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Matthew 12 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
Some translations indent each line of poetry to make it easier to read. The ULB does this with the poetry in 12:18-21, which is quoted from the OT.
Special concepts in this chapter
The Sabbath
Obedience to the Sabbath is an important part of this chapter. However, Jesus distinguishes between following the Sabbath the way God commanded and following the rules the Pharisees created about the Sabbath. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath)
"Blasphemy against the Spirit"
There is a great deal of controversy regarding properly identifying this specific sin. However, it seems to involve insulting the Holy Spirit and his work. Since part of his work is to convince people that they are sinners and that they need God's forgiveness, anyone who mocked this truth would be unwilling to come in repentance to God. For this reason, he would not be forgiven. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Brother and Sisters
This chapter introduces the concept of "spiritual" brothers and sisters. Scripture uses these terms to refer to the relationship between fellow Israelites. Here, those who follow Jesus are now referred to as brothers and sisters. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit and rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/brother)