Mark 2:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the Pharisees {G5330} said {G3004} unto him {G846}, Behold {G2396}, why {G5101} do they {G4160} on {G1722} the sabbath day {G4521} that which {G3739} is {G1832} not {G3756} lawful {G1832}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The P'rushim said to him, "Look! Why are they violating Shabbat?"

Berean Standard Bible

So the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 2:24 captures a pivotal moment of confrontation in Jesus' early ministry, where the Pharisees challenge Him regarding His disciples' actions on the Sabbath. This verse directly quotes their accusation, highlighting their rigid adherence to traditional interpretations of the Law and setting the stage for Jesus' profound teaching on the true purpose of the Sabbath and His own authority over it. It underscores the growing tension between the liberating spirit of the Kingdom of God proclaimed by Jesus and the legalistic framework upheld by the religious establishment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a series of five conflict stories in [Mark's Gospel](/mark/2-1-3-6 "Mark 2:1-3:6 - Five Conflict Stories"), each demonstrating Jesus' authority and clashing with the religious leaders. Specifically, [Mark 2:24](/mark/2-24 "Mark 2:24 - The Pharisees' Accusation") follows immediately after the disciples are observed plucking grain as they walk through a field on the Sabbath ([Mark 2:23](/mark/2-23 "Mark 2:23 - Disciples Pluck Grain on the Sabbath")). While Mosaic Law permitted plucking grain for immediate consumption by a traveler ([Deuteronomy 23:25](/deuteronomy/23-25 "Deuteronomy 23:25 - Eating Grain from a Neighbor's Field")), the Pharisees' extensive oral traditions (Halakha) classified this act as "reaping" and "threshing," forbidden labor on the Sabbath. Their question in [Mark 2:24](/mark/2-24 "Mark 2:24 - The Pharisees' Accusation") is not merely an inquiry but an accusation, designed to trap Jesus and expose what they perceived as a violation of God's Law, as interpreted by their traditions. This sets the stage for Jesus' authoritative response concerning the Sabbath's true purpose and His Lordship over it in the subsequent verses ([Mark 2:25-28](/mark/2-25-28 "Mark 2:25-28 - Jesus' Defense and Claim of Authority")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath, a cornerstone of Jewish life, was established by God as a day of rest and holiness, commemorating creation and the Exodus ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment") and [Deuteronomy 5:12-15](/deuteronomy/5-12-15 "Deuteronomy 5:12-15 - Remember the Sabbath Day")). By the time of Jesus, the Pharisees, a prominent Jewish sect, had developed an elaborate system of oral traditions to define and safeguard Sabbath observance, often exceeding the written Law. They meticulously categorized 39 types of forbidden labor (e.g., reaping, threshing, winnowing), and any activity that could be construed as such was prohibited. This rigid interpretation, while intended to promote holiness, often overshadowed the Sabbath's original intent of rest, refreshment, and mercy. The Pharisees' question in [Mark 2:24](/mark/2-24 "Mark 2:24 - The Pharisees' Accusation") reflects their deep commitment to these traditions and their role as guardians of the Law, viewing any deviation as a serious transgression against God.

* **Key Themes:** The conflict in [Mark 2:24](/mark/2-24 "Mark 2:24 - The Pharisees' Accusation") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **clash between legalism and grace**, where the Pharisees' emphasis on strict, man-made rules stands in stark contrast to Jesus' focus on the spirit of the Law, compassion, and human need. Secondly, it underscores **Jesus' authority**; His response in [Mark 2:25-28](/mark/2-25-28 "Mark 2:25-28 - Jesus' Authority Over the Sabbath") asserts His unique position as the Son of Man, who is "Lord even of the sabbath day" ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")), demonstrating His right to interpret and fulfill the Law. This theme of Jesus' authority is central to Mark, particularly in His teachings, healings, and control over nature and demons. Finally, the passage explores the **true purpose of the Sabbath**, moving beyond mere prohibitions to its original intent as a blessing for humanity, designed for rest and renewal, not as a burden. This re-orientation of the Sabbath's meaning is a recurring motif in the Gospels, often seen in Jesus' healing on the Sabbath, as in [Luke 13:10-17](/luke/13-10-17 "Luke 13:10-17 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pharisees (Greek, _Pharisaîos'_):** Derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to separate," this term refers to a Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and their extensive oral traditions. In the New Testament, they frequently appear as opponents of Jesus, criticizing His perceived disregard for their interpretations of the Law. Their identity as "separatists" underscores their self-perception as uniquely devout and distinct from the common people, often leading to a rigid and judgmental posture.
* **Behold (Greek, _íde'_):** This interjection, often translated as "lo!" or "see!", is used here to draw attention to the perceived transgression. It functions as an exclamation of surprise or accusation, indicating the Pharisees' shock and disapproval at the disciples' actions. It sets a confrontational tone, demanding an explanation from Jesus.
* **Not lawful (Greek, _ou éxesti'_):** This phrase combines the absolute negative particle _ou_ ("no" or "not") with _exesti_ ("it is permitted" or "it is right"). Together, they emphatically declare that the disciples' actions are "not permitted" or "not right" according to the Pharisees' legalistic framework. It signifies a judgment based on their interpretation of the Law, particularly their oral traditions concerning Sabbath observance, rather than necessarily on the explicit written Law of Moses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Pharisees said unto him,"**: This opening clause establishes the source of the challenge. The Pharisees, as the self-appointed guardians of the Law and tradition, are the ones initiating the confrontation with Jesus. Their direct address to Jesus indicates that they hold Him responsible for His disciples' actions, implying a challenge to His teaching and authority.
* **"Behold,"**: This interjection serves as an emphatic call to attention. It highlights the gravity with which the Pharisees view the situation, signaling their surprise, indignation, and the seriousness of their accusation. It is a rhetorical device to underscore the perceived blatant violation.
* **"why do they on the sabbath day"**: This is the core of the accusation, a pointed question demanding justification. The phrase "on the sabbath day" specifies the context of the alleged transgression, emphasizing that the disciples' actions are problematic precisely because they occurred on the day designated for rest and holiness. The "why" seeks an explanation for what the Pharisees consider an unlawful act.
* **"that which is not lawful?"**: This concluding phrase articulates the very essence of the Pharisees' objection. It directly states their judgment: the disciples' actions are a violation of what is permissible according to their understanding of the Law. This question is not an innocent inquiry but a loaded challenge, designed to expose Jesus' perceived laxity or even rebellion against established religious norms.

