Luke 6:2

KJV

And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} certain {G5100} of the Pharisees {G5330} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Why {G5101} do ye {G4160} that which {G3739} is {G1832} not {G3756} lawful {G1832} to do {G4160} on {G1722} the sabbath days {G4521}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Some of the P'rushim said, "Why are you violating Shabbat?"

Berean Standard Bible

But some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

American Standard Version

But certain of the Pharisees said, Why do ye that which it is not lawful to do on the sabbath day?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:2 captures the immediate confrontation between certain Pharisees and Jesus' disciples, who are accused of violating Sabbath regulations by plucking grain in a field. This incident serves as a pivotal moment, highlighting the tension between the rigid legalistic interpretations of the Mosaic Law by the religious authorities and Jesus' more compassionate and authoritative understanding of God's intent for the Sabbath, setting the stage for His profound teachings on its true purpose and His own Lordship over it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the narrative in [Luke 6:1](/luke/6-1 "Luke 6:1 - Disciples Pluck Grain on the Sabbath"), where Jesus' disciples are seen plucking heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them while passing through a grainfield on the Sabbath. This action, while permitted for travelers under [Deuteronomy 23:25](/deuteronomy/23-25 "Deuteronomy 23:25 - Right to Pluck Grain"), was interpreted by the Pharisees as "reaping" and "threshing," activities forbidden on the Sabbath according to their extensive oral traditions. Luke 6:2 presents the direct accusation, initiating a crucial dialogue that extends through [Luke 6:5](/luke/6-5 "Luke 6:5 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath"), where Jesus declares His authority over the Sabbath, and further into [Luke 6:6-11](/luke/6-6-11 "Luke 6:6-11 - Healing on the Sabbath"), where He performs a healing that again challenges their legalistic interpretations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious sect during the Second Temple period, known for their meticulous adherence to the written Law (Torah) and, crucially, their vast body of oral traditions (Halakha), which they considered equally binding. They sought to apply the Law to every aspect of daily life, often creating detailed regulations to "build a fence around the Torah" to prevent accidental transgression. The Sabbath, a cornerstone of Jewish identity and worship, was particularly safeguarded by numerous such regulations. The act of plucking grain was seen as "harvesting" (a form of work), and rubbing it in their hands as "threshing" or "grinding," both forbidden activities. This incident reflects the broader conflict between Jesus and the religious establishment, who often prioritized human traditions over the spirit of God's Law and genuine human need.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in this passage, and indeed throughout [Luke 6](/luke/6 "Luke 6 - Jesus' Authority and Teachings"), is the proper understanding and observance of the Sabbath. The Pharisees' accusation highlights a tension between rigid legalism and compassionate application of God's commands. Jesus' response, culminating in His declaration that the [Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath](/luke/6-5 "Luke 6:5 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath"), asserts His divine authority to interpret and fulfill the Law. This encounter also underscores the broader theme of legalism versus grace, as Jesus consistently challenged the Pharisees' focus on external conformity at the expense of internal righteousness, mercy, and the true needs of people, as further demonstrated in His question about doing good or harm on the Sabbath in [Luke 6:9](/luke/6-9 "Luke 6:9 - Doing Good on the Sabbath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lawful (Greek, _éxesti_):** From G1832, this word impersonally means "it is right" or "it is permitted," often in a legal or customary sense. The Pharisees' use of this term highlights their focus on the legality of the action according to their interpretation of the Law and tradition, rather than on the underlying principle of compassion or necessity. It reflects a mindset concerned with strict adherence to established rules.
* **do (Greek, _poiéō_):** From G4160, this is a very broad verb meaning "to make or do" in a wide application. In this context, it refers to the disciples' action of plucking and rubbing the grain. The Pharisees categorize this "doing" as work, specifically "reaping" and "threshing," which they deemed a violation of Sabbath rest.
* **sabbath days (Greek, _sábbaton_):** From G4521, this term refers to the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, set apart for rest and worship. It is derived from the Hebrew word for "rest." The Pharisees' concern here is the sanctity of this day and the perceived desecration of it by the disciples' actions, which they believed broke the divine commandment for cessation from labor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And certain of the Pharisees said unto them,"**: This clause introduces the accusers and the direct nature of the confrontation. The "Pharisees" are identified as the religious group challenging Jesus and His disciples, immediately signaling a conflict rooted in differing interpretations of religious law. Their addressing "them" (the disciples, but implicitly Jesus as their leader) sets up a direct challenge to Jesus' authority and teaching.
* **"Why do ye that which is not lawful to do"**: This is the core of the accusation, framed as an interrogative challenge. The question "Why?" demands justification for their actions, while "not lawful" (οὐκ ἔξεστιν, _ouk exestin_) expresses the Pharisees' firm conviction that the disciples' actions were a violation of established religious law and tradition. They viewed the act of plucking and rubbing grain as forbidden labor on the Sabbath.
* **"on the sabbath days?"**: This specifies the critical context of the alleged transgression. The "sabbath days" (plural, possibly referring to the general institution of the Sabbath or perhaps indicating a recurring issue) are the sacred time against which the disciples' actions are measured and found wanting by the Pharisees. This highlights the central point of contention: the proper observance of the day of rest.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs **Interrogation** as a key literary device in this verse, as the Pharisees directly question the disciples' actions with "Why do ye that which is not lawful...?" This question is not merely seeking information but serves as an accusation and a challenge to authority. The verse also sets up a **Conflict** between Jesus and the religious establishment, a recurring theme in Luke's Gospel. This specific conflict over Sabbath observance is a microcosm of the larger theological and ideological clash between Jesus' ministry of grace and the Pharisees' legalism. Furthermore, the incident serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the deeper theological discussions and confrontations that will follow, particularly regarding Jesus' identity and His authority over the Law, culminating in His declaration as "Lord of the Sabbath."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:2 serves as a critical juncture, illustrating the profound theological divergence between Jesus' understanding of God's Law and the rigid, human-made traditions of the Pharisees. The Sabbath, intended by God as a day of rest, refreshment, and worship, had become, in the hands of the Pharisees, a burden laden with countless prohibitions. This encounter reveals that true righteousness is not found in meticulous adherence to external rules but in a heart that understands and embodies the spirit of the Law, which is love for God and neighbor. Jesus consistently challenged the notion that human traditions could supersede divine compassion, emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for humanity, not humanity for the Sabbath.

* [Matthew 12:1-8](/matthew/12-1-8 "Matthew 12:1-8 - Jesus and the Sabbath")
* [Mark 2:23-28](/mark/2-23-28 "Mark 2:23-28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")
* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:2 challenges believers to examine their own approach to faith and practice. Are we, like the Pharisees, prone to elevating human traditions or interpretations above the core principles of God's Word, particularly compassion and grace? This passage calls us to a deeper understanding of God's heart, recognizing that His commands are given for our flourishing and for the good of others, not as oppressive burdens. It encourages us to prioritize the spirit of the law—love, mercy, and justice—over rigid legalism that can stifle genuine faith and hinder acts of kindness. We are reminded that true freedom is found in Christ, who fulfills the Law and liberates us from the bondage of human-made rules that obscure God's true intent. This incident prompts us to consider whether our religious practices lead us closer to God and enable us to serve others, or if they become ends in themselves, leading to judgment and self-righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or faith practice might I be prioritizing human traditions or rigid rules over the spirit of God's commands, especially concerning love and compassion?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that seeks to understand the true intent behind God's laws, rather than merely adhering to their letter?**
* **Am I quick to judge others based on my interpretations of religious rules, or do I extend grace and seek to understand their needs?**
* **How does Jesus' Lordship over the Sabbath inform my understanding of rest, worship, and service today?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Pharisees so upset about the disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath?**

Answer: The Pharisees were upset because they interpreted the disciples' actions of plucking and rubbing grain as "work" – specifically, "reaping" and "threshing" – which were forbidden activities on the Sabbath according to their extensive oral traditions and interpretations of the Mosaic Law. While [Deuteronomy 23:25](/deuteronomy/23-25 "Deuteronomy 23:25 - Plucking Grain") permitted travelers to pluck grain for immediate consumption, the Pharisees' concern was *when* it was done. They believed the Sabbath, a day of complete rest, was being desecrated by what they considered to be labor, even if it was for personal sustenance. Their focus was on the letter of their interpretation of the law, rather than the underlying principle of human need or the original intent of the Sabbath as a day of blessing and rest from burdensome labor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:2, with the Pharisees' accusation regarding Sabbath observance, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the Law and the true "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Luke 6:5](/luke/6-5 "Luke 6:5 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")). The Old Testament Sabbath, a shadow of the rest God intended for His people, finds its substance in Jesus. He is the one who provides true spiritual rest, not through adherence to burdensome regulations, but through faith in His finished work on the cross ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The legalistic demands of the Pharisees highlight the inability of humanity to achieve righteousness through perfect law-keeping, underscoring the need for a Savior. Jesus' challenge to their rigid interpretations reveals that He embodies the very heart of God's Law: love, mercy, and compassion. In Him, the Sabbath's purpose is transformed from a day of restrictive prohibitions into a celebration of the freedom and new life found in Christ, who has brought an end to the Law as a means of justification ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")). Thus, the conflict in Luke 6:2 ultimately magnifies Jesus as the one who brings true rest, not through legalism, but through grace, inviting all to enter into His spiritual Sabbath rest ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Rest of God's People")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 12:2

But when the Pharisees saw [it], they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.

John 5:16

And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

Mark 2:24

And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?

John 5:9

And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

John 5:11

He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

Luke 6:7

And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.

Luke 6:9

Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy [it]?