Mat 12:7 | MHM | STEP | v. 7 : But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. Jesus quoted the prophet Hosea (Hosea 6:6 ), saying that God wants mercy more than sacrifice. If the Pharisees had understood God’s heart, they would not have condemned the disciples who were not guilty of wrongdoing.

‏ Matthew 12:7

v. 7: But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. Jesus quoted the prophet Hosea (Hosea 6:6 ^a), saying that God wants mercy more than sacrifice. If the Pharisees had understood God’s heart, they would not have condemned the disciples who were not guilty of wrongdoing.