Bible Strands
Mark 2:25
Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the Pharisees immediately after they accuse His disciples of violating Sabbath regulations by plucking grain. He poses a rhetorical question to challenge their interpretation of the law.
The words — The Greek term ἀνέγνωτε (anegnōte) translates literally as “you read,” while οὐδέποτε (oudepote) means “never.” Jesus uses these words to direct attention to a recorded historical precedent rather than a direct quotation.
The thread — This reference to David’s actions appears in the broader scriptural narrative of 1 Samuel 21, where David and his companions eat consecrated bread during a time of hunger. Jesus also employs similar rhetorical questions about reading the Law in Luke 10:26 and Matthew 19:4.
Why it lands — The text demands that the reader examine how scriptural precedents inform the application of religious rules. It requires acknowledging that human need and established biblical examples can shape the understanding of legal boundaries.
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The Greek words
King James Version
And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 21:3 Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever can be found.”
- Luke 10:26 “What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?”
- Matthew 19:4 Jesus answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’
- Matthew 21:16 “Do You hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’?”
- Matthew 21:42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
- Matthew 22:31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what God said to you:
- Mark 12:20 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children.
- Mark 12:26 But concerning the dead rising, have you not read about the burning bush in the Book of Moses, how God told him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?