Matthew 9:13 meaning and explanation
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:13, Berean Standard Bible
Explanation preview
Jesus is answering the Pharisees, who had just questioned why he eats with tax collectors and sinners at Matthew's house. He quotes Hosea 6:6, where God says through the prophet that he desires mercy (Hebrew chesed, steadfast covenant love) rather than sacrifice, meaning ritual without compassion is empty.
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