarly, it was Jesus' place to be among sinners.
The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Highlights that Jesus' ministry is not to call the self-righteous, but sinners, therefore his fellowship with tax collectors and sinners is consistent with His mission.

Matthew 9

Matthew 9

What does Matthew 9:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 9:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?