Matthew 12:4

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

He entered the house of God [i.e., the Temple] and ate the ‘Bread of Presence’, which was not permissible, according to the Law of Moses, for him or those with him to do, since it was reserved only for the priests.

Cross References

Matthew 12:3

Jesus replied, “Have you not read what King David did when he and his men were hungry? [I Sam. 21:6]

Matthew 12:5

Or, have you not read in the Law of Moses that the priests in the Temple defiled the Sabbath day [i.e., by doing the ‘work’ of offering sacrifices] and were not held guilty [of wrongdoing]? [See Num. 28:9-10]

Mark 2:26

Or how he entered the house of God [i.e., the Temple] when Abiathar was head priest, and ate the ‘Bread of Presence’ which was not permissible, according to the Law of Moses, for anyone but priests? He even gave [some of it] to those who were with him.”

Luke 6:4

how he entered the house of God [i.e., the Temple] and took some ‘Bread of Presence’ and ate it, and also gave some to his men to eat? [This practice] was not permissible according to the Law of Moses, [since the bread was reserved] only for the priests.”

Hebrews 9:2

For the Tabernacle was constructed with its outer compartment containing the lamp stand and the table and the Bread of Presence. This was called the “Holy Place.”