Luke 6:1

¶ And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing [them] in [their] hands.

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096} on {G1722} the second {G1207} sabbath {G4521} after the first {G1207}, that he {G846} went {G1279} through {G1223} the corn fields {G4702}; and {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101} plucked {G5089} the ears of corn {G4719}, and {G2532} did eat {G2068}, rubbing {G5597} them in their hands {G5495}.

One Shabbat, while Yeshua was passing through some wheat fields, his talmidim began plucking the heads of grain, rubbing them between their hands and eating the seeds.

One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain, rub them in their hands, and eat them.

Now it came to pass on a sabbath, that he was going through the grainfields; and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.

Commentary on Luke 6:1 (KJV)

Luke 6:1 introduces a significant incident that sets the stage for a discussion about the true meaning and application of the Sabbath law. This event is also recorded in parallel accounts in the Gospels, highlighting its importance in understanding Jesus' ministry and teachings.

Context and Setting

The verse begins, "And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing [them] in [their] hands."

  • "Second sabbath after the first": This unique phrase in Greek, deuteroprotos (δευτεροπρώτῳ), has been interpreted in various ways. Most scholars believe it refers to the first Sabbath after the second day of Passover, from which the counting of the fifty days to Pentecost began. This places the event squarely within the season of the barley or wheat harvest in ancient Israel.
  • "Corn fields": In the King James Version, "corn" refers to grain in general, such as wheat or barley, not maize (American corn). As Jesus and His disciples walked through these fields, the disciples, being hungry, plucked ears of grain.
  • Plucking and Eating: According to Deuteronomy 23:25, it was permissible for a traveler to pluck grain with their hands from a neighbor's field to satisfy hunger. The issue here was not the act of plucking itself, but that it occurred on the Sabbath. The act of "plucking" was considered a form of "reaping," and "rubbing them in their hands" was akin to "threshing" or "winnowing" – activities forbidden on the Sabbath by the Pharisees' strict interpretations of the Mosaic law.

Key Themes and Messages

This passage immediately sets up a confrontation between Jesus and the religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees, over the observance of the Sabbath.

  • Sabbath Controversy: This incident is one of several where Jesus challenges the legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath by the Pharisees, who had burdened the day of rest with countless man-made rules. Their focus was on the letter of the law, often losing sight of its spirit.
  • Human Need vs. Legalism: The disciples were hungry, demonstrating a basic human need. Jesus consistently prioritized compassion and human welfare over rigid adherence to religious traditions that lacked mercy.
  • Jesus' Authority: The subsequent verses in Luke 6 reveal Jesus' declaration that the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath day. This underscores His divine authority to interpret and fulfill the law, not abolish it. He demonstrated that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27).

Linguistic Insight

The term deuteroprotos (δευτεροπρώτῳ) for "second sabbath after the first" is unique to Luke and provides a specific chronological marker, indicating it was the first Sabbath after the Passover festival, during the early grain harvest. This detail places the event within a precise agricultural and liturgical context, which is significant for understanding the Pharisees' immediate objection.

Related Scriptures

This event is also recorded in the other Synoptic Gospels, providing a broader perspective on the controversy:

These parallel accounts further elaborate on Jesus' defense of His disciples, citing David's actions in 1 Samuel 21:6 and the priests' work in the temple on the Sabbath.

Practical Application

Luke 6:1 and the subsequent verses challenge believers to understand the spirit of God's law rather than being bound by legalistic interpretations. It teaches us to prioritize compassion, mercy, and genuine human need over rigid, man-made rules. Jesus' actions demonstrate His authority over all creation and His desire for a relationship with humanity rooted in love and grace, not burdensome regulations.

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.

  • Deuteronomy 23:25

    When thou comest into the standing corn of thy neighbour, then thou mayest pluck the ears with thine hand; but thou shalt not move a sickle unto thy neighbour's standing corn.

  • Mark 2:23

    And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.

  • Mark 2:28

    Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

  • Matthew 12:1

    ¶ At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.

  • Matthew 12:8

    For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

  • Leviticus 23:7

    In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.

  • Leviticus 23:10

    Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back