# Connecting Statement:

Jesus responds to the Pharisees' criticism.

# to them

"to the Pharisees"

# Have you never read ... with him?

Jesus uses a question to respond to the criticism of the Pharisees. Jesus is challenging them to think about the meaning of the scriptures they have read. Alternate translation: "I know you have read about ... with him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])