Matthew Chapter 12 · Verse 2
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.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖοι
when the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
when the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
3 of 17
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
ἰδόντες
saw
G1492
ἰδόντες
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
4 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποιεῖν
do
G4160
ποιεῖν
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
11 of 17
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὃ
that which
G3739
ὃ
that which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔξεστιν
is
G1832
ἔξεστιν
is
Strong's:
G1832
Word #:
14 of 17
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
Cross References
Historical Context
Pharisees held significant religious authority in first-century Judaism. Their interpretations, though not binding like Scripture, carried community weight. Violating Pharisaic tradition brought social and religious consequences: exclusion from synagogue, loss of status, ostracism. Jesus' persistent defiance of their traditions while upholding Scripture challenged their authority structure. This conflict would escalate to crucifixion. Early church faced similar pressure: Judaizers insisted Gentile Christians adopt Jewish traditions (Acts 15). Paul fought this legalism vigorously (Galatians).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish between God's commands and human traditions?
- What dangers arise when religious traditions gain authority equal to Scripture?
- How should we respond to accusations of breaking rules that aren't actually biblical?
Analysis & Commentary
Pharisees accuse: 'Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day' (ιδου οι μαθηται σου ποιουσιν ο ουκ εξεστιν ποιειν εν σαββατω). They charge Jesus with tolerating Sabbath violation. 'Not lawful' (ουκ εξεστιν) refers to their tradition, not Torah. Mosaic law didn't prohibit what the disciples did; Pharisaic tradition did. This reveals legalism's method: elevate human tradition to divine status (Mark 7:8-9), then condemn those violating it. The accusation targets Jesus' leadership—He permits unlawful behavior. Jesus will respond by appealing to Scripture itself (12:3-8), showing Pharisees violate Scripture's spirit while obsessing over traditional details.