Matthew 9:10 Meaning: What Jesus' Meal with Sinners Means
As he sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.
And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
And it came to pass, as he sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.
And it came to pass, he reclining (at meat) in the house, that lo, many tax-gatherers and sinners having come, were lying (at meat) with Jesus and his disciples,
And it came to pass, as he lay at table in the house, that behold, many tax-gatherers and sinners came and lay at table with Jesus and his disciples.
Meaning in one sentence
Jesus shared a meal with tax collectors and sinners at Matthew's house. This shows his mission to call the sick, not the healthy, to repentance.
Context
This verse comes just after Jesus called Matthew (also called Levi) from his tax collection booth. Matthew immediately followed him and then hosted a feast at his house. He invited many of his old friends and acquaintances, other tax collectors and people known as sinners. In first-century Jewish society, tax collectors were despised for collaborating with Rome and often extorting money. Sinners were those who openly broke God’s law or lived outside religious boundaries. Yet Jesus not only attended the meal but reclined at the table with them. That shared posture of reclining meant fellowship, acceptance, and intimacy. The scene sets up the question from the Pharisees in the next verse and Jesus’ clear answer about his mission: he came as a physician for the spiritually sick.
Key Words
The Greek word translated “sat at meat” or “reclining” is anakeimai. It means to lie down at a table, the posture of a formal meal in that culture. This was not a quick snack but a deliberate, unhurried time of shared life. Jesus fully entered their space.
The term “tax collectors” is telōnēs. These were men who collected taxes for the Roman occupiers. They were often dishonest and were considered traitors by their own people. Religious leaders grouped them with the worst of sinners.
“Sinners” translates hamartōlos, meaning people devoted to sin or openly wicked. Some commentators see it referring to Gentiles, those outside the covenant. Either way, these were people the religious community avoided. Jesus did not avoid them. He reclined with them, showing that no one is too far from God’s reach.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have seen this meal as a picture of grace. Matthew Henry (Reformed) calls it an example of Christ’s kindness to poor publicans. John Gill (Baptist) notes that Matthew, in genuine faith, invited his old companions so they could hear Jesus. Adam Clarke (Methodist) suggests “sinners” may refer specifically to heathens, showing the gospel going beyond Israel. The Cambridge Bible (Anglican) confirms the feast was in Levi’s house. While some debate the exact timing of the meal, all agree: Jesus willingly ate with those considered unworthy. The invitation to his table was not earned; it was given.
A common misunderstanding
Some think Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners simply because he was friendly and accepted everyone as they were, with no change expected. In fact, Jesus came as a physician for the sick. His welcome did not mean approval of their sin. As he said in verse 13, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” The meal was the start of a healing relationship, not the end of it.
Living This Out
Think about the people you normally eat with. Are they mostly like you? Matthew used his home and his connections to bring his old friends to Jesus. This week, consider inviting someone who doesn’t know Jesus to share a meal with you. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. A simple meal opens the door for conversation and friendship. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just offer a seat at your table, as Jesus did. Trust that he can do the healing.
Main takeaway: Jesus came for the sick, not the healthy, and he still dines with sinners who are willing to come.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jesus ate dinner with people who had made bad choices. He loved them and wanted to help them. You can be kind to everyone, even people who are different.
For ages 9, 12
After Jesus called Matthew to follow him, Matthew invited all his old friends, many of them were tax collectors and sinners, to have dinner with Jesus. Jesus didn’t say no. He sat down and ate with them because he wanted them to know God’s love. This teaches us that we can invite our friends to church or to our home so they can meet Jesus too. You don’t have to be perfect to come to his table.
Questions People Ask
Why did Jesus eat with tax collectors and sinners?
Jesus explained in Matthew 9:12-13 that those who are healthy don't need a doctor, but the sick do. He came to call sinners to repentance, not to hang out with people who thought they were already good enough. Eating with them was how he showed his love and invited them to change.
Who were the tax collectors in Jesus' time?
Tax collectors worked for the Roman government, collecting taxes from their own people. They were often dishonest, taking more than required. Jews saw them as traitors and sinners. Matthew was one of these tax collectors before Jesus called him.
What does 'recline at the table' mean?
In Jesus' culture, people didn't sit upright in chairs for formal meals. They reclined on low couches around a table, leaning on one elbow. This posture showed that they were relaxed and fully sharing fellowship. It was a sign of acceptance and intimacy.
Did Jesus approve of their sin by eating with them?
No. Jesus never approved of sin, but he loved sinners. By eating with them, he showed that he welcomed anyone who would come to him. In verse 13 he says he came to call sinners to repentance, that means he wanted them to turn from their sin, not stay in it.
What role did Matthew play in this event?
Matthew (also called Levi) was the host. After Jesus called him, he made a great feast at his house and invited many of his old friends, tax collectors and others. He used his resources and relationships to give them a chance to meet Jesus. This shows his gratitude and love for his former companions.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study