What is Matthew 12 about?

Matthew chapter 12 contains Scripture that reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people.

How many verses are in Matthew 12?

Matthew chapter 12 contains verses that offer wisdom and guidance for daily living and spiritual growth.

How can I apply Matthew 12 to my life?

Read Matthew 12 slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you. Consider how the themes relate to your current circumstances and journal about what God is teaching you.

Matthew Chapter 12

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Matthew 12 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

Explore this passage of Scripture with its full text and meaning. Read these 50 Bible verses from Matthew and discover their timeless wisdom.

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1. At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. 2. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” 3. Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4. He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests. 5. Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are innocent? 6. But I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. 7. If only you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. 8. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” 9. Moving on from there, Jesus entered their synagogue, 10. and a man with a withered hand was there. In order to accuse Jesus, they asked Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” 11. He replied, “If one of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? 12. How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13. Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored to full use, just like the other. 14. But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. 15. Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them all, 16. warning them not to make Him known. 17. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 18. “Here is My Servant, whom I have chosen, My beloved, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations. 19. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets. 20. A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory. 21. In His name the nations will put their hope.” 22. Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed the man so that he could speak and see. 23. The crowds were astounded and asked, “Could this be the Son of David?” 24. But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.” 25. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27. And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28. But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29. Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house. 30. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. 31. Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come. 33. Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. 34. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. 35. The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. 36. But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” 38. Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” 39. Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41. 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. 42. 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. 43. When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order. 45. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there; and the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation.” 46. While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. 47. Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.” 48. But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” 49. Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers. 50. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”

Today's verse of the day

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Today's verse of the day

Key Themes and Application

Background

This chapter of Scripture reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. The 50 Bible verses in this passage offer wisdom that applies to our daily lives.

Main Message

This passage contains timeless wisdom that speaks to believers across generations.

Life Application

Read these verses slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you
Consider how this passage applies to your current circumstances
Journal about what God is teaching you through this Scripture
Share these insights with friends or in a small group setting

Reflection Questions

What stands out to you most in these 50 Bible verses?
How does this passage challenge or encourage you today?
What is God inviting you to do or believe through this Scripture?
Who in your life needs to hear the message of these verses?

About These 50 Bible Verses

Reading the Bible is more than just checking off a task on your list. When you open these 50 Bible verses from Matthew, you are entering into a conversation with God that has spanned thousands of years.

This chapter of Scripture invites you to slow down and listen. The words on these pages have comforted, challenged, and guided countless believers throughout history. As you read this passage, remember that God speaks through His Word to meet you right where you are.

Many people find it helpful to read these verses multiple times. First, read to understand the overall message. Then read again to notice specific words or phrases that stand out. Finally, read once more asking God to show you how this Scripture applies to your life today.

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

These 50 Bible verses offer wisdom for your journey. As you meditate on this passage, God uses His Word to shape your character, deepen your faith, and guide your decisions.

For Group Study

This chapter provides rich material for discussion. Reading these Bible verses with others allows you to gain new perspectives and encourage one another in faith.

For Teaching and Preaching

Pastors and teachers find in this passage timeless truths to share. The themes in these verses speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Prayer and Worship

Let these words become your prayer. As you read, turn the verses into conversations with God, thanking Him for His promises and seeking His guidance.

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Matthew 12 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

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Today's verse of the day

Key Themes and Application

Background

Main Message

Life Application

Reflection Questions

About These 50 Bible Verses

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

For Group Study

For Teaching and Preaching

For Prayer and Worship

Related Guides from the Hub

10 Powerful Opening Prayers for Bible Study: Simple Examples & Group Templates

From Tool to Companion: Why the Future of Bible Study is Conversational

5 Biblical Prayers for Anxiety: Finding Peace When You're Overwhelmed

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