Luke 6:6

KJV

And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096} also {G2532} on {G1722} another {G2087} sabbath {G4521}, that he {G846} entered {G1525} into {G1519} the synagogue {G4864} and {G2532} taught {G1321}: and {G2532} there {G1563} was {G2258} a man {G444} whose {G2532}{G846} right {G1188} hand {G5495} was {G2258} withered {G3584}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On another Shabbat, when Yeshua had gone into the synagogue and was teaching, a man was there who had a shriveled hand.

Berean Standard Bible

On another Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man there, and his right hand was withered.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:6 serves as a pivotal scene in Jesus' ministry, depicting His customary practice of teaching in the synagogue on a Sabbath, a day of rest and worship. This particular Sabbath, however, introduces a man with a withered right hand, setting the stage for a profound confrontation between Jesus' compassionate authority and the rigid legalism of the religious leaders concerning the proper observance of the Sabbath. The verse underscores Jesus' consistent engagement with Jewish communal life while simultaneously highlighting the escalating tension surrounding His revolutionary interpretation of God's law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 6:6 immediately follows an earlier Sabbath controversy where Jesus' disciples plucked grain, leading Jesus to declare Himself "Lord even of the sabbath day" [Luke 6:5](/luke/6-5 "Luke 6:5 - Lord of the Sabbath"). This verse initiates a new, yet related, conflict, demonstrating a pattern in Jesus' ministry where His actions consistently challenged the Pharisees' interpretations of the Law. The narrative in [Luke 6:6-11](/luke/6-6-11 "Luke 6:6-11 - Healing on the Sabbath") forms a cohesive unit, culminating in Jesus' healing of the man and the Pharisees' furious reaction, revealing their hardening opposition. This repeated engagement on the Sabbath underscores a central theme in Luke's Gospel: Jesus' authority over all aspects of life, including religious traditions, and His prioritization of human need over restrictive legalism.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The synagogue served as the central hub for Jewish community life, worship, and instruction during the Second Temple period. On the Sabbath, Jews were expected to refrain from work, a commandment deeply ingrained in their identity and law [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment"). Over centuries, oral traditions (which would later be codified in the Mishnah) developed elaborate interpretations of what constituted "work," often leading to burdensome and highly specific prohibitions, including restrictions on healing. The presence of a man with a "withered hand" would have been a visible and undeniable disability, drawing attention and creating a public dilemma for Jesus within the highly observant synagogue setting. The Pharisees, as guardians of these oral traditions, would have been keenly observing Jesus, seeking grounds for accusation, especially given His previous Sabbath "violations."
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes **Jesus' Authority and Teaching Ministry**. His consistent presence in the synagogue and His act of teaching highlight His role as a respected rabbi and prophet, yet one whose authority transcends traditional interpretations. Secondly, it deepens the **Sabbath Controversy**, portraying Jesus as actively redefining the Sabbath's purpose from a day of restrictive rules to a day for doing good and showing mercy. This challenges the prevailing legalism, echoing His earlier statement in [Luke 6:5](/luke/6-5 "Luke 6:5 - Lord of the Sabbath"). Thirdly, the introduction of the man with the withered hand underscores **Human Need and Divine Compassion**. Luke consistently presents Jesus as one who is deeply moved by human suffering and actively intervenes to bring healing and wholeness, a core aspect of God's character revealed through Christ. This sets the stage for the dramatic display of compassion that follows in [Luke 6:10](/luke/6-10 "Luke 6:10 - Jesus Heals the Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dé (Greek, _dé'_):** This primary particle, often translated "and" or "but," functions here as a continuative, linking this event to the preceding Sabbath controversy. It signals that this is "also" another instance of Jesus' ministry on the Sabbath, implying a recurring pattern of His actions and the ongoing, escalating tension with the religious authorities. It subtly suggests that the previous encounter was not an isolated incident but part of a larger, deliberate challenge by Jesus to the prevailing Sabbath interpretations.
* **didáskō (Greek, _didáskō'_):** Meaning "to teach," this verb highlights Jesus' primary and consistent activity in the synagogue. It emphasizes His role as a rabbi and authoritative instructor, not merely a casual visitor. The fact that He was teaching indicates that His presence was not accidental but purposeful, engaging with the community in a foundational way, which then provided the context for His subsequent actions of healing and challenging norms.
* **xērós (Greek, _xērós'_):** Translated as "withered," this adjective describes the man's hand. Its literal meaning of "dried up" or "shrunken" implies a severe, chronic condition where the limb has lost its vitality, function, and perhaps even its natural moisture. This is not a temporary ailment but a profound and visible disability, making the man's need for healing undeniable and the act of healing a clear demonstration of divine power and compassion, directly contrasting with the rigid legalism of the observers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass also on another sabbath":** This phrase establishes the setting in terms of time and day. The use of "another" indicates that this is not the first, nor will it be the last, Sabbath on which Jesus performs significant acts that challenge the prevailing religious norms. It signals a recurring pattern in Jesus' ministry and the escalating nature of the conflict with the religious authorities.
* **"that he entered into the synagogue and taught":** This clause describes Jesus' customary practice. Entering the synagogue was typical for a rabbi, and teaching was His primary mode of ministry. This highlights His engagement with the Jewish community and His role as an authoritative interpreter of God's will, setting the stage for the events that follow within this sacred space.
* **"and there was a man whose right hand was withered":** This introduces the central figure of the immediate narrative. The specific mention of the "right hand" emphasizes the severity of the disability, as the right hand was typically used for work, eating, and oaths, signifying a significant impairment to daily life and social function. The term "withered" suggests a permanent, debilitating condition, making the man's need for healing profound and undeniable.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **Literary Devices** in this verse to set the scene for the ensuing conflict. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the mention of "another sabbath" and the presence of a man with a withered hand immediately signals to the reader that a confrontation similar to the previous Sabbath incident is imminent. This creates narrative tension and anticipation. There is also a subtle **Contrast** established between Jesus' consistent practice of teaching within the synagogue (a place of religious observance) and the impending challenge to the rigid interpretations of that very observance. The simple, factual statement "and there was a man whose right hand was withered" serves as a powerful **Introduction of Conflict**, presenting a clear and undeniable human need that will inevitably clash with the legalistic concerns of the religious leaders present, highlighting the core dilemma of the passage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:6 connects deeply to the broader theological understanding of God's character and the true purpose of His law. It highlights that God's heart is primarily for human flourishing and compassion, not for rigid adherence to rules that neglect human suffering. Jesus' consistent pattern of teaching and healing on the Sabbath demonstrates that the Sabbath was intended as a gift for humanity's well-being and rest, not a burden that prevents acts of mercy. This passage challenges the notion that religious observance can ever supersede the divine imperative to love God and neighbor, particularly the vulnerable. It underscores Jesus' divine authority to interpret and fulfill the Law, revealing its ultimate intent.

* [Matthew 12:9-14](/matthew/12-9-14 "Matthew 12:9-14 - Healing on the Sabbath")
* [Mark 3:1-6](/mark/3-1-6 "Mark 3:1-6 - Healing on the Sabbath")
* [Luke 13:10-17](/luke/13-10-17 "Luke 13:10-17 - Healing a Bent Woman on the Sabbath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:6 invites us to reflect on the nature of true spiritual leadership and the priorities of our faith. Jesus, despite knowing the opposition He would face, consistently placed human need and God's compassionate will above human-made traditions and rigid interpretations. This challenges us to examine our own lives and communities: Do our spiritual practices and traditions truly serve to bring life, healing, and compassion to those around us, or have they become ends in themselves, sometimes even hindering acts of mercy? The man with the withered hand represents the brokenness and suffering present in the world, and Jesus' immediate attention to him reminds us that genuine faith is active and responsive to human pain. We are called to embody Christ's compassion, seeking opportunities to bring restoration and wholeness, even when it means challenging comfortable norms or facing opposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or my community might rigid traditions or rules inadvertently hinder acts of compassion or mercy?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that prioritizes human need and well-being, as Jesus did, even when it challenges conventional thinking?**
* **What "withered" areas might exist in my own spiritual life, and how can I seek Jesus' healing and restoration for them?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important that this event happened "on another sabbath"?**

Answer: The phrase "on another sabbath" is crucial because it highlights a recurring pattern in Jesus' ministry and the escalating tension with the religious authorities. It indicates that the previous Sabbath controversy (where His disciples plucked grain in [Luke 6:1-5](/luke/6-1-5 "Luke 6:1-5 - Disciples Pluck Grain on the Sabbath")) was not an isolated incident. Jesus was consistently challenging the Pharisees' legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath, demonstrating His authority as "Lord even of the sabbath day" [Luke 6:5](/luke/6-5 "Luke 6:5 - Lord of the Sabbath") and emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for man's benefit, not as a burdensome restriction on acts of mercy and good.

**What was the significance of the man's "right hand" being withered?**

Answer: The specific mention of the "right hand" being withered is significant because in ancient cultures, the right hand was typically the dominant hand, used for work, eating, making oaths, and performing daily tasks. A withered right hand would have rendered the man severely disabled, impacting his ability to earn a living, care for himself, and participate fully in society. This detail emphasizes the profound nature of his physical suffering and the immediate, practical impact of his condition, making his need for healing all the more apparent and urgent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:6, with its introduction of Jesus teaching in the synagogue and encountering a man with a withered hand, powerfully foreshadows Christ's ultimate fulfillment of the Sabbath's true purpose and His role as the bringer of complete wholeness. Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath [Luke 6:5](/luke/6-5 "Luke 6:5 - Lord of the Sabbath"), demonstrates that true rest is found not in strict adherence to external regulations, but in Him, who provides spiritual and physical restoration. The withered hand, a symbol of human brokenness, sin, and inability, finds its perfect remedy in Christ. Just as He healed the physical infirmity, so too does He offer healing from the spiritual "witheredness" of sin and alienation from God. He is the one who gives life to dead bones [Ezekiel 37:1-14](/zekiel/37-1-14 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones"), makes the lame walk [Acts 3:1-10](/acts/3-1-10 "Acts 3:1-10 - Peter Heals a Lame Man"), and restores what is broken. His compassionate act on the Sabbath points to the new covenant reality where grace triumphs over rigid law, and where the ultimate rest and peace are found in His finished work on the cross, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him [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

Mark 3:1

¶ And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.

Mark 3:6

And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

Matthew 12:9

And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:

Matthew 12:14

¶ Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

Matthew 4:23

¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

John 5:3

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

Luke 4:31

¶ And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.