Mark 3:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Looking for a reason to accuse him of something, people watched him carefully to see if he would heal him on Shabbat.

Berean Standard Bible:

In order to accuse Jesus, they were watching to see if He would heal on the Sabbath.

American Standard Version:

And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} they watched^{G3906} him^{G846}, whether^{G1487} he would heal^{G2323} him^{G846} on the sabbath day^{G4521}; that^{G2443} they might accuse^{G2723} him^{G846}.

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Commentary for Mark 3:2

Mark 3:2, "And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him," is set within the broader context of Jesus' ministry in Galilee. At this point in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus has been gaining attention for his teachings and miraculous healings. The verse captures a moment of tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, specifically the Pharisees and scribes, who are closely observing Jesus to find fault with his actions.

The Sabbath, a day of rest and worship commanded in the Torah (Exodus 20:8-11), was strictly observed in Jewish society during the time of Jesus. The Pharisees and other religious leaders had developed a complex set of laws to ensure that the Sabbath was not violated, including regulations about what constituted work and what activities were permissible. Healing, as a form of work, was generally prohibited on the Sabbath unless it was a matter of life and death.

In this verse, the religious authorities are not merely passive observers but are actively looking for an opportunity to accuse Jesus of breaking Sabbath laws. Their motive is not born out of a concern for the sanctity of the Sabbath but is rather a strategic attempt to undermine Jesus' growing influence and authority. This sets the stage for a series of confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders over the true meaning and purpose of the Sabbath, which Jesus interprets as a day meant for doing good and extending mercy, rather than a rigid adherence to human traditions that may impede acts of compassion.

The themes present in this verse include the tension between Jesus and the religious establishment, the nature of Sabbath observance, and the question of authority—both religious and moral. Historically, this reflects the debates and disagreements within 1st-century Judaism regarding how to live out the Jewish faith, a debate in which Jesus participates by challenging the prevailing interpretations of his day. This challenge ultimately contributes to the growing conflict that leads to his crucifixion, as he is perceived as a threat to the established religious order.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3906
   There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: παρατηρέω
   Transliteration: paratēréō
   Pronunciation: par-at-ay-reh'-o
   Description: from παρά and τηρέω; to inspect alongside, i.e. note insidiously or scrupulously:--observe, watch.
   
3. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1487
   There are 271 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰ
   Transliteration: ei
   Pronunciation: i
   Description: a primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.:--forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether. Often used in connection or composition with other particles, especially as in εἴγε, εἰ δὲ μή(γε), εἰ καί, εἰ μή, εἰ μή τι, εἴ περ, εἴ πως, εἴ τις, ἐκ. See also ἐάν.
   
5. Strong's Number: G2323
   There are 43 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: θεραπεύω
   Transliteration: therapeúō
   Pronunciation: ther-ap-yoo'-o
   Description: from the same as θεράπων; to wait upon menially, i.e. (figuratively) to adore (God), or (specially) to relieve (of disease):--cure, heal, worship.
   
6. Strong's Number: G4521
   There are 62 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σάββατον
   Transliteration: sábbaton
   Pronunciation: sab'-bat-on
   Description: of Hebrew origin (שַׁבָּת); the Sabbath (i.e. Shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight, i.e. the interval between two Sabbaths; likewise the plural in all the above applications:--sabbath (day), week.
   
7. Strong's Number: G2443
   There are 535 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἵνα
   Transliteration: hína
   Pronunciation: hin'-ah
   Description: probably from the same as the former part of ἑαυτοῦ (through the demonstrative idea; compare ὁ); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):--albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare ἵνα μή.
   
8. Strong's Number: G2723
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κατηγορέω
   Transliteration: katēgoréō
   Pronunciation: kat-ay-gor-eh'-o
   Description: from κατήγορος; to be a plaintiff, i.e. to charge with some offence:--accuse, object.