Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. New Living Translation He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. English Standard Version how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible how he entered into the house of God, and they ate the loaves of the presentation, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those with him, except for the priests only? King James Bible How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? New King James Version how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? New American Standard Bible how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone? NASB 1995 how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone? NASB 1977 how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those with him, but for the priests alone? Legacy Standard Bible how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone? Amplified Bible how he went into the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests only? Berean Annotated Bible He entered the house of God {Theou}, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread (the Bread of the Presence), which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests. Christian Standard Bible how he entered the house of God, and they ate the bread of the Presence—which is not lawful for him or for those with him to eat, but only for the priests? Holman Christian Standard Bible how he entered the house of God, and they ate the sacred bread, which is not lawful for him or for those with him to eat, but only for the priests? American Standard Version how he entered into the house of God, and ate the showbread, which it was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them that were with him, but only for the priests? Contemporary English Version He went into the house of God, and then they ate the sacred loaves of bread that only priests are supposed to eat. English Revised Version how be entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which it was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them that were with him, but only for the priests? GOD'S WORD® Translation Haven't you read how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of the presence? He and his men had no right to eat those loaves. Only the priests have that right. Good News Translation He went into the house of God, and he and his men ate the bread offered to God, even though it was against the Law for them to eat it--only the priests were allowed to eat that bread. International Standard Version How is it that he went into the house of God and ate the Bread of the Presence, which was not lawful for him and his companions to eat but was reserved for the priests? NET Bible how he entered the house of God and they ate the sacred bread, which was against the law for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests? New Heart English Bible how he entered into the house of God, and they ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Webster's Bible Translation How he entered into the house of God, and ate the show-bread, which it was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them who were with him, but only for the priests? Weymouth New Testament how he entered the House of God and ate the Presented Loaves, which it was not lawful for him or his men to eat, nor for any except the priests? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe 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. World English Bible how he entered into God’s house and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionhow he went into the house of God, and ate the Bread of the Presentation, which it is not lawful to him to eat, nor to those with him, except to the priests alone? Berean Literal Bible how he entered into the house of God, and they ate the loaves of the presentation, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those with him, except for the priests only? Young's Literal Translation how he went into the house of God, and the loaves of the presentation did eat, which it is not lawful to him to eat, nor to those with him, except to the priests alone? Smith's Literal Translation How he went into the house of God, and ate the loaves of setting up, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor those with him, but for the priests alone? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHow he entered into the house of God, and did eat the loaves of proposition, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for them that were with him, but for the priests only? Catholic Public Domain Version how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? New American Bible how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? New Revised Standard Version He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHow he entered into the house of God, and did eat bread that was on the table of the Lord, that which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Aramaic Bible in Plain English How he entered the house of God, and he ate the bread of the table of THE LORD JEHOVAH, that which was not legal for him to eat, neither for those who were with him, but rather for the priests only? NT Translations Anderson New Testamenthow he entered the house of God, and ate the loaves of the presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but for the priests only? Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament how they went into the house of God, and did eat the loaves of shew-bread, of which it was not lawful for him or those who were with him to eat, but for the priests alone? Mace New Testament how he entred into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which it was not lawful either for him or his company to eat, but only for the priests? Weymouth New Testament how he entered the House of God and ate the Presented Loaves, which it was not lawful for him or his men to eat, nor for any except the priests? Worrell New Testament Worsley New Testament Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Lord of the Sabbath…3Jesus 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. 5Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are innocent?