Bible Strands
Luke 6:2
But some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Some Pharisees question Jesus and His disciples immediately after the disciples pick and eat grain in a field on the Sabbath. Their inquiry targets the specific moment of Sabbath observance described in Luke 6:1.
The words — The Greek term τινὲς (tines) literally means "some," specifying an unspecified subset of the Pharisees. The verb ποιεῖτε (poieite) translates directly to "do," focusing on the active practice being challenged.
The thread — This confrontation appears in Matthew 12:2 with nearly identical wording and is echoed in John 5:16 regarding Sabbath controversies. The underlying legal framework is rooted in Exodus 35:2, which establishes the seventh day as a Sabbath of complete rest.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to confront how religious scrutiny often targets acts of necessity. It demands a direct evaluation of whether human tradition or divine provision governs Sabbath practice.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?
Cross-references
- Matthew 12:2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”
- John 5:16 Now because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews began to persecute Him.
- Exodus 35:2 For six days work may be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of complete rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on that day must be put to death.
- John 5:9 Immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and began to walk. Now this happened on the Sabbath day,
- John 9:14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened his eyes was a Sabbath.
- Numbers 15:32 While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day.
- Mark 2:24 So the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”
- Luke 5:33 Then they said to Him, “John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees frequently fast and pray, but Yours keep on eating and drinking.”
- Luke 6:7 Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He would heal on the Sabbath.
- Exodus 22:10 If a man gives a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any other animal to be cared for by his neighbor, but it dies or is injured or stolen while no one is watching,