Matthew 10:16

Persecution of Disciples

10:16 “I 1  am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, 2  so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Matthew 12:7

12:7 If 3  you had known what this means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice,’ 4  you would not have condemned the innocent.

1 tn Grk “Behold I.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).

2 sn This imagery of wolves is found in intertestamental Judaism; see Pss. Sol. 8:23, 30.

3 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

4 sn A quotation from Hos 6:6 (see also Matt 9:13).