Matthew Chapter 9 · Verse 11
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἰδόντες
saw
G1492
ἰδόντες
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 18
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖοι
when the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
when the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
4 of 18
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
unto his
G846
αὐτοῦ
unto his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 18
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
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐσθίει
eateth
G2068
ἐσθίει
eateth
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
15 of 18
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 11:19The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.Luke 5:30But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?Mark 2:16And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?Hebrews 5:2Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.Galatians 2:15We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,Luke 19:7And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.Isaiah 65:5Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
Historical Context
Pharisaic interpretation of Torah emphasized purity through separation. They developed elaborate traditions (oral law) to maintain holiness by avoiding contamination. Table fellowship was particularly significant because eating together implied acceptance and fellowship. Pharisees would not eat with those who didn't observe purity laws. Their question reflects genuine theological concern: How can a holy teacher associate with unholy people without compromising holiness? Jesus' answer redefines holiness not as separation from sinners but as transformative engagement with them.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we balance separation from sin with engagement with sinners in Christian witness?
- What does this passage teach about religious pride versus gospel humility?
- How should Christians respond when criticized for associating with 'sinners'?
Analysis & Commentary
The Pharisees' question to the disciples—'Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?'—reveals their theological framework. They assume holiness requires separation from sinners to avoid contamination. Their question is accusatory, seeking to discredit Jesus before His followers. The Pharisees believed righteous people shouldn't associate with sinners except to condemn them. Jesus operates on opposite principle: righteousness seeks sinners to redeem them. The Pharisees' approach creates religious pride and exclusion. Jesus' approach demonstrates mercy and mission. This fundamental difference—separation versus engagement—defines two opposing religious visions: one self-righteous and condemning, the other humble and redemptive.