New Testament
Matthew 12:6
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But I say to you, that in this place there is one greater than the temple.
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But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
What Matthew 12:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes His authority and significance compared to the temple, which was a central place of worship for the Jewish people. The temple represented God's presence and the religious system of the time. By stating that there is 'one greater than the temple' present, Jesus is asserting that He Himself embodies God's presence and authority. This declaration challenges the religious leaders' understanding of the law and their rituals, indicating that He has come to fulfill and surpass these traditions. It highlights the shift from the old covenant, centered around the temple, to a new covenant, where Jesus is the focal point of worship and relationship with God. This statement invites listeners to recognize the importance of Jesus in their faith and to understand that true worship is not confined to a physical location but is found in a relationship with Him.
How to apply Matthew 12:6 to your life
This verse encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with Jesus over religious rituals or traditions. It reminds us that true worship is about connecting with Christ, who is greater than any institution. We should seek to understand His teachings and allow them to guide our faith and actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
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Keep studying Matthew 12:6
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 12:6 mean?
Matthew 12:6 means that Jesus is asserting His authority and significance, indicating that He is greater than the temple, which was central to Jewish worship. This highlights that He embodies God's presence and challenges traditional religious practices.
What is the significance of 'one greater than the temple' in Matthew 12:6?
The phrase 'one greater than the temple' signifies that Jesus surpasses the temple's role as a place of worship, emphasizing that true worship is found in a relationship with Him rather than in rituals or locations.
How does Matthew 12:6 relate to the concept of the new covenant?
Matthew 12:6 relates to the new covenant by showing that Jesus fulfills and surpasses the old covenant centered around the temple, indicating a shift to a new way of relating to God through Him.
Why is Jesus' authority important in Matthew 12:6?
Jesus' authority is important in Matthew 12:6 because it establishes Him as the focal point of worship and the one who redefines how people connect with God, moving beyond the limitations of the temple.
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