What does Luke 6:1 mean?

Explanation

Luke 6:1 refers to an event where Jesus and His disciples were passing through a field of grain on the Sabbath, a day reserved for rest according to Jewish law.

His disciples, being hungry, began to pluck heads of grain, rub them in their hands to separate the grain from the chaff, and eat them.

This verse sets the stage for a discussion on the observance of the Sabbath and religious legalism versus human need and compassion.

The phrase "the second sabbath after the first" specifies the time but has been debated among scholars regarding its exact meaning. The core of the verse's deeper meaning lies in the emphasis on human need over strict adherence to religious rules, a theme Jesus addresses in the ensuing verses.

Historical Context

At the time of this narrative, Jewish society was highly structured around the observance of the Torah Law, which included keeping the Sabbath day holy.

The Pharisees, a Jewish religious sect, strongly emphasized the law's strict observance, including myriad interpretations that governed what could and could not be done on the Sabbath.

Plucking and eating grains might have been considered a form of reaping and threshing, which were work activities prohibited on the Sabbath.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse reinforces Jesus' teachings that prioritize mercy, human need, and the spirit of the law over rigid legalism.

It offers insight into the character of Jesus as one who challenges existing religious norms to emphasize love and compassion.

Different denominational viewpoints may interpret this scene as showcasing Christ's lordship over the Sabbath, His challenge to religious authority, or His foreshadowing of a New Covenant between God and humanity.

Practical Applications

The practical teachings from this verse include the importance of assessing rules and traditions against the measure of love and human dignity.

Christians are encouraged to consider the impact of their actions on others and to choose compassion over formalistic adherence to religious practices. The principle can be applied to situations where laws or customs might be at odds with the immediate needs of individuals.

Cross-References

• Matthew 12:1-2: "[...] Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day."
• Mark 2:23-24: "[...] Why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?"
• Exodus 20:8-10: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. [...] but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work [...]."
• 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."

Language Study

The key word in the original Greek text of this verse is "σάββατον" (sