Mark 2:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, that he {G846} went {G3899} through {G1223} the corn fields {G4702} on {G1722} the sabbath day {G4521}; and {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101} began {G756}, as they went {G3598}{G4160}, to pluck {G5089} the ears of corn {G4719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One Shabbat Yeshua was passing through some wheat fields; and as they went along, his talmidim began picking heads of grain.

Berean Standard Bible

One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain as they walked along.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 2:23 introduces a pivotal moment where Jesus and His disciples pass through grain fields on the Sabbath, and the disciples begin to pluck heads of grain to eat. This seemingly simple act precipitates a direct confrontation with the Pharisees, who accuse the disciples of violating the Sabbath law. The incident sets the stage for Jesus' profound teaching on the true purpose of the Sabbath and His own authority over it, challenging the rigid legalism of the religious leaders and emphasizing God's heart for human need and mercy over man-made traditions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the beginning of the third major conflict narrative in Mark's Gospel (Mark 2:1-3:6), following earlier disputes over Jesus' authority to forgive sins and His association with sinners. Mark 2:23 directly precedes Jesus' definitive declaration that "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - The Sabbath Made for Man")). This incident, along with the subsequent healing of the man with a withered hand on the Sabbath ([Mark 3:1-6](/mark/3-1-6 "Mark 3:1-6 - Healing on the Sabbath")), frames Jesus' teaching on the Sabbath as a central point of contention with the religious establishment, highlighting His reinterpretation of the Law and His divine authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath, commanded in the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")), was a cornerstone of Jewish life and identity. Over centuries, rabbinic traditions and interpretations, particularly those developed by the Pharisees, had expanded the biblical prohibitions into a vast system of detailed rules designed to prevent any violation of the Sabbath rest. These traditions, often codified in the Mishnah, defined specific categories of prohibited work, including harvesting, threshing, winnowing, and preparing food. The act of plucking grain, though seemingly minor, was interpreted by the Pharisees as a form of harvesting, and rubbing it in their hands to eat was seen as threshing and winnowing, thus violating their strict interpretations of the Sabbath law.
* **Key Themes:** This passage is crucial for developing several key themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Jesus' authority**, particularly His authority over the Mosaic Law and the traditions of men. He does not abolish the Sabbath but redefines its application, positioning Himself as its ultimate interpreter and Lord. Secondly, it highlights the conflict between **God's compassionate intent for the Law and human legalism**. The Pharisees' rigid adherence to external rules, often at the expense of human need and mercy, is sharply contrasted with Jesus' emphasis on the spirit of the Law. This incident also foreshadows the **growing opposition** Jesus faces from the religious authorities, which will ultimately lead to His crucifixion, as His ministry consistently challenges their established power structures and interpretations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sabbath (Greek, _sábbaton'_):** This term, derived from the Hebrew word for "rest," refers to the seventh day of the week, consecrated by God as a day of cessation from labor and a time for worship and remembrance of His creation and deliverance. In the context of Mark 2:23, _sábbaton_ signifies not just a day, but the complex body of laws and traditions surrounding its observance, which had become a source of contention between Jesus and the Pharisees. The Pharisees' interpretation focused on strict prohibitions against work, while Jesus emphasizes its original purpose for human well-being and spiritual renewal.
* **to pluck (Greek, _tíllō'_):** This verb means "to pull off" or "to pluck off," specifically referring to the act of picking individual ears of grain by hand. The simplicity of this action is important; it implies a casual, immediate satisfaction of hunger, not a systematic agricultural operation. The Pharisees, however, categorized this small act as a form of "harvesting," which was forbidden work on the Sabbath according to their elaborate oral traditions. The choice of this word highlights the triviality of the "offense" in contrast to the severity of the Pharisees' accusation.
* **ears of corn (Greek, _stáchys'_):** This refers to the head of grain, such as wheat or barley, which was a staple crop in ancient Israel. The KJV's "corn" should not be confused with modern maize; it simply means grain. The disciples were plucking these heads of grain, likely rubbing them between their hands to separate the kernels from the chaff before eating. This detail underscores the basic human need (hunger) that prompted their action, setting up the subsequent theological discussion about the Sabbath's purpose in relation to human welfare.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day;"**: This opening clause establishes the setting and timing of the incident. Jesus, accompanied by His disciples, is traveling through cultivated fields, likely on a public path that traversed agricultural land. The crucial detail is "on the sabbath day," immediately signaling to the Jewish audience that the actions that follow will be scrutinized through the lens of Sabbath law. The phrase "it came to pass" (Greek _ginomai_) simply indicates an event unfolding, introducing the narrative.
* **"and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn."**: This second clause describes the specific action that triggers the controversy. The disciples, presumably hungry from their journey, spontaneously begin to pick heads of grain as they walk. The act of "plucking" (`tíllō`) suggests a casual, immediate need rather than a planned harvesting activity. This seemingly innocuous act, however, was deemed a violation of the Sabbath by the Pharisees, who considered it a form of "reaping" or "harvesting," thus setting the stage for the ensuing confrontation regarding the interpretation and application of the Sabbath law.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs several literary devices in this verse to set the scene for the unfolding conflict. **Foreshadowing** is evident as this seemingly minor act immediately signals an impending confrontation with the religious authorities, which will escalate throughout Jesus' ministry. The **juxtaposition** of the disciples' simple, natural act of satisfying hunger with the rigid, man-made interpretations of the Sabbath law highlights the core tension of the narrative. Furthermore, the scene serves as a **catalyst** for Jesus' subsequent teaching, demonstrating His authority not merely through miracles but through His authoritative interpretation of God's law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 2:23 serves as a foundational text for understanding Jesus' approach to the Law and His divine authority. It highlights the tension between the spirit of God's commands and the letter of human traditions. The Sabbath, divinely instituted for rest, worship, and human flourishing, had become burdened by an oppressive system of rules that obscured its original intent. Jesus' defense of His disciples, and His subsequent declaration, reveal that God's heart is for mercy and the well-being of humanity, not for rigid adherence to man-made regulations that stifle compassion. This incident underscores that true righteousness is found in loving God and neighbor, rather than in outward conformity to legalistic interpretations.

* [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment"): The original divine command for Sabbath observance, emphasizing rest and holiness.
* [Matthew 12:1-8](/matthew/12-1-8 "Matthew 12:1-8 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath"): The parallel account in Matthew, where Jesus also references David's eating of the showbread and quotes Hosea 6:6, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice."
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice"): A prophetic declaration that God values mercy and knowledge of Him more than ritual sacrifice, a principle Jesus applies to the Sabbath debate.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 2:23 compels us to critically examine our own understanding and practice of faith. Are we, like the Pharisees, prone to elevating human traditions or rigid interpretations above the compassionate heart of God? This passage challenges believers to prioritize genuine human need, mercy, and the spirit of God's commands over legalistic adherence to rules that may have lost their original divine intent. It reminds us that true worship and obedience should liberate, not burden, and that our faith should lead us to greater love for God and neighbor. We are called to live by principles of grace and compassion, understanding that God's desire is for our flourishing, not for us to be enslaved by endless regulations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or faith practice might I be prioritizing rigid rules or traditions over compassion and human need?**
* **How does Jesus' example in this passage challenge my understanding of what it means to be truly "holy" or "righteous"?**
* **What is the true purpose of the Sabbath (or any spiritual discipline) in my life, and am I experiencing it as a blessing or a burden?**

### FAQ
**What does "corn fields" mean in this context?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "corn fields" refers to fields of grain, such as wheat or barley, which were common crops in ancient Israel. It does not refer to maize, which is what Americans typically call "corn" today. The disciples were plucking the heads of these grains.

**Why was plucking ears of grain on the Sabbath considered a transgression?**

Answer: While the Old Testament permitted plucking grain from a neighbor's field for immediate consumption ([Deuteronomy 23:25](/deuteronomy/23-25 "Deuteronomy 23:25 - Right to Pluck Grain")), the Pharisees' extensive oral traditions had expanded the Sabbath prohibitions. They interpreted the act of plucking as "reaping" and the rubbing of the grain in one's hands as "threshing" or "winnowing," all of which were considered forms of work forbidden on the Sabbath. Jesus' subsequent teaching challenges this man-made interpretation, asserting that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit, not as a restrictive burden.

**What was Jesus' main point in allowing His disciples to do this?**

Answer: Jesus' main point, articulated in the verses that follow ([Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - The Sabbath Made for Man")), is that "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." He demonstrates that human need and mercy take precedence over rigid legalistic interpretations of the Law. He highlights that the Sabbath's purpose is to provide rest and blessing for humanity, and that He, as the Son of Man, has ultimate authority to interpret and fulfill the Law's true intent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 2:23, while seemingly a simple narrative of conflict, profoundly points to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Sabbath and the ultimate source of true rest. The Sabbath, in its essence, was a shadow of the rest God intended for His people ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The True Sabbath Rest")). Jesus, as the "Lord even of the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")), embodies this ultimate rest. He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for spiritual rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). His actions on the Sabbath demonstrate that His ministry prioritizes human flourishing and divine mercy over the letter of the law, foreshadowing His greater work of liberating humanity from the bondage of sin and legalism. Through His atoning sacrifice, He offers a complete and eternal rest from the striving of works, fulfilling all the Law's requirements and inviting believers into a new covenant where the shadows of the Old Testament, including the Sabbath, find their substance in Him ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow and Reality")). He is our true Sabbath, the one who provides spiritual nourishment and freedom.

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 12:1

¶ 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.

Deuteronomy 23:24

When thou comest into thy neighbour's vineyard, then thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put [any] in thy vessel.

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.

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.

Luke 6:5

And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.