Matthew 12:7
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless.
American King James Version (AKJV)
But if you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless.
American Standard Version (ASV)
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
But if these words had been in your minds, My desire is for mercy and not for offerings, you would not have been judging those who have done no wrong.
Webster's Revision
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
World English Bible
But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless.
English Revised Version (ERV)
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
Clarke's Matthew 12:7 Bible Commentary
I will have mercy, etc. - See this explained, Matthew 9:13.
There are four ways in which positive laws may cease to oblige.
First, by the natural law of necessity.
Secondly, by a particular law, which is superior.
Thirdly, by the law of charity and mercy.
Fourthly, by the dispensation and authority of the Lawgiver.
These cases are all exemplified from Matthew 12:4-8.
Wesley's Matthew 12:7 Bible Commentary
12:7 I will have mercy and not sacrifice - That is, when they interfere with each other, I always prefer acts of mercy, before matters of positive institution: yea, before all ceremonial institutions whatever; because these being only means of religion, are suspended of course, if circumstances occur, wherein they clash with love, which is the end of it. 9:13 .