Mark 2:25

KJV

And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he {G846} said {G3004} unto them {G846}, Have ye never {G3763} read {G314} what {G5101} David {G1138} did {G4160}, when {G3753} he had {G2192} need {G5532}, and {G2532} was an hungred {G3983}, he {G846}, and {G2532} they that were with {G3326} him {G846}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to them, "Haven't you ever read what David did when he and those with him were hungry and needed food?

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need?

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Did ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was hungry, he, and they that were with him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 2:25, Jesus defends His disciples against the Pharisees' accusation of breaking the Sabbath by plucking grain. He challenges their rigid legalism by invoking the Old Testament account of King David, who, in a time of genuine necessity and hunger, ate the consecrated showbread, an act ordinarily reserved for priests. This reference underscores Jesus' argument that human need and compassion take precedence over strict ritualistic observance, ultimately pointing to His own authority as the Lord of the Sabbath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a series of five conflict stories in [Mark 2:1-3:6](/mark/2-1-3-6 "Conflicts with Religious Authorities"), where Jesus' actions and teachings repeatedly clash with the religious establishment, particularly the Pharisees. Preceding this incident, Jesus has demonstrated His authority to forgive sins and heal the paralytic ([Mark 2:1-12](/mark/2-1-12 "Healing the Paralytic")), called Levi the tax collector ([Mark 2:13-17](/mark/2-13-17 "Call of Levi")), and addressed the question of fasting ([Mark 2:18-22](/mark/2-18-22 "Question About Fasting")). The present confrontation occurs as Jesus and His disciples walk through grain fields on the Sabbath, and the disciples pluck heads of grain to eat. The Pharisees immediately seize upon this as a violation of Sabbath law, setting the stage for Jesus' defense and His profound statement about His authority over the Sabbath.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, especially under the influence of the Pharisees, meticulously observed the Sabbath. While Mosaic Law permitted plucking grain for immediate consumption when passing through a field ([Deuteronomy 23:25](/deuteronomy/23-25 "Deuteronomy 23:25 - Plucking Grain")), the Pharisees' interpretation of Sabbath law considered such an act a form of "harvesting" or "threshing," which was forbidden work. Jesus' counter-argument draws upon a well-known historical event recorded in [1 Samuel 21:1-6](/1_samuel/21-1-6 "1 Samuel 21:1-6 - David and the Showbread"), where David, fleeing from King Saul and in desperate hunger, ate the consecrated showbread from the Tabernacle. This bread was holy, placed before the Lord, and legally reserved only for priests ([Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5-9 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - Law of the Showbread")). Jesus' use of this precedent highlights a tension between rigid adherence to ritual law and the principle of human need and divine mercy, a tension often overlooked by His accusers.

* **Key Themes:** This passage significantly contributes to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. One prominent theme is **Jesus' Authority over the Law and the Sabbath**. By citing and reinterpreting a revered Old Testament event, Jesus asserts His right to define the true intent of God's commands, culminating in His declaration in [Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath") that the Son of Man is "Lord also of the sabbath." Another crucial theme is **Mercy Over Ritualism**. Jesus' argument implies that God's laws, including the Sabbath, were given for the benefit and well-being of humanity, not as oppressive burdens. The principle of genuine human need and compassion, as seen in David's situation and the disciples' hunger, takes precedence over a narrow, legalistic interpretation of the law. This aligns with the prophetic call for mercy over sacrifice found in [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice"), a theme Jesus reiterates in [Matthew 12:7](/matthew/12-7 "Matthew 12:7 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **read (Greek, _anaginṓskō'_):** This verb, derived from *anagnosis* (to know again), means "to read" or "to recognize again." In this context, Jesus' rhetorical question, "Have ye never read," implies more than mere literacy or recitation of scripture. It challenges the Pharisees' comprehension and application of what they had read, suggesting they had failed to grasp the deeper spiritual principles and the true intent behind the Law, particularly concerning mercy and human need.
* **David (Hebrew, _Dabíd'_):** Referring to the revered King David, this name carries immense weight in Jewish tradition. By invoking David, Jesus appeals to an unimpeachable authority figure in their own history. David's actions, even when seemingly violating ritual law, were understood as justified by necessity and divine favor, providing a powerful precedent that the Pharisees could not easily dismiss without undermining their own veneration of David.
* **was an hungred (Greek, _peináō'_):** This verb signifies a state of genuine, pressing physical hunger or famine. The emphasis on "hunger" highlights the necessity that drove both David's action and the disciples' act of plucking grain. It underscores that the actions were not wanton disregard for the Law but responses to a fundamental human need, a condition that, in God's eyes, can legitimately modify the application of certain ritualistic commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,"**: This phrase marks Jesus' direct response to the Pharisees' accusation. It signals a pivotal moment where Jesus, instead of simply defending His disciples, turns the tables and challenges the Pharisees' understanding of the Law itself, using their own revered scriptures.
* **"Have ye never read what David did,"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question. Jesus is not asking if they are illiterate, but rather challenging their presumed expertise in the Scriptures. He implies that despite their diligent study, they have failed to grasp the true spirit and intent of the Law, particularly as exemplified by a foundational figure like David. This question serves to expose their spiritual blindness and legalistic rigidity.
* **"when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?"**: This clause sets forth the specific circumstances of David's action, drawing a direct parallel to the disciples' situation. The emphasis on "need" and "hunger" (genuine necessity) is crucial. Jesus highlights that David's act, though technically a violation of ritual law, was justified by dire circumstances and the principle of preserving life. By including "he, and they that were with him," Jesus directly parallels the disciples' shared hunger and David's concern for his companions, further strengthening His defense.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent **Literary Devices** in this verse to challenge His accusers and convey His message. The most prominent is a **Rhetorical Question**: "Have ye never read...?" This is not a request for information but a forceful challenge to the Pharisees' self-proclaimed authority and knowledge of the Scriptures. It implies that despite their meticulous study, they have missed the profound spiritual truths embedded within the very texts they claim to uphold, specifically the principle of mercy over rigid legalism. Furthermore, Jesus uses **Allusion** and **Typology** by referencing the account of David. David, as Israel's most revered king, serves as a powerful precedent. His actions, though seemingly violating ritual law, were understood as justified by necessity, thus creating a "type" or pattern for understanding the spirit of the Law. This also functions as a form of **Argumentum ad Hominem** (in a positive sense), where Jesus uses an example from their own accepted tradition to dismantle their argument, forcing them to confront the inconsistency of their own interpretations. Finally, there is an element of **Irony** as the religious experts, who pride themselves on their scriptural knowledge, are shown to be ignorant of its deeper meaning by the very one they accuse of breaking the Law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly shapes our understanding of God's Law and the nature of true righteousness. Jesus' argument fundamentally reorients the purpose of the Law from a rigid set of external regulations to a framework intended for human flourishing, rooted in God's compassionate character. He demonstrates that while God's commands are holy and good, their ultimate aim is not to burden humanity but to guide it towards life and well-being. When the letter of the law conflicts with the spirit of compassion and genuine human need, the latter takes precedence, reflecting God's desire for mercy over sacrifice. This reinterpretation highlights Jesus' authority not merely as a prophet but as the one who fully understands and embodies the divine intent behind the Law, challenging the legalistic traditions that had obscured God's heart.

