Matthew 12:7 “If only you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’…”

Matthew 12:7

If only you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

World English Bible

But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you wouldn’t have condemned the guiltless.

American Standard Version

But if ye had known what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

Geneva Bible 1599

Wherefore if ye knewe what this is, I will haue mercie, and not sacrifice, ye would not haue condemned the innocents.

Darby Translation

But if ye had known what is: I will have mercy and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

Young's Literal Translation

and if ye had known what is: Kindness I will, and not sacrifice — ye had not condemned the blameless,

Bible in Basic English

But if these words had been in your minds, My desire is for mercy and not for offerings, you would not have been judging those who have done no wrong.

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Cross references

“if”

Matthew 9:13 Matthew 22:29 Acts 13:27

Matthew 9:13 · BSB

But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. ”

Matthew 22:29 · BSB

Jesus answered, “You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.

Acts 13:27 · BSB

The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning Him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.

“I will”

Hosea 6:6 Micah 6:6–8 Isaiah 1:11–17

Hosea 6:6 · BSB

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Micah 6:6–8 · BSB

With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves?

Isaiah 1:11–17 · BSB

“What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.

“condemned”

Proverbs 17:15 Psalm 94:21 Psalm 109:31 James 5:6 Job 32:3

Proverbs 17:15 · BSB

Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous— both are detestable to the LORD.

Psalm 94:21 · BSB

They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.

Psalm 109:31 · BSB

For He stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from the condemners of his soul.

James 5:6 · BSB

You have condemned and murdered the righteous, who did not resist you.

Job 32:3 · BSB

and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

6But I tell you that One greater than the temple is here.

8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Read Matthew 12