Luke 6:4

KJV

How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?

KJV (with Strong's)

How {G5613} he went {G1525} into {G1519} the house {G3624} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} did take {G2983} and {G2532} eat {G5315} the shewbread {G740}{G4286}, and {G2532} gave {G1325} also {G2532} to them that were with {G3326} him {G846}; which {G3739} it is {G1832} not {G3756} lawful {G1832} to eat {G5315} but for {G1508} the priests {G2409} alone {G3441}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He entered the House of God and took and ate the Bread of the Presence" -- which no one is permitted to eat but the cohanim.

Berean Standard Bible

He entered the house of God, took the consecrated bread and gave it to his companions, and ate what is lawful only for the priests to eat.”

American Standard Version

how he entered into the house of God, and took and ate the showbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat save for the priests alone?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 6:4, Jesus confronts the Pharisees' legalistic accusation against His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath by invoking the biblical precedent of King David. He recounts how David, in a time of dire necessity, entered the sacred house of God and consumed the consecrated shewbread, sharing it with his companions—an act explicitly forbidden to all but the priests. This rhetorical question serves as a powerful challenge to the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of the law, asserting that human need and divine mercy can, in certain circumstances, transcend strict ceremonial regulations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a broader narrative in Luke 6:1-11, where Jesus engages in a series of confrontations with the religious authorities over the proper observance of the Sabbath. The preceding verses (Luke 6:1-2) describe Jesus' disciples plucking and eating grain on the Sabbath, prompting the Pharisees to accuse them of violating the law. Jesus' response in Luke 6:3-5, which includes the reference to David and the shewbread, directly addresses this accusation. This incident immediately precedes Jesus' healing of a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath (Luke 6:6-11), further illustrating His authority over the Sabbath and His emphasis on compassion over rigid legalism. The entire section highlights Jesus' role as the authoritative interpreter and Lord of the Sabbath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath was a foundational institution in Israel, commemorating God's rest after creation and His deliverance of Israel from slavery. By the time of Jesus, various interpretations and traditions had developed, particularly among the Pharisees, who sought to meticulously define and enforce Sabbath observance through numerous oral laws (halakha). The "shewbread" (Hebrew: _lechem panim_, "bread of the presence") was a sacred offering in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, consisting of twelve loaves placed weekly before the Lord (as detailed in [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5-9 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - The Law of the Shewbread")). These loaves were considered holy and, once replaced, were to be eaten only by the priests in a holy place. Jesus' reference to [1 Samuel 21:1-6](/1_samuel/21-1-6 "1 Samuel 21:1-6 - David and the Shewbread") recalls a time when David, fleeing from King Saul and in extreme hunger, received and ate this bread from Ahimelech the priest. This act, while a technical violation of ceremonial law, was justified by the extraordinary circumstances of necessity, a principle Jesus leverages against the Pharisees' unyielding legalism.
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully introduces and reinforces several key themes that run throughout Luke's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **mercy over ritual**, demonstrating that God's heart prioritizes human need and compassion over strict adherence to ceremonial regulations. Jesus implies that the spirit of the law, which is love, outweighs the letter when human well-being is at stake. Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' authority** as the ultimate interpreter of God's law and the true "Lord of the Sabbath." By drawing a parallel between His disciples and David, a revered figure and an anointed king, Jesus implicitly elevates His own status and authority, suggesting that if David, God's anointed, could transgress a ceremonial law due to necessity, then Jesus, the Son of God, has even greater authority to interpret and apply the law. This sets the stage for His explicit declaration in [Luke 6:5](/luke/6-5 "Luke 6:5 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath") that "the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **went (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** This verb (G1525) means "to enter" or "to come in." In this context, it signifies David's physical entry "into the house of God," referring to the Tabernacle at Nob. The act of entering this sacred space, combined with his subsequent actions, underscores the gravity of the situation and the perceived violation of religious protocol that Jesus is challenging.
* **did take (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This verb (G2983) means "to take," "to receive," or "to grasp." Here, it describes David's active acquisition of the shewbread. The emphasis is not merely on eating, but on the deliberate act of taking something consecrated and reserved, highlighting the extraordinary nature of his circumstances and the priest's willingness to provide for his dire need.
* **not lawful (Greek, _ou_ and _éxesti'_):** The combination of the negative particle _ou_ (G3756, "not") and the verb _éxesti_ (G1832, "it is right," "it is permissible," "it is lawful") unequivocally states the legal prohibition. Jesus' rhetorical question hinges on this very point: the Pharisees themselves knew it was "not lawful" for anyone but priests to eat the shewbread, yet David, a hero of faith, did so without divine condemnation. This challenges their rigid application of the law without considering context or necessity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How he went into the house of God,"**: Jesus begins his rhetorical question by recalling David's entry into the Tabernacle at Nob. This immediately sets the scene in a sacred context, emphasizing that David's actions took place within the very sphere of God's presence, making any transgression of ritual law particularly noteworthy.
* **"and did take and eat the shewbread,"**: This clause describes the specific action that was legally problematic. David not only took the consecrated bread but also consumed it. The emphasis is on the actual consumption of the holy bread, which was reserved for priestly consumption after its removal from the table of presence.
* **"and gave also to them that were with him;"**: This detail adds another layer to the "unlawful" act, as David extended the consumption of the shewbread to his hungry companions. This demonstrates David's compassionate leadership and further highlights the principle that human necessity can supersede ritualistic exclusivity.
* **"which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?"**: This concluding rhetorical question explicitly states the legal prohibition from [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5-9 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - The Law of the Shewbread"). By posing this as a question, Jesus forces the Pharisees to acknowledge the well-known precedent of David's actions, implicitly challenging their own rigid interpretation of the law and their condemnation of His disciples.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey Jesus' profound theological argument. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question**, posed by Jesus to the Pharisees. This question is not meant to elicit information but to make a forceful point, compelling the listeners to consider the implications of a well-known biblical event. Coupled with this is **Allusion**, as Jesus directly references the narrative of David and the shewbread found in [1 Samuel 21:1-6](/1_samuel/21-1-6 "1 Samuel 21:1-6 - David and the Shewbread"). This allusion serves as a powerful **Analogy** or **Argument from Precedent**, where Jesus draws a parallel between David's actions, justified by necessity, and His disciples' actions on the Sabbath. By citing David, a revered figure in Jewish tradition, Jesus uses an example that the Pharisees could not easily dismiss, thereby turning their own esteemed history against their legalistic condemnation. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the very people who prided themselves on their knowledge of the Law are shown to have missed its deeper, merciful intent, exemplified by one of their greatest heroes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:4 serves as a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, challenging the prevalent legalism of His day and revealing a deeper understanding of God's law. Theologically, this passage underscores the principle that divine mercy and human necessity can, at times, take precedence over the strict letter of ceremonial law. Jesus' argument implies that the Sabbath, like the shewbread regulations, was made for humanity's benefit, not as an oppressive burden. God's ultimate desire is for compassion and love, not rigid adherence to rituals that neglect human flourishing. This aligns with the prophetic tradition, as seen in passages like [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice"), which Jesus Himself quotes elsewhere (e.g., [Matthew 12:7](/matthew/12-7 "Matthew 12:7 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice")). By citing David, Jesus also subtly asserts His own authority as one greater than David, capable of interpreting and fulfilling the law, ultimately declaring Himself "Lord of the Sabbath" (Luke 6:5).

