A frequent misinterpretation is viewing the passage as a rejection of all sacrifices or religious practices, when Jesus actually critiques hypocritical ritualism without genuine mercy, as he fulfilled the sacrificial system. Another error is assuming the 'righteous' are morally perfect people Jesus ignores, whereas it refers to self-righteous Pharisees blind to their sin; everyone needs repentance. It is also wrongly used to justify ongoing sin without change, overlooking the explicit call to repentance.
Matthew 9:13
King James Version (1769)
13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6 to emphasize that God desires mercy and compassion over mere ritual sacrifice, defending his association with tax collectors and sinners against the Pharisees' criticism. His mission is to call sinners who recognize their need for repentance, not the self-righteous who believe they have no sin, highlighting that true righteousness involves humble acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a heart turned toward God.