A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 12
A.T. Robertson Commentary
Matthew 12
A.T. Robertson Commentary
Matthew 12
"At that season Jesus went on the sabbath day through the grainfields; and his disciples were hungry and began to pluck ears and to eat." — Matthew 12:1 (ASV)
On the sabbath day through the cornfields (τοις σαββασιν δια των σποριμων). This paragraph begins exactly like 11:25 "at that season" (εν εκεινω τω καιρω), a general statement with no clear idea of time. So also 14:1. The word καιρος means a definite and particular time, but we cannot fix it. The word "cornfields" does not mean our maize or Indian corn, but simply fields of grain (wheat or even barley).
"But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do upon the sabbath." — Matthew 12:2 (ASV)
Thy disciples do (ο μαθητα σου ποιουσιν). These critics are now watching a chance and they jump at this violation of their Pharisaic rules for Sabbath observance. The disciples were plucking the heads of wheat which to the Pharisees was reaping and were rubbing them in their hands (Luke 6:1) which was threshing.
"But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him;" — Matthew 12:3 (ASV)
What David did (τ εποιησεν Δαυειδ). From the necessity of hunger. The first defence made by Christ appeals to the conduct of David (2 Samuel 21:6). David and those with him did "what was not lawful" (ο ουκ εξον ην) precisely the charge made against the disciples (ο ουκ εξεστιν in verse 2).
"But I say unto you, that one greater than the temple is here." — Matthew 12:6 (ASV)
One greater than the temple (του ιερου μειζον). Ablative of comparison, του ιερου. The Textus Receptus has μειζων, but the neuter is correct. Literally, "something greater than the temple." What is that? It may still be Christ, or it may be: "The work and His disciples were of more account than the temple" (Plummer). "If the temple was not subservient to Sabbath rules, how much less the Messiah!" (Allen).
"But if ye had known what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless." — Matthew 12:7 (ASV)
The guiltless (τους αναιτιους). So in verse 5. Common in ancient Greek. No real ground against, it means αν + αιτιος. Jesus quotes Ho 6:6 here as he did in Mt 9:13. A pertinent prophecy that had escaped the notice of the sticklers for ceremonial literalness and the letter of the law.
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