Matthew 9:12
New International Version
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

New Living Translation
When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.”

English Standard Version
But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

Berean Standard Bible
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

Berean Literal Bible
And having heard, He said, "Not those being strong have need of a physician, but those being sick.

King James Bible
But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

New King James Version
When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

New American Standard Bible
But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.

NASB 1995
But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.

NASB 1977
But when He heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.

Legacy Standard Bible
But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.

Amplified Bible
But when Jesus heard this, He said, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but [only] those who are sick.

Christian Standard Bible
Now when he heard this, he said, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But when He heard this, He said, “Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do.

American Standard Version
But when he heard it, he said, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick.

Contemporary English Version
Jesus heard them and answered, "Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do.

English Revised Version
But when he heard it, he said, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Jesus heard that, he said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor; those who are sick do.

Good News Translation
Jesus heard them and answered, "People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick.

International Standard Version
When Jesus heard that, he said, "Healthy people don't need a physician, but sick people do.

Majority Standard Bible
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ?It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

NET Bible
When Jesus heard this he said, "Those who are healthy don't need a physician, but those who are sick do.

New Heart English Bible
When he heard it, he said to them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.

Webster's Bible Translation
But when Jesus heard that, he said to them, They that are in health need not a physician, but they that are sick.

Weymouth New Testament
He heard the question and replied, "It is not men in good health who require a doctor, but the sick.

World English Bible
When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jesus having heard, said to them, “They who are whole have no need of a physician, but they who are ill;

Berean Literal Bible
And having heard, He said, "Not those being strong have need of a physician, but those being sick.

Young's Literal Translation
And Jesus having heard, said to them, 'They who are whole have no need of a physician, but they who are ill;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jesus having heard, said to them, They being strong have no need of a physician, but they having evils.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But Jesus hearing it, said: They that are in health need not a physician, but they that are ill.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Jesus, hearing this, said: “It is not those who are healthy who are in need of a physician, but those who have maladies.

New American Bible
He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.

New Revised Standard Version
But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But when Jesus heard it, he said to them, Those who are well need no doctor, but those who are seriously sick.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But when Yeshua heard, he said to them, “The healthy do not need a doctor, but those who have become ill.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
When Jesus heard it, he said to them: Those who are in health have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

Godbey New Testament
And Jesus hearing said to them, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick.

Haweis New Testament
But Jesus hearing it, said unto them, They who are in the vigour of health have no need of the physician, but they who have illness.

Mace New Testament
Jesus hearing that, said to them, they that are in health don't want a physician, but they that are sick.

Weymouth New Testament
He heard the question and replied, "It is not men in good health who require a doctor, but the sick.

Worrell New Testament
And Jesus, hearing it, said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are ill.

Worsley New Testament
But Jesus hearing them, said unto them, They that are in health need not a physician, but they that are ill: go therefore and learn what that means,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Calling of Matthew
11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”…

Cross References
Mark 2:17
On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Luke 5:31
Jesus answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,

Hosea 6:6
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

1 Timothy 1:15
This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.

Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Ezekiel 34:16
I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’

Jeremiah 8:22
Is there no balm in Gilead? Is no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?

Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

John 9:39
Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.”

1 Corinthians 1:26-29
Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. / But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, ...

Romans 5:6-8
For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. / Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. / But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,


Treasury of Scripture

But when Jesus heard that, he said to them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

They that be whole.

Psalm 6:2
Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

Psalm 41:4
I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

Psalm 147:3
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

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Matthew 9
1. Jesus heals a paralytic
9. calls Matthew from the receipt of custom;
10. eats with tax collectors and sinners;
14. defends his disciples for not fasting;
20. cures the sick woman;
23. raises Jairus' daughter from death;
27. gives sight to two blind men;
32. heals a mute man possessed of a demon;
36. and has compassion on the multitude.














On hearing this
This phrase indicates that Jesus is responding to something previously said or done. In the context of Matthew 9, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees who questioned why He ate with tax collectors and sinners. This reflects the broader theme of Jesus' ministry, which often involved challenging the religious leaders' understanding of righteousness and purity.

Jesus said
The authority of Jesus' words is emphasized here. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus speaks with authority, often contrasting with the teachings of the Pharisees and scribes. His words are not just responses but teachings that reveal deeper spiritual truths.