* [Matthew 12:7](/matthew/12-7 "Matthew 12:7 - Jesus Quotes Hosea 6:6")
* [Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - The Sabbath for Man")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God's Desire for Steadfast Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage profoundly challenges us to examine our own understanding and application of God's commands. Are we prone to legalism, prioritizing rigid rules over genuine compassion and love for others? Jesus' example with the shewbread reminds us that God's laws are ultimately designed for human flourishing and to reveal His character, which is abundant in mercy and grace. True faith seeks to understand the spirit behind the law, recognizing that love for God and neighbor is the greatest commandment. It calls us to exercise discernment, ensuring that our adherence to religious practices never becomes a stumbling block to meeting legitimate human needs or expressing divine compassion. We are invited to trust in Jesus' authority as the ultimate interpreter of God's will, whose example consistently prioritized grace and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or my community might I be tempted to prioritize rigid rules over compassion and human need?**
* **How does Jesus' example in this passage challenge my understanding of what it means to truly obey God?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a heart that seeks mercy and love, rather than merely adhering to external regulations?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus reference David's actions with the shewbread, and what was the significance of that event?**

Answer: Jesus referenced David's actions from [1 Samuel 21:1-6](/1_samuel/21-1-6 "1 Samuel 21:1-6 - David and the Shewbread") to counter the Pharisees' accusation that His disciples had broken the Sabbath law by plucking grain. The significance lies in several points:
* **Necessity Overrides Ritual:** David and his men were in dire hunger and fleeing for their lives. The priest Ahimelech, recognizing their extreme need, permitted them to eat the consecrated shewbread, which was strictly reserved for priests according to [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5-9 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - The Law of the Shewbread"). This demonstrated that in extraordinary circumstances, human necessity and mercy could take precedence over ceremonial law.
* **David's Status:** David was God's anointed king, a figure highly revered by the Pharisees. By citing David, Jesus used a precedent from their own sacred history that they could not easily dismiss. If David, a man after God's own heart, was justified in his actions, then Jesus' disciples, acting under His authority, were also justified.
* **Jesus' Authority:** Ultimately, Jesus uses this example to assert His own authority. Just as David, as king, had a certain prerogative, Jesus, as the true King and Messiah, possesses even greater authority over the Law and the Sabbath. This sets the stage for His declaration in [Luke 6:5](/luke/6-5 "Luke 6:5 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath") that "the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath," implying His right to interpret and define its true purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:4, with its allusion to David and the shewbread, points profoundly to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is presented as the greater David, not merely a king, but the Messiah, whose authority surpasses all human and religious institutions. Just as David, in his need, accessed the sacred bread, Jesus Himself is the true "Bread of Life" (as declared in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offered to satisfy the deepest hunger of humanity. He is the ultimate fulfillment of all temple rituals and sacrificial laws, embodying the mercy and compassion that God desires above mere sacrifice ([Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice")). Furthermore, Jesus, as our Great High Priest (as described in [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")), not only has access to the holy things but is Himself the means by which we can approach God's throne of grace with confidence. His declaration as "Lord of the Sabbath" in the immediate context (Luke 6:5) signifies His divine prerogative to redefine and fulfill the Sabbath's purpose, shifting its focus from rigid legalism to rest, restoration, and the abundant life found in Him, who is the true rest for our souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

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

Leviticus 24:5

And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.

Leviticus 24:9

And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it [is] most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.