Matthew 12:7

New International Reader's Version

Scripture says, ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.’ (Hosea 6:6) You don’t know what those words mean. If you did, you would not bring charges against those who are not guilty.

Cross References

Job 32:3

Elihu was also very angry with Job’s three friends. They hadn’t found any way to prove that Job was wrong. But they still said he was guilty.

Psalm 109:31

He stands ready to help those who need it. He saves them from those who are ready to sentence them to death.

Psalm 94:21

Evil people join together against those who do what is right. They sentence to death those who aren’t guilty of doing anything wrong.

Proverbs 17:15

The Lord hates two things. He hates it when the guilty are set free. He also hates it when those who aren’t guilty are punished.

Hosea 6:6

I want mercy and not sacrifice. I want you to recognize me as God instead of bringing me burnt offerings.

Matthew 22:29

Jesus replied, “You are mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures. And you do not know the power of God.

Matthew 9:13

Go and learn what this means, ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.’ (Hosea 6:6) I have not come to get those who think they are right with God to follow me. I have come to get sinners to follow me.”

Mark 12:33

To love God with all your heart and mind and strength is very important. So is loving your neighbor as you love yourself. These things are more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

Acts 13:27

The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus. By finding him guilty, they made the prophets’ words come true. These are read every Sabbath day.

James 5:6

You have judged and murdered people who aren’t guilty. And they weren’t even opposing you.

Joshua 5:5

All the men who came out had been circumcised. But all the men born in the desert during the journey from Egypt hadn’t been circumcised.

1 Samuel 15:22

But Samuel replied, “What pleases the Lord more? Burnt offerings and sacrifices, or obeying the Lord? It is better to obey than to offer a sacrifice. It is better to do what he says than to offer the fat of rams.