Matthew 12:6
Matthew 12:6 in Multiple Translations
But I tell you that something greater than the temple is here.
But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
But I say unto you, that one greater than the temple is here.
But I say to you that a greater thing than the Temple is here.
However, I tell you that someone is here who is greater than the Temple!
But I say vnto you, that here is one greater then the Temple.
and I say to you, that a greater than the temple is here;
But I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.
But I say to you, that in this place is one greater than the temple.
But I tell you that there is here a greater than the temple.
Note this: God allows men to work in the Temple on our rest day because that work must be done. But in addition, I tell you that I have more authority than the authority of the Temple. So, it is more important for you to obey my teachings than to obey your traditions about our rest day.
Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 12:6
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Matthew 12:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Greek Word Reference — Matthew 12:6
Study Notes — Matthew 12:6
- Context
- Cross References
- Matthew 12:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Matthew 12:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 12:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 12:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 12:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 12:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 12:6
- Cambridge Bible on Matthew 12:6
- Barnes' Notes on Matthew 12:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 12:6
- Sermons on Matthew 12:6
Context — The Lord of the Sabbath
6But I tell you that One greater than the temple is here.
7If only you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. 8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 12:41–42 | The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 6:18 | But will God indeed dwell with man upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 2:4–5 | As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. |
| 4 | Malachi 3:1 | “Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 5 | Haggai 2:7–9 | I will shake all the nations, and they will come with all their treasures, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of Hosts. The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, declares the LORD of Hosts. The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former, says the LORD of Hosts. And in this place I will provide peace, declares the LORD of Hosts.” |
| 6 | Ephesians 2:20–22 | built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit. |
| 7 | John 2:19–21 | Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” “This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?” But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body. |
| 8 | Matthew 23:17–21 | You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes it sacred? So then, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the One who dwells in it. |
| 9 | Colossians 2:9 | For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form. |
Matthew 12:6 Summary
[Jesus is saying that He is more important than the temple, which was a big deal to the Jewish people. He is the one who can bring us closer to God, as seen in John 14:6. Jesus is the ultimate authority and we should look to Him for guidance, not just a building or a set of rules. By recognizing Jesus' authority, we can experience true worship and a deeper relationship with God, as stated in Romans 12:1.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by 'something greater than the temple' in Matthew 12:6?
Jesus is referring to Himself, implying that His presence and authority surpass that of the temple, as seen in Matthew 12:6, and this is further emphasized in John 1:14 where Jesus is described as the ultimate temple, the dwelling place of God among men.
How can Jesus be greater than the temple, which was the center of Jewish worship?
Jesus is greater than the temple because He is the fulfillment of the temple's purpose, which was to point people to God, as stated in Hebrews 9:11, and Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice and high priest, as seen in Hebrews 9:12-14.
What is the significance of Jesus' statement in the context of the Sabbath?
Jesus' statement about being greater than the temple is connected to the Sabbath because He is the Lord of the Sabbath, as stated in Matthew 12:8, and He has the authority to interpret and apply the Sabbath law, as seen in Mark 2:27-28.
How does Jesus' statement relate to our worship and relationship with God today?
Jesus' statement reminds us that our worship and relationship with God are not limited to a physical building or location, but are centered on Jesus Himself, as seen in John 4:21-24, where Jesus teaches that true worship is in spirit and truth.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can acknowledge and submit to Jesus' authority in my life, just as He is greater than the temple?
- How can I balance my desire for ritual and tradition in worship with the reality that Jesus is the true center of our worship?
- In what ways can I apply the principle that Jesus is greater than the temple to my daily life and relationships?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to recognize Jesus' authority and surrender to Him, just as the Sabbath was given to point people to God?
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 12:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 12:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 12:6
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 12:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 12:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 12:6
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 12:6
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 12:6
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 12:6
Sermons on Matthew 12:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"Not on Trial" by Selwyn Hughes | Selwyn Hughes preaches on the unparalleled greatness of Jesus Christ, who declared Himself greater than the temple, the center of Jewish life. Despite the initial incredulity at Hi |
|
Greater Than the Bible by Selwyn Hughes | Selwyn Hughes emphasizes that while the Scriptures are essential and divinely inspired, they ultimately point to Jesus Christ as the Word that is bigger than men's words. Jesus cla |
|
Christ and the Sabbath by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield preaches on the dispensational lesson found in Matthew 12:1-13, emphasizing the importance of understanding the time-notes in Scripture and the turning points in the |
|
The Master Teacher by Harris Franklin Rall | Harris Franklin Rall preaches about Jesus as a teacher, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to teaching throughout his ministry, from his interactions with crowds to his devoted |
|
Jonah - Part 1 by Dai Patterson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of God's word in preaching the gospel. He questions the professionalization of sermonizing and highlights the need for the power of |
|
Christ Is Greater 04 Greater Than Jonah by Neil Fraser | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah and how his experience in the belly of the great fish teaches us about salvation. Jonah initially prayed and made promise |
|
Nineveh and Her Testimony by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the significance of Nineveh's repentance as a powerful testimony to the present generation, contrasting it with the indifference of contemporary society. |





