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⇱ Matthew 12:12 How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."

Bible > Matthew > Chapter 12 > Verse 12
◄ Matthew 12:12 ►
New International Version
How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

New Living Translation
And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.”

English Standard Version
Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

Berean Standard Bible
How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

Berean Literal Bible
How much more valuable therefore is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbaths."

King James Bible
How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

New King James Version
Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

New American Standard Bible
How much more valuable then is a person than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

NASB 1995
“How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

NASB 1977
“Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

Legacy Standard Bible
How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

Amplified Bible
How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful and permissible to do good on the Sabbath.”

Christian Standard Bible
A person is worth far more than a sheep; so it is lawful to do what is good on the Sabbath.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A man is worth far more than a sheep, so it is lawful to do what is good on the Sabbath.”

American Standard Version
How much then is a man of more value than a sheep! Wherefore it is lawful to do good on the sabbath day.

Contemporary English Version
People are worth much more than sheep, and so it is right to do good on the Sabbath."

English Revised Version
How much then is a man of more value than a sheep! Wherefore it is lawful to do good on the sabbath day.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Certainly, a human is more valuable than a sheep! So it is right to do good on the day of worship."

Good News Translation
And a human being is worth much more than a sheep! So then, our Law does allow us to help someone on the Sabbath."

International Standard Version
How much more is a human being worth than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on Sabbath days."

NET Bible
How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."

New Heart English Bible
Of how much more value then is a person than a sheep. Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."

Webster's Bible Translation
How much then is a man better than a sheep? wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

Weymouth New Testament
Is not a man, however, far superior to a sheep? Therefore it is right to do good on the Sabbath."
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

World English Bible
Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
How much better, therefore, is a man than a sheep? So that it is lawful on the Sabbaths to do good.”

Berean Literal Bible
How much more valuable therefore is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbaths."

Young's Literal Translation
How much better, therefore, is a man than a sheep? -- so that it is lawful on the sabbaths to do good.'

Smith's Literal Translation
How much then does a man surpass a sheep? So that it is lawful to do well in the sabbaths.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
How much better is a man than a sheep? Therefore it it lawful to do a good deed on the sabbath days.

Catholic Public Domain Version
How much better is a man than a sheep? And so, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbaths.”

New American Bible
How much more valuable a person is than a sheep. So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath.”

New Revised Standard Version
How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the sabbath.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
How much more important is a man than a sheep? It is therefore lawful to do good on the sabbath.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“How much greater is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is legal to do good on the Sabbath.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
How much better, then, is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath-days.

Godbey New Testament
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Heals on the Sabbath
…11He replied, “If one of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored to full use, just like the other.…

Cross References
Mark 3:4
And He asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” But they were silent.

Luke 6:9
Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”

Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 10:31
So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke 12:24
Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storehouse or barn; yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds!

John 7:23
If a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses will not be broken, why are you angry with Me for making the whole man well on the Sabbath?

Luke 13:15-16
“You hypocrites!” the Lord replied. “Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it to water? / Then should not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be released from her bondage on the Sabbath day?”

Matthew 9:12-13
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. / But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew 23:23
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

James 2:8
If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Hosea 6:6
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Proverbs 12:10
A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.

Deuteronomy 22:4
If you see your brother’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, you must not ignore it; you must help him lift it up.


Matthew 6:26
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Luke 12:24
Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

it is.

Mark 3:4
And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

Luke 6:9
Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

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Better Far Good However Lawful Reason Right Sabbath Sabbaths Sheep Superior Valuable Value Wherefore
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Better Far Good However Lawful Reason Right Sabbath Sabbaths Sheep Superior Valuable Value Wherefore
Matthew 12
1. Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,
3. by scripture,
9. by reason,
13. and by a miracle.
22. He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute;
24. and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub,
32. he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven.
36. Account shall be made of idle words.
38. He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign,
46. and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother.














How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!
This phrase emphasizes the intrinsic value of human life over animals, reflecting the biblical teaching that humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). In the context of Matthew 12, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees' legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath laws. The comparison to sheep, a common and valuable livestock in ancient Israel, highlights the greater worth of human beings. This echoes the Old Testament principle found in Psalm 8:4-8, where humanity's dominion over creation is affirmed. The rhetorical question underscores the priority of human needs and well-being over strict ritual observance.

Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.
Jesus asserts the principle that the Sabbath, a day of rest instituted in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11), should not prevent acts of mercy and goodness. This statement challenges the prevailing Jewish interpretation of Sabbath laws, which had become burdensome and restrictive. By declaring it lawful to do good, Jesus aligns with the prophetic tradition that prioritizes mercy over sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). This teaching is consistent with Jesus' mission to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17) and reflects the heart of God, who desires compassion and justice. The phrase also prefigures the new covenant, where the spirit of the law is emphasized over the letter (2 Corinthians 3:6).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching about the true purpose of the Sabbath and the value of human life.

2. Pharisees
Religious leaders who often challenged Jesus, particularly regarding the observance of the Sabbath.

3. The Man with the Withered Hand
The individual whom Jesus heals in the synagogue, illustrating His teaching on the Sabbath.