… Cross References He entered the house of God, Mark 2:25-26 Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? / During the high priesthood of Abiathar, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for the priests. And he gave some to his companions as well.” Luke 6:3-4 Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? / He entered the house of God, took the consecrated bread and gave it to his companions, and ate what is lawful only for the priests to eat.” 1 Samuel 21:1-2 Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And when Ahimelech met David, he trembled and asked him, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” / “The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission on which I am sending you. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place. and he and his companions 1 Samuel 21:4-5 “There is no common bread on hand,” the priest replied, “but there is some consecrated bread—provided that the young men have kept themselves from women.” / David answered, “Women have indeed been kept from us, as is usual when I set out. And the bodies of the young men are holy even on common missions. How much more so today!” 1 Samuel 22:1-2 So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. / And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. ate the consecrated bread, 1 Samuel 21:6 So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there but the Bread of the Presence, which had been removed from before the LORD and replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away. Leviticus 24:5-8 You are also to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf, / and set them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD. / And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, a food offering to the LORD. … Exodus 25:30 And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times. which was not lawful for them to eat, Leviticus 22:10 No one outside a priest’s family may eat the sacred offering, nor may the guest of a priest or his hired hand eat it. Exodus 29:33 They must eat those things by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no outsider may eat them, because these things are sacred. Ezekiel 44:29 They shall eat the grain offerings, the sin offerings, and the guilt offerings. Everything in Israel devoted to the LORD will belong to them. but only for the priests. Leviticus 24:9 It belongs to Aaron and his sons, who are to eat it in a holy place; for it is to him a most holy part of the food offerings to the LORD—his portion forever.” Numbers 18:9-10 A portion of the most holy offerings reserved from the fire will be yours. From all the offerings they render to Me as most holy offerings, whether grain offerings or sin offerings or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons. / You are to eat it as a most holy offering, and every male may eat it. You shall regard it as holy. Exodus 29:32 At the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, Aaron and his sons are to eat the meat of the ram and the bread that is in the basket. Hebrews 9:2 A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. 1 Chronicles 9:32 Some of their Kohathite relatives were responsible for preparing the rows of the showbread every Sabbath. Treasury of Scripture How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? the shew-bread. Exodus 25:30 And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway. Leviticus 24:5-9 And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake… but. Exodus 29:32,33 And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation… Leviticus 8:31 And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it. Leviticus 24:9 And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it is most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute. Jump to Previous Alone Ate Bread Companions Consecrated Eat Entered Except Food House Lawful Presence Presented Priests Shewbread Show Showbread Show-BreadJump to Next Alone Ate Bread Companions Consecrated Eat Entered Except Food House Lawful Presence Presented Priests Shewbread Show Showbread Show-BreadMatthew 12 1. Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,3. by scripture, 9. by reason, 13. and by a miracle. 22. He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute; 24. and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub, 32. he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven. 36. Account shall be made of idle words. 38. He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign, 46. and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother. He entered the house of God This phrase refers to the tabernacle, which was the central place of worship for the Israelites before the construction of the temple. The "house of God" signifies a sacred space where God's presence dwelt among His people. In the context of 1 Samuel 21:1-6, David entered the tabernacle at Nob, seeking refuge and sustenance. This act foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the temple, as He embodies God's presence on earth (John 2:19-21). and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread which was not lawful for them to eat but only for the priests Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe future king of Israel, anointed by God, who was fleeing from King Saul at the time of this event. 2. House of God Refers to the tabernacle, the sacred place where God's presence dwelt among the Israelites. 3. Consecrated Bread Also known as the "showbread" or "bread of the Presence," these were twelve loaves placed weekly in the tabernacle as an offering to God, meant only for the priests to eat. 4. Priests The descendants of Aaron, tasked with performing the rituals and sacrifices in the tabernacle and later the temple. 5. Companions of David Those who were with David during his flight from Saul, sharing in his hardships and needs. Teaching Points Understanding God's Mercy Over RitualJesus uses this example to illustrate that human need can take precedence over ritual law. This teaches us that God's mercy and compassion are central to His character. The Lordship of Christ By referencing David, Jesus subtly points to His own authority as the Son of David and Lord of the Sabbath, emphasizing His divine authority over religious practices. The Importance of Context in Scripture Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical events helps us grasp the deeper meanings and applications of Scripture. Balancing Law and Grace While God's laws are important, they are not meant to be burdensome. We are called to balance obedience with grace, understanding the heart of God's commands. Provision in Times of Need Just as God provided for David and his men, He is attentive to our needs and provides for us, often in unexpected ways. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Matthew 12:4?2. How does Matthew 12:4 illustrate Jesus' understanding of Old Testament law? 3. What does "ate the consecrated bread" teach about mercy over ritual in Matthew 12:4? 