Verse Comparison: Matthew 12:7
American Standard Version
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
Amplified® Bible
And if you had only known what this saying means, I desire mercy [readiness to help, to spare, to forgive] rather than sacrifice {and} sacrificial victims, you would not have condemned the guiltless.
Contemporary English Version
Don't you know what the Scriptures mean when they say, "Instead of offering sacrifices to me, I want you to be merciful to others?" If you knew what this means, you would not condemn these innocent disciples of mine.
Darby English Version
But if ye had known what is: I will have mercy and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
Good News Bible
The scripture says, 'It is kindness that I want, not animal sacrifices.' If you really knew what this means, you would not condemn people who are not guilty;
International Standard Version
If you had known what 'I want mercy and not sacrifice' means, you would not have condemned the innocent.
King James Version
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
New American Standard Bible
"But if you had known what this means, `I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT A SACRIFICE,' you would not have condemned the innocent.
New International Version
If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent.
New King James Version
But if you had known what this means, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice," you would not have condemned the guiltless.
N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
"But if you had known what this means, 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT A SACRIFICE,' you would not have condemned the innocent.
Revised Standard Version
And if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless.
Young's Literal Translation
and if ye had known what is: Kindness I will, and not sacrifice -- ye had not condemned the blameless,