Mark 2:25

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?

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}?

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

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

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?

In Mark 2:25, Jesus responds to the Pharisees' accusation against His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath. He challenges their rigid interpretation of the law by referencing a well-known Old Testament account involving King David, highlighting that human need can supersede strict ritualistic observance.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion in Mark chapter 2 regarding Jesus' authority and His approach to the Sabbath. The Pharisees, strict interpreters of Mosaic Law, accused Jesus' disciples of breaking the Sabbath by plucking and eating grain as they passed through a field. Jesus counters their legalism by drawing a parallel to an event in the life of King David, a revered figure in Jewish history. He refers to the time when David, fleeing from Saul and in dire hunger, ate the sacred showbread from the tabernacle, which was lawfully reserved only for priests (see 1 Samuel 21:1-6).

Key Themes

  • Mercy Over Ritual: Jesus' argument underscores that God's law, particularly the Sabbath, was intended for the well-being of humanity, not as an oppressive burden. The principle of mercy and meeting genuine human need takes precedence over strict adherence to ceremonial rules.
  • Necessity and Compassion: Both David and the disciples were acting out of necessity due to hunger. Jesus uses David's accepted action to illustrate that certain circumstances, like genuine need, can justify actions that would otherwise be considered unlawful according to a narrow interpretation of the law. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice" (Matthew 12:7).
  • Jesus' Authority: By citing and interpreting scripture in this manner, Jesus subtly asserts His authority not only as a teacher but as the one who understands the true intent of God's law. He culminates this argument by declaring Himself "Lord also of the sabbath" (Mark 2:28).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Have ye never read" (Greek: Oudeptote anegnōte) is a rhetorical question, often used by Jesus to challenge the Pharisees' presumed knowledge of the scriptures. It implies that despite their diligent study, they had missed the deeper spiritual meaning and intent behind the very laws they claimed to uphold, particularly the principle of compassion embedded within God's law.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to understand the spirit of God's law rather than merely adhering to its letter. It teaches us to prioritize compassion, human well-being, and genuine need over rigid legalism or religious traditions that might inadvertently become burdensome. It calls us to reflect God's heart of mercy and to seek to meet the practical needs of others, recognizing that true godliness involves love and compassion in action.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

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