4. The Synagogue
The place where this event occurs, serving as a setting for Jesus' teaching and healing.

5. The Sabbath
A day of rest and worship in Jewish tradition, which Jesus reinterprets in light of doing good and valuing human life.
Teaching Points
The Value of Human Life
Jesus emphasizes the intrinsic worth of every person, surpassing even the value of animals. This calls us to prioritize human dignity and well-being in our actions.

The Purpose of the Sabbath
The Sabbath is not merely a day of rest but a time to reflect God's love through acts of goodness and mercy. Our observance should focus on life-giving activities.

Legalism vs. Compassion
Jesus challenges the legalistic interpretation of the law by the Pharisees, teaching that compassion and mercy should guide our understanding and application of God's commandments.

Doing Good as a Priority
Acts of kindness and healing are always appropriate, even on the Sabbath. We are called to seek opportunities to do good, regardless of the day or circumstance.

Reflecting God's Character
By doing good on the Sabbath, we reflect God's character, who is compassionate and merciful. Our actions should mirror His love and care for humanity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Matthew 12:12?

2. How does Matthew 12:12 emphasize the value of human life over rituals?

3. What does "how much more valuable is a man" teach about God's priorities?

4. How can we apply the principle of mercy over sacrifice in daily life?

5. Which Old Testament laws align with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 12:12?

6. How should Matthew 12:12 influence our actions towards others on the Sabbath?

7. How does Matthew 12:12 define the value of human life compared to animals?

8. What does Matthew 12:12 reveal about Jesus' view on the Sabbath?

9. How does Matthew 12:12 challenge legalistic interpretations of the law?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12?

11. Is saving a life more important than religious laws?

12. Matthew 12:9–14: Why does Jesus seem to disregard the command to rest on the Sabbath by healing someone, reportedly violating Exodus 20:8–10?

13. How should we honor the Sabbath day?

14. Was Jesus in the tomb for three days and three nights? (Matthew 12:40 vs. Mark 15:42-47)
What Does Matthew 12:12 Mean
How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!

• Jesus draws a clear contrast to affirm human life’s unique worth. From creation onward, mankind is set apart as God’s image-bearer (Genesis 1:26-27) and given dominion over animals (Psalm 8:4-8).

• By invoking a sheep—an animal that Jewish law allowed rescuing on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:11)—He argues from the lesser to the greater. If rescuing livestock is permitted, how much more should we care for a person.

• The Lord affirms the sanctity of human life consistently (Matthew 6:26; Luke 12:7). Every person possesses immeasurable value because God assigns it, not culture or circumstance.

• This declaration rejects any utilitarian view that measures worth by productivity. Even in illness or disability, a person remains priceless.

• Practical outworking: compassion is never optional. Whether unborn, elderly, poor, or marginalized, each individual deserves protection and active kindness (Proverbs 31:8-9; James 1:27).

Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.

• Having established human value, Jesus states the principle: God’s law was never meant to hinder mercy. The Sabbath commandment (Exodus 20:8-11) restricts work, not love.

• “Lawful” aligns with the Lawgiver’s heart. Acts of goodness fulfill the intent of the Law (Micah 6:8; Romans 13:10).

• Jesus models this by healing the man with the withered hand immediately afterward (Matthew 12:13). Compassionate action is not merely permissible; it is mandated whenever need presents itself (Isaiah 58:13 – 14; John 5:17).

• This teaching protects against legalism. Rules never override righteousness; ritual never outranks relationship.

• For believers today, Sunday worship and rest remain vital (Hebrews 10:24-25), yet mercy ministry—visiting the sick, aiding the needy, serving the church—is entirely appropriate and God-honoring.

summary

Christ’s words unite two truths: every person is of incomparable worth, and genuine Sabbath observance welcomes acts of mercy. Any day devoted to God must be filled with compassion, for the Lord of the Sabbath delights when His people do good.

Verse 12. - How much then is a man better than a sheep? (Matthew 6:26; Matthew 10:31). Wherefore it is lawful to do well (to do good, Revised Version) on the sabbath days. He answers their question about healing (ver. 10) by enunciating a general principle which would cover more. "Doing good" (perhaps merely "well-doing," Acts 10:33; 1 Corinthians 7:37; but probably "doing good to" another, cf. Luke 6:26, 27; and the parallel passages here, ἀγαθοποιῆσαι η}' κακοποιῆσαι) is to be one test by which the duty of resting or of working on the sabbath is to be determined.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
How much
πόσῳ (posō)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4214: How much, how great, how many. From an absolute pos and hos; interrogative pronoun how much (plural) many).

more valuable is
διαφέρει (diapherei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1308: From dia and phero; to bear through, i.e. transport; usually to bear apart, i.e. to toss about; subjectively, to 'differ', or surpass.

a man
ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

than a sheep!
προβάτου (probatou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4263: A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.

Therefore
ὥστε (hōste)
Conjunction
Strong's 5620: So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.

it is lawful
ἔξεστιν (exestin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1832: It is permitted, lawful, possible.

to do
ποιεῖν (poiein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

good
καλῶς (kalōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2573: Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well.

on the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Sabbath.”
σάββασιν (sabbasin)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4521: The Sabbath, a week.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 12:12 Of how much more value then (Matt. Mat Mt)