Matthew 12:2 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…

American Standard Version

"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. "

— Matthew 12:2, American Standard Version

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Matthew 12:2 in Other Translations

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Matthew 12 — Context

1

At that season Jesus went on the sabbath day through the grainfields; and his disciples were hungry and began to pluck ears and to eat.

2

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.

3

But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him;

4

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?

5

Or have ye not read in the law, that on the sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are guiltless?

Matthew 12:2 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Matthew 12:2 say?
Matthew 12:2 in the American Standard Version reads: “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. ”
Where is Matthew 12:2 in the Bible?
Matthew 12:2 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, chapter 12, verse 2.
Who wrote Matthew?
Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew (Levi), tax-collector turned apostle. It was written c. AD 50–70.
What is the book of Matthew about?
Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah — son of David, son of Abraham, fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Structured around five great teaching blocks including the Sermon on the Mount, it ends with the risen King commissioning his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
What are the major themes of Matthew?
Matthew explores themes including Kingdom of Heaven, Messiah, Fulfillment, Discipleship, Great Commission. These themes shape the meaning and context of Matthew 12:2.
What translation should I read Matthew 12:2 in?
Matthew 12:2 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Matthew 12:2?
Matthew 12:2 reads (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. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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