Matthew 12:7
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.In other versions
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
ASV
But if these words had been in your minds, My desire is for mercy and not for offerings, you would not have been judging those who have done no wrong.
BBE
But if ye had known what is: I will have mercy and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
DBY
But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless.
WEB
and if ye had known what is: Kindness I will, and not sacrifice -- ye had not condemned the blameless,
YLT
But if all of you had known what this means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, all of you would not have condemned the guiltless.
ENG
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
WBT
If only you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.
BSB
In context
5Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless?
6But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
7But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
8For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
9And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: