Luke 6:9

KJV

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]?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} said {G2036} Jesus {G2424} unto {G4314} them {G846}, I will ask {G1905} you {G5209} one thing {G5101}; Is it lawful {G1832} on the sabbath days {G4521} to do good {G15}, or {G2228} to do evil {G2554}? to save {G4982} life {G5590}, or {G2228} to destroy {G622} it?

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yeshua said to them, "I ask you now: what is permitted on Shabbat? Doing good or doing evil? Saving life or destroying it?"

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”

American Standard Version

And Jesus said unto them, I ask you, Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to destroy it?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 6:9, Jesus confronts the legalistic rigidity of the religious leaders by posing a profound question regarding the true purpose of the Sabbath. Standing before a man with a withered hand, Jesus challenges His observers to consider whether God's holy day is meant for acts of compassion and life-giving, or for the passive allowance of harm and destruction. This pivotal inquiry exposes the spiritual blindness of those who prioritized human tradition over divine love and mercy, asserting the supremacy of human flourishing and God's benevolent character even on the Sabbath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of Sabbath controversies that punctuate Jesus' early ministry in Luke's Gospel, beginning in [Luke 6:1-5](/luke/6-1-5 "Luke 6:1-5 - Jesus and the Disciples Plucking Grain on the Sabbath"). Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus enters a synagogue on another Sabbath, where He encounters a man with a withered right hand. The scribes and Pharisees are intently watching Him, specifically to see if He would heal on the Sabbath, hoping to find grounds for accusation ([Luke 6:7](/luke/6-7 "Luke 6:7 - The Pharisees Watch Jesus")). Jesus, aware of their thoughts, calls the man forward and then poses the direct, piercing question of [Luke 6:9](/luke/6-9 "Luke 6:9 - Jesus' Question on the Sabbath"). This setup highlights the tension between Jesus' compassionate actions and the religious leaders' rigid adherence to their interpretations of the law, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent healing of the man in [Luke 6:10](/luke/6-10 "Luke 6:10 - Jesus Heals the Man with the Withered Hand").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath, a cornerstone of Jewish life and identity, was originally instituted by God as a day of rest and holiness, commemorating creation and the Exodus from slavery ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")). Over centuries, however, rabbinic traditions and interpretations (the "oral law") had accumulated, creating a complex web of prohibitions that often overshadowed the Sabbath's original intent. By Jesus' time, 39 main categories of work were forbidden, with countless sub-categories. Healing, though not explicitly forbidden in the Torah, was considered "work" by many interpretations, unless life was in immediate danger. The Pharisees, a prominent religious sect, were particularly zealous in upholding these traditions, often elevating them to the level of divine law. Jesus' actions and questions directly challenged this man-made legalism, which had become a burden rather than a blessing, and often stifled acts of compassion.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 6:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Jesus' Authority** over the Sabbath, demonstrating His right to interpret and fulfill its true meaning, contrasting with the limited understanding of the religious leaders. It powerfully illustrates the tension between **Legalism and Compassion**, showing that divine law, when rightly understood, always prioritizes human well-being and mercy over rigid adherence to external rules. This passage also highlights the **Nature of True Goodness**, suggesting that inaction in the face of suffering or the prevention of good is, in itself, a form of evil, thereby challenging a passive or indifferent piety. Furthermore, it foreshadows Jesus' ultimate mission to bring **Life and Deliverance**, contrasting His life-giving ministry with the spiritual death caused by legalistic oppression, a theme echoed in His declaration in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Thief Comes to Steal, Kill, and Destroy; I Have Come That They May Have Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lawful (Greek, _éxesti'_):** This term (G1832) comes from a compound meaning "to be out in public," figuratively signifying "it is right" or "it is permissible." Jesus' question directly challenges the Pharisees' understanding of what is "lawful" according to their traditions, shifting the focus from human rules to divine righteousness and the inherent morality of an action. It implies a deeper ethical consideration beyond mere legal adherence.
* **do good (Greek, _agathopoiéō'_):** Derived from "well-doer" (G15), this verb means "to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)," or "to do good (well)." Jesus uses this active verb to emphasize that the Sabbath is not merely a day for abstaining from evil, but for actively pursuing and performing good. It highlights a proactive, benevolent posture, contrasting sharply with the passive or even malicious inaction of His accusers.
* **destroy (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** This verb (G622) means "to destroy fully," "to perish," or "to lose," literally or figuratively. By juxtaposing "to save life" with "to destroy," Jesus equates the Pharisees' desire to prevent healing with an act of destruction. He reveals that failing to do good when good is possible, especially when a life is at stake, is morally equivalent to doing harm. This word choice underscores the gravity of their spiritual blindness and the destructive nature of their legalism.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing;":** Jesus, perceiving the thoughts and intentions of the scribes and Pharisees who were watching Him, takes the initiative. He does not wait for their accusation but preempts it with a direct question. This "one thing" is not a trivial matter but a foundational moral and theological challenge, designed to expose the flaw in their understanding of God's law and His character. It is a rhetorical device to force a clear, undeniable choice.
* **"Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil?":** This is the first half of Jesus' pointed question. He frames the issue in stark moral terms: good versus evil. By presenting this dichotomy, Jesus implies that there is no neutral ground when it comes to the Sabbath and human need. To refrain from doing good when the opportunity arises, especially to alleviate suffering, is implicitly to choose the path of "evil" or at least to allow evil to persist. This challenges the Pharisees' narrow definition of "work" and broadens the understanding of moral responsibility on the holy day.
* **"to save life, or to destroy [it]?":** This second, parallel question clarifies and intensifies the first. It brings the abstract "good" and "evil" into concrete terms of "life" and "destruction." The man with the withered hand represents a life in need of saving, a life that could be restored. To prevent Jesus from healing him would be, in essence, to allow his condition to persist, which Jesus equates with "destroying" or at least neglecting that life. This highlights the ultimate purpose of God's law: to promote life, not to hinder it, and underscores the profound moral stakes involved in their legalistic stance.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:9 masterfully employs **Rhetorical Question** to challenge the religious leaders. Jesus' question is not asked for information, but to provoke thought, expose hypocrisy, and assert a moral truth. The questions "Is it lawful... to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy [it]?" are designed to be unanswerable in their framework, forcing them to confront the illogical and inhumane consequences of their legalism. The use of **Antithesis** is prominent, with stark contrasts like "good" vs. "evil" and "save life" vs. "destroy." This sharp juxtaposition highlights the moral imperative and the clear choice presented by Jesus, emphasizing that there is no middle ground in matters of compassion and human need. The verse also utilizes **Irony**, as those who meticulously observe the Sabbath are revealed to be contemplating an action (preventing healing) that Jesus equates with "destroying life," a profound perversion of the Sabbath's life-giving intent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:9 serves as a powerful theological statement, revealing God's heart for mercy over rigid adherence to human tradition. Jesus' question exposes a fundamental misunderstanding of the Sabbath's purpose, which was given by God for humanity's benefit, not as a burden. The passage underscores the principle that true righteousness is not found in outward conformity to rules, but in an inward disposition of love and compassion that seeks to alleviate suffering and promote life. It challenges believers to align their actions with God's character, which is inherently good and life-giving, and to prioritize the well-being of others, especially the vulnerable, above all else. This incident demonstrates that God's law, when rightly understood, is always subservient to His greater purposes of love and redemption.

* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice")
* [Matthew 12:10-12](/matthew/12-10-12 "Matthew 12:10-12 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath")
* [Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - The Sabbath Was Made for Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:9 compels us to critically examine our own spiritual priorities and practices. Are we, like the Pharisees, sometimes so focused on outward religious observance, tradition, or even personal comfort that we neglect the pressing needs of those around us? Jesus' question challenges us to consider that inaction in the face of suffering or the refusal to do good can be a form of moral failure, akin to doing evil. This verse calls us to a proactive faith that seeks opportunities to bring healing, help, and life to others, even when it might be inconvenient or challenge established norms. True discipleship is characterized by a heart of compassion that prioritizes mercy and human flourishing, recognizing that God's laws are ultimately designed to foster life and love, not to stifle them. We are invited to embody the character of Christ, who consistently chose compassion over legalism, demonstrating that love is the fulfillment of the law.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing rigid rules or personal comfort over acts of compassion and mercy?**
* **How does Jesus' question challenge my understanding of "doing good" versus "doing evil" in my daily interactions?**
* **What opportunities for "saving life" (physically, emotionally, spiritually) might I be overlooking because of my own traditions or busyness?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that actively seeks to do good, even when it is not expected or convenient?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus ask a question instead of just healing the man?**

Answer: Jesus' question in [Luke 6:9](/luke/6-9 "Luke 6:9 - Jesus' Question on the Sabbath") was a strategic and pedagogical choice. He was aware of the Pharisees' thoughts and their intent to accuse Him ([Luke 6:7](/luke/6-7 "Luke 6:7 - The Pharisees Watch Jesus")). Instead of simply performing the healing, which would have confirmed their suspicion and given them immediate grounds for accusation, Jesus posed a rhetorical question designed to expose the absurdity and spiritual bankruptcy of their legalistic mindset. He forced them to confront the moral dilemma directly: Is it more lawful to do good and save a life, or to passively allow harm and destruction, simply to uphold a man-made interpretation of the Sabbath? This question put the onus on them, revealing their hardened hearts and inability to prioritize mercy over tradition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:9 powerfully foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, revealing Him as the ultimate "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Luke 6:5](/luke/6-5 "Luke 6:5 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")) who came not to destroy life but to save it. Jesus' rhetorical question, "Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy [it]?", finds its ultimate fulfillment in His own mission and sacrifice. He came to "save life" in the fullest sense, offering spiritual and eternal life to those who were perishing under the weight of sin and the law. His death on the cross was the ultimate act of "doing good" and "saving life," as He laid down His life to deliver humanity from the destructive power of sin and death ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The legalism of the Pharisees, which would rather see a man suffer than break a tradition, stands in stark contrast to Christ's boundless compassion, which led Him to heal, forgive, and ultimately offer Himself as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated that God's primary desire is not rigid adherence to rules, but the restoration and flourishing of human life, both physically and spiritually, culminating in the new creation He inaugurates ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

Luke 14:3

And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?

Matthew 12:12

How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

Matthew 12:13

Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched [it] forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

Mark 3:4

And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

John 7:19

Did not Moses give you the law, and [yet] none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?

John 7:23

If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?

Luke 9:56

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save [them]. And they went to another village.