It is not the healthy who need a doctor
This metaphor highlights the purpose of Jesus' mission. The "healthy" refers to those who perceive themselves as righteous, often the religious leaders who believed they were spiritually well. The imagery of a doctor is significant, as it portrays Jesus as a healer, not just of physical ailments but of spiritual brokenness. This aligns with His role as the Great Physician, a theme seen in His healing miracles throughout the Gospels.

but the sick
The "sick" symbolizes those who recognize their need for spiritual healing, such as the tax collectors and sinners with whom Jesus associated. This phrase underscores the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry, reaching out to those marginalized by society. It also reflects the prophetic fulfillment of Isaiah 61:1, where the Messiah is described as bringing good news to the poor and healing the brokenhearted. Jesus' association with the "sick" demonstrates His mission to seek and save the lost, as further emphasized in Luke 19:10.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
- The central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to the Pharisees' criticism of His association with tax collectors and sinners. His response highlights His mission to bring healing and salvation to those who recognize their need.

2. Pharisees
- A religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often criticized Jesus for His unconventional approach to ministry, particularly His interactions with those considered sinners.

3. Tax Collectors and Sinners
- These individuals were often marginalized and despised in Jewish society. Jesus' willingness to associate with them demonstrates His mission to reach the lost and offer redemption.

4. Disciples
- Followers of Jesus who were present during this event. They are learning from Jesus' example and teachings about the nature of His ministry.

5. Matthew's House
- The setting of this event, where Jesus is dining with tax collectors and sinners. This location underscores the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry.
Teaching Points
Recognizing Spiritual Sickness
Just as physical illness requires a doctor, spiritual sickness requires the healing touch of Jesus. We must acknowledge our need for His grace and forgiveness.

Jesus' Mission to the Marginalized
Jesus intentionally sought out those who were marginalized and despised, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of His love and redemption.

The Role of the Church
The church is called to follow Jesus' example by reaching out to those who are spiritually sick, offering them the hope and healing found in Christ.

Humility and Repentance
Recognizing our own spiritual sickness should lead us to humility and repentance, opening our hearts to the transformative power of Jesus.

Judgment vs. Compassion
Like the Pharisees, we can be quick to judge others. Instead, we should cultivate a heart of compassion, understanding that we all need Jesus' healing.(12) They that be whole.--Literally, They that are strong. St. Luke gives, with a more professional precision, "They that are in health." That, speaking from the thoughts and standpoint of those addressed (which in another than our Lord we might term grave irony), which enters so largely into our Lord's teaching, appears here in its most transparent form. Those of whom He speaks were, we know, suffering from the worst form of spiritual disease, but in their own estimation they were without spot or taint, and as such. therefore, He speaks to them. On their own showing, they ought not to object to His carrying on that work where there was most need of it. The proverb cited by Him in Luke 4:23 shows that it was not the first time that He had referred to His own work as that of the Great Physician.

Verse 12. - But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole. Οἱ ἰσχύοντες (so also Mark) may include an arriere-pensee of moral self-assertion which St. Luke entirely loses by his alteration to οἱ ὑγιαίνοντες: cf. 1 Corinthians 4:10. Need not; have no need of (Revised Version). These are the emphatic words in the sentence. Christ takes the Pharisees at their own estimate of themselves, and, without entering into the question of whether this was right or wrong, shows them that on their own showing he would be useless to them. A physician, but they that are sick. "Sed ubi dolores sunt, air, illic festinat medicns," Ephr. Syr., in his exposition of Tatian's 'Diatess.' (Resch, 'Agrapha,' p. 443).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[On]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

hearing this,
ἀκούσας (akousas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

[Jesus] said,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“[It is] not
Οὐ (Ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative 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.

healthy
ἰσχύοντες (ischyontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2480: To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.

[who]
ἔχουσιν (echousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

need
χρείαν (chreian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5532: From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution.

a doctor,
ἰατροῦ (iatrou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2395: A physician. From iaomai; a physician.

but
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative 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.

sick.
κακῶς (kakōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2560: Badly, evilly, wrongly. From kakos; badly.


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