Matthew 12:2
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, Behold, your disciples do that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath day.
American King James Version (AKJV)
But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, Behold, your disciples do that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath day.
American Standard Version (ASV)
But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do upon the sabbath.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to him, See, your disciples do that which it is not right to do on the Sabbath.
Webster's Revision
But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, Behold, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do on the sabbath.
World English Bible
But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to him, "Behold, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath."
English Revised Version (ERV)
But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do upon the sabbath.
Definitions for Matthew 12:2
Clarke's Matthew 12:2 Bible Commentary
Thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do - The Jews were so superstitious, concerning the observance of the Sabbath, that in their wars with Antiochus Epiphanes, and the Romans, they thought it a crime even to attempt to defend themselves on the Sabbath: when their enemies observed this, they deterred their operations to that day. It was through this, that Pompey was enabled to take Jerusalem. Dion. Cass. lib. xxxvi.
Those who know not the spirit and design of the divine law are often superstitious to inhumanity, and indulgent to impiety. An intolerant and censorious spirit in religion is one of the greatest curses a man can well fall under.
Barnes's Matthew 12:2 Bible Commentary
Upon the Sabbath day - The Pharisees, doubtless desirous of finding fault with Christ, said that in plucking the grain on the "Sabbath day" they had violated the commandment. Moses had commanded the Hebrews to abstain from all servile work on the Sabbath, Exodus 20:10; Exodus 35:2-3; Numbers 15:32-36. On any other day this would have been clearly lawful, for it was permitted, Deuteronomy 23:25.