Luke 14:1

¶ And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, as {G1722} he {G846} went {G2064} into {G1519} the house {G3624} of one {G5100} of the chief {G758} Pharisees {G5330} to eat {G5315} bread {G740} on the sabbath {G4521} day, that {G2532} they {G846} watched {G2258}{G3906} him {G846}.

One Shabbat Yeshua went to eat in the home of one of the leading P’rushim, and they were watching him closely.

One Sabbath, Jesus went to eat in the home of a leading Pharisee, and those in attendance were watching Him closely.

And it came to pass, when he went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees on a sabbath to eat bread, that they were watching him.

Commentary on Luke 14:1 (KJV)

Luke 14:1 sets the stage for a significant encounter and teaching moment in Jesus' ministry. It portrays Jesus' willingness to engage with religious leaders, even when aware of their intentions, and highlights the ongoing tension surrounding Sabbath observance.

Context

This verse opens a new narrative segment in Luke's Gospel. Jesus is invited to dine at the house of "one of the chief Pharisees" on the Sabbath day. This was not merely a social call; the phrase "they watched him" immediately signals an atmosphere of scrutiny and suspicion. The Pharisees, a prominent Jewish religious sect, were known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and their extensive oral traditions, which often superseded the spirit of the law. Jesus frequently encountered the Pharisees' legalistic interpretations, particularly regarding the Sabbath, leading to numerous confrontations.

Key Themes

  • Sabbath Observance vs. Legalism: The Sabbath was a day of rest commanded by God (Exodus 20:8). However, by Jesus' time, the Pharisees had developed numerous additional rules about what was permissible on the Sabbath, often prioritizing their traditions over compassion or the original intent of the law. This verse foreshadows a direct challenge to these rigid interpretations.
  • Scrutiny and Opposition: The statement "they watched him" (Greek: paratēreō) is crucial. It implies a careful, often hostile, observation, akin to "spying" or "lying in wait," looking for an opportunity to accuse Jesus. This highlights the constant opposition Jesus faced from religious authorities who felt threatened by His teachings and actions.
  • Jesus' Boldness and Authority: Despite knowing He was being watched, Jesus accepts the invitation and proceeds to demonstrate His divine authority, challenging the Pharisees' understanding of God's law and grace. His actions in this chapter will again emphasize that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek verb for "watched" is paratēreō (παρατηρέω), which means to observe closely, to spy upon, or to lie in wait for. It carries a negative connotation, indicating malicious intent rather than simple curiosity. This word is often used in the Gospels to describe the Pharisees' surveillance of Jesus, seeking grounds for accusation.

Practical Application

Luke 14:1 reminds us that living out our faith may often place us under scrutiny, especially from those who misunderstand or oppose biblical truth. It encourages believers to:

  • Live Authentically: Just as Jesus lived openly and truthfully despite being watched, we are called to live consistently with our faith, even when under observation.
  • Prioritize God's Heart: We should strive to understand the spirit of God's commands—love, mercy, and justice—rather than getting lost in rigid, man-made rules that can stifle compassion and true worship.
  • Stand Firm in Truth: Even when facing opposition or criticism, we are to remain steadfast in proclaiming and embodying the truth of the Gospel, trusting in God's sovereignty.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 3:2

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

  • Psalms 41:6

    And if he come to see [me], he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; [when] he goeth abroad, he telleth [it].

  • Psalms 62:4

    They only consult to cast [him] down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

  • Psalms 64:5

    They encourage themselves [in] an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

  • Psalms 64:6

    They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward [thought] of every one [of them], and the heart, [is] deep.

  • Luke 20:20

    ¶ And they watched [him], and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

  • Luke 11:37

    ¶ And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.

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