#### Literary Devices
Mark employs **Direct Discourse** in this verse, quoting the Pharisees' question verbatim, which immediately immerses the reader in the tension of the scene and highlights the direct confrontation between Jesus and His critics. This use of direct speech makes the accusation feel immediate and personal. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Foil** to Jesus' subsequent teaching; the Pharisees' rigid, legalistic question serves to contrast sharply with Jesus' compassionate and authoritative reinterpretation of the Sabbath's purpose in the verses that follow ([Mark 2:25-28](/mark/2-25-28 "Mark 2:25-28 - Jesus' Defense of His Disciples")). The question itself is a form of **Rhetorical Question**, not seeking information but rather implying a clear condemnation and challenging Jesus' leadership and interpretation of the Law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 2:24 encapsulates the fundamental conflict between a legalistic understanding of God's commands and a grace-centered approach rooted in divine intention and human flourishing. The Pharisees' accusation reveals a system where external observance and man-made traditions had supplanted the spirit of the Law, turning the Sabbath from a blessing into a burdensome obligation. Jesus' subsequent response (Mark 2:27-28) directly challenges this, asserting that the Sabbath was made for humanity, not humanity for the Sabbath, and that He, as the Son of Man, holds ultimate authority over it. This passage thus serves as a powerful theological statement on the nature of true righteousness, emphasizing mercy and necessity over rigid adherence to rules, and highlighting Jesus' divine prerogative to redefine and fulfill the Law.

* [Matthew 12:1-8](/matthew/12-1-8 "Matthew 12:1-8 - Jesus and the Sabbath")
* [Luke 6:1-5](/luke/6-1-5 "Luke 6:1-5 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Mark 2:24 challenges us to critically examine our own spiritual lives and the traditions we uphold. Are we, like the Pharisees, sometimes so focused on external rules and regulations that we miss the heart of God's commands—His desire for mercy, love, and justice? This passage calls us to move beyond a superficial legalism to a deeper understanding of God's purposes, recognizing that true faith is not merely about what we do or don't do, but about the posture of our hearts and our relationship with Christ. It encourages us to prioritize compassion and human flourishing, especially when faced with conflicting interpretations of religious duty. Ultimately, it invites us to submit to Jesus' authority as the ultimate interpreter of God's will, finding true freedom and rest in Him rather than in the endless pursuit of perfect external performance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or faith tradition might I be prioritizing rigid rules over the spirit of God's commands, similar to the Pharisees?**
* **How does Jesus' teaching on the Sabbath challenge my understanding of rest, work, and worship?**
* **Am I quick to judge others based on my interpretations of what is "lawful" or "unlawful," or do I seek to understand their context and needs with compassion?**
* **How can I better align my life with Jesus' authority and His gracious interpretation of God's will?**

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

Answer: The Pharisees were upset because they interpreted the disciples' actions as "work" forbidden on the Sabbath. While the Mosaic Law in [Deuteronomy 23:25](/deuteronomy/23-25 "Deuteronomy 23:25 - Eating from a Neighbor's Field") permitted a traveler to pluck grain from a neighbor's field for immediate consumption, the Pharisees had developed an extensive oral tradition (Halakha) that categorized 39 types of labor prohibited on the Sabbath. They viewed plucking grain as "reaping" and rubbing it in their hands as "threshing" or "winnowing"—activities that fell under their strict prohibitions. Their concern was not with the act itself, but with its performance on the holy day of rest, as defined by their elaborate system of rules.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 2:24, with its Pharisaic accusation, sets the stage for Jesus to reveal Himself as the ultimate fulfillment of the Sabbath's true meaning and purpose. The Pharisees, in their legalistic zeal, had burdened the Sabbath with countless man-made restrictions, obscuring God's original intent for it to be a day of rest, refreshment, and blessing for humanity. Jesus, however, declares in [Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath") that "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath day." This profound statement reveals that the Sabbath finds its true rest and meaning not in rigid adherence to rules, but in the person of Christ Himself. He is the one who provides true spiritual rest for weary souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), the one who frees us from the bondage of legalism and sin ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")), and the one through whom God's purposes for humanity are perfectly realized. The conflict over the Sabbath foreshadows the greater truth that salvation and righteousness are found not in human works or adherence to external laws, but in the finished work of Christ, who is our Sabbath rest ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The True Sabbath Rest")). He is the Lord of all, including the Sabbath, embodying the grace and truth that the Law could only point towards ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus 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

Exodus 20:10

But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates:

Hebrews 12:3

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

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.

Mark 2:7

Why doth this [man] thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

Isaiah 56:4

For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose [the things] that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

Exodus 31:15

Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

Isaiah 56:6

Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;