4. How can Matthew 12:4 guide us in prioritizing compassion over legalism today? 5. How does Matthew 12:4 connect to Jesus' teaching on the Sabbath? 6. What lessons from Matthew 12:4 apply to our church's approach to tradition? 7. Why did David eat the consecrated bread in Matthew 12:4? 8. How does Matthew 12:4 challenge traditional views on religious law? 9. What is the significance of the consecrated bread in Matthew 12:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12? 11. What events define the 33 AD journey to the cross? 12. What is the church's purpose? 13. What is the International House of Prayer? 14. In Romans 4:6-8, does the idea of sin not being counted against believers conflict with other biblical passages that emphasize judgment and accountability? What Does Matthew 12:4 Mean He entered the house of God• Jesus points to David in 1 Samuel 21:1-6, where the “house of God” was the tabernacle at Nob, the recognized place of divine presence at that time (Exodus 25:8). • By highlighting David’s entrance, Jesus reminds His listeners that God’s dwelling is ultimately for His covenant people’s good, not a rigid shrine detached from their needs (Psalm 27:4; Hebrews 10:19). and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread • The “consecrated bread,” also called the Bread of the Presence or showbread, consisted of twelve loaves set “before the LORD continually” (Leviticus 24:5-9). • David’s men were weary and hungry from fleeing Saul (1 Samuel 21:3). Their physical need intersected with sacred provision, foreshadowing how Christ satisfies both spiritual and physical hunger (John 6:35; Matthew 14:19-20). which was not lawful for them to eat • God’s law reserved the showbread for Aaron’s sons (Leviticus 24:9), underscoring holiness and separation. • David’s action—acknowledged but not condemned in Scripture—demonstrates that the Law’s ceremonial regulations were never meant to override the higher principles of mercy and preservation of life (Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:8). • Jesus applies this precedent to defend His disciples’ Sabbath grain-picking (Matthew 12:1-2), showing that true obedience values life above ritualism. but only for the priests • Priestly exclusivity safeguarded reverence for God’s presence (Numbers 18:8-11). • By citing an exception granted to David, Jesus—“greater than David” and “greater than the temple” (Matthew 12:6)—asserts His kingly and priestly authority to interpret the Law (Hebrews 7:11-17). • The episode anticipates the new covenant reality where all believers become “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), granted access through Christ to God’s holy things. summary Matthew 12:4 recalls David’s urgent consumption of consecrated bread to show that God’s Law, while holy and authoritative, was never intended to deny mercy or human need. Jesus cites this historical precedent to vindicate His disciples and to reveal His own authority as Lord of both temple and Sabbath. The passage affirms Scripture’s literal accuracy while highlighting the compassionate heart of God, who values life, mercy, and His Son’s sovereignty above mere ritual compliance. (4) How he entered into the house of God.--Strictly speaking, it was in the tabernacle at Nob, where Ahimelech (possibly assisted by Abiathar, Mark 2:26) was ministering as high priest (1Samuel 21:6). The shewbread, or "bread of oblation," consisted of twelve loaves, in two rows of six each, which were offered every Sabbath day (Exodus 25:30; Exodus 40:23; Leviticus 24:5-9), the loaves of the previous week being then removed and reserved for the exclusive use of the priests. The necessity of the case, however, was in this instance allowed to override the ceremonial ordinance, and our Lord teaches men through that single instance to see the general principle that when positive commands and necessities involving the good of man come into collision, the latter, not the former, must prevail.Verse 4. - How he entered into the house of God, and did eat; rather, and they did eat, with Revised Version margin (ἔφαγον), the simple plural verb laying the action less at David's door than does the phrase in the parallel passages - "and he gave" them to eat. Observe that the mention of ordinary people, like David's attendants, adds to the force of our Lord's illustration. The shew-bread (Exodus 25:30; Leviticus 24:5-7). Which. Which kind of food (ὅ). Was not lawful (οὐκ ἔξον η΅ν). Reminding the Pharisees of their own words in ver. 2. For him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? (Leviticus 24:9).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek He enteredεἰσῆλθεν (eisēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. house οἶκον (oikon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3624: A dwelling; by implication, a family. of God, Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. [he and his companions] ate ἔφαγον (ephagon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 5315: A primary verb; to eat. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. consecrated bread, ἄρτους (artous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 740: Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf. which ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. was ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. lawful ἐξὸν (exon) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 1832: It is permitted, lawful, possible. for [them] αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. to eat, φαγεῖν (phagein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 5315: A primary verb; to eat. but εἰ (ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. only μόνοις (monois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3441: Only, solitary, desolate. Probably from meno; remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication, mere. for the τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. priests. ἱερεῦσιν (hiereusin) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 2409: A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest. Links Matthew 12:4 NIVMatthew 12:4 NLT Matthew 12:4 ESV Matthew 12:4 NASB Matthew 12:4 KJV Matthew 12:4 BibleApps.com Matthew 12:4 Biblia Paralela Matthew 12:4 Chinese Bible Matthew 12:4 French Bible Matthew 12:4 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Matthew 12:4 How he entered into the house (Matt. Mat Mt) |
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