* [1 Samuel 21:1-6](/1_samuel/21-1-6 "1 Samuel 21:1-6 - David and the Showbread")
* [Matthew 12:1-8](/matthew/12-1-8 "Matthew 12:1-8 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a powerful corrective to any tendency towards legalism or rigid adherence to religious traditions that might overshadow the core principles of love, compassion, and human well-being. It calls believers to cultivate a heart that prioritizes genuine need and mercy, understanding that the spirit of God's law is always aimed at life and flourishing, not oppression or unnecessary burden. We are challenged to examine our own interpretations of spiritual rules and traditions, ensuring that they align with God's heart of compassion rather than becoming ends in themselves. True godliness is not found in outward conformity alone, but in a deep understanding of God's character and a willingness to extend grace and practical help to those in need, just as Jesus did. This requires discernment, wisdom, and a constant return to the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive love for humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or my community might I be prioritizing rigid rules or traditions over genuine human need and compassion?**
* **How does Jesus' reinterpretation of the Sabbath challenge my understanding of religious observance and freedom in Christ?**
* **In what ways can I better reflect God's heart of mercy in my daily interactions, rather than adhering to a strict, uncompassionate interpretation of spiritual principles?**

### FAQ
**Why was David's action considered permissible, even though he ate consecrated bread?**

Answer: David's action was considered permissible due to extreme necessity and hunger. The Law, while strict about the showbread being for priests only ([Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5-9 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - Law of the Showbread")), also recognized the principle of preserving life. Jesus' argument implies that God's law, at its heart, is for the good of humanity, and in cases of dire need, the spirit of the law (mercy, preservation of life) can supersede the letter of the ritualistic command. The priests themselves, who would have been the guardians of this law, did not condemn David, suggesting an implicit understanding that necessity could justify such an act.

**What is the significance of Jesus referencing King David in this context?**

Answer: Referencing King David was highly significant because David was the most revered figure in Jewish history, a man after God's own heart ([Acts 13:22](/acts/13-22 "Acts 13:22 - David, a Man After God's Own Heart")). By using David as a precedent, Jesus put the Pharisees in a difficult position: they could not condemn David without undermining their own tradition, yet accepting David's action meant they had to reconsider their condemnation of Jesus' disciples. It demonstrated that even the most esteemed figures in their history had acted on principles of necessity and mercy, implicitly challenging the Pharisees' rigid legalism and highlighting Jesus' own authority to interpret the Law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Mark 2:25](/mark/2-25 "Mark 2:25 - Jesus' Defense of His Disciples"), while seemingly a simple defense of His disciples, powerfully points to the person and work of Christ. Jesus is not merely citing an Old Testament precedent; He is revealing Himself as the ultimate fulfillment and Lord of the Sabbath. His declaration in [Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath") that "the Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath" establishes His divine authority over the very Law given by God. Unlike David, who acted out of necessity as a man, Jesus acts with inherent authority as God incarnate, the one who created the Sabbath for humanity's good ([Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "The Sabbath Was Made for Man")). He is the one greater than the temple ([Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Something Greater Than the Temple")) and greater than David, who fulfills the true intent of the Law by embodying God's mercy and compassion. Just as David provided bread for his hungry companions, Jesus is the true Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")), who provides ultimate spiritual nourishment and liberation from the bondage of legalism, offering rest to those who are weary and heavy-laden ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). His actions demonstrate that His mission is to bring life and healing, prioritizing human flourishing over rigid adherence to external rules, thereby perfectly manifesting the heart of God.

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

1 Samuel 21:3

Now therefore what is under thine hand? give [me] five [loaves of] bread in mine hand, or what there is present.

1 Samuel 21:6

So the priest gave him hallowed [bread]: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.

Luke 10:26

He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

Matthew 22:31

But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,

Matthew 19:4

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female,

Mark 12:20

Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.

Matthew 21:42

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?