RobH_en_tn/mat/12/05.md

Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to respond to the Pharisees.

Have you not read in the law that ... but are guiltless?

Jesus uses a question to respond to the criticism of the Pharisees. Jesus is challenging them to think about the meaning of what they have read in the scriptures. Alternate translation: "Surely you have read in the law of Moses that ... but are guiltless." or "You should know that the law teaches that ... but are guiltless." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)

profane the Sabbath

"do on the Sabbath what they would do on any other day"

are guiltless

"God will not punish them" or "God does not consider them guilty"