New Testament
Matthew 9:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Go and figure out what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' I didn't come to call the righteous. I came to call sinners to repentance."
Compare translations
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
What Matthew 9:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of mercy over ritual sacrifices. He quotes the Old Testament to highlight that God values compassion and kindness more than mere religious practices. Jesus explains that His mission is to reach out to those who recognize their need for forgiveness, rather than those who see themselves as righteous. This challenges the religious leaders of the time, who often prioritized rules over genuine love and care for others. By calling sinners to repentance, Jesus invites them to turn away from their wrongdoings and embrace a new life of grace and mercy. This message is a reminder that God desires a relationship with us based on love and compassion, rather than just following religious laws.
How to apply Matthew 9:13 to your life
We should prioritize showing mercy and compassion in our daily lives, rather than just following religious rules. This means reaching out to those in need, offering forgiveness, and helping others recognize their value in God's eyes. Embrace the call to love and serve others.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Calling Matthew (Matthew 9:9–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 9:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 9:13
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 9:13 mean?
Matthew 9:13 highlights Jesus' emphasis on mercy over ritual sacrifices. He quotes the Old Testament to show that God values compassion and kindness more than mere religious practices, and He came to call sinners to repentance.
What is the meaning of 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice' in Matthew 9:13?
'I desire mercy, not sacrifice' means that God prioritizes loving actions and compassion over following strict religious rituals. This phrase underscores the importance of genuine care for others.
How does Matthew 9:13 relate to repentance?
In Matthew 9:13, Jesus states that He came to call sinners to repentance, indicating that acknowledging one's wrongdoings is essential for receiving God's mercy and grace.
Why did Jesus say He came to call sinners in Matthew 9:13?
Jesus said He came to call sinners because His mission was to offer forgiveness and a new life to those who are aware of their shortcomings, rather than to those who consider themselves righteous.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.