Matthew 9:13
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.
Original Language Analysis
πορευθέντες
go ye
G4198
πορευθέντες
go ye
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
1 of 19
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
4 of 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐστιν
that meaneth
G2076
ἐστιν
that meaneth
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
5 of 19
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
θέλω
I will
G2309
θέλω
I will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
7 of 19
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θυσίαν·
sacrifice
G2378
θυσίαν·
sacrifice
Strong's:
G2378
Word #:
10 of 19
sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἦλθον
I am
G2064
ἦλθον
I am
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
13 of 19
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καλέσαι
to call
G2564
καλέσαι
to call
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
14 of 19
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
δικαίους
the righteous
G1342
δικαίους
the righteous
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
15 of 19
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
Mark 2:17When 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.Luke 19:10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.Hosea 6:6For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.Luke 5:32I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.Matthew 12:7But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.Proverbs 21:3To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.Acts 3:19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;Acts 11:18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.Matthew 3:2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Historical Context
Tax collectors were despised in Jewish society—collaborators with Rome who often extorted beyond legal requirements. Eating with such people defiled one in Pharisaic eyes, compromising ceremonial purity. Yet Jesus regularly fellowshipped with those the religious establishment excluded (Luke 15:1-2). This embodied the grace He proclaimed—God's kingdom welcomes the spiritually sick who seek healing, not the 'healthy' who deny their need. Early Christians followed this model, creating inclusive communities where social outcasts found belonging (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
Questions for Reflection
- How might religious activity and moral confidence become obstacles to experiencing God's mercy?
- In what ways does the gospel of grace compel us toward the marginalized and 'sinners' rather than the respectable?
- What does Jesus' critique reveal about the difference between knowing Scripture and understanding God's heart?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6, turning the tables on His Pharisaic critics. They questioned His association with 'publicans and sinners' (Matthew 9:11), revealing their misunderstanding of God's priorities. 'I will have mercy, and not sacrifice' contrasts genuine compassion (ἔλεος/eleos) with mere ritual observance. God desires heart transformation, not religious performance divorced from love. The command 'go ye and learn' (πορευθέντες μάθετε/poreuthentes mathete) is pointed—these Scripture experts needed to study their own texts more carefully! Jesus' mission statement follows: 'I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' This doesn't mean some people are actually righteous apart from grace, but rather exposes the self-righteous who see no need for a Savior. Christ came for those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy and need God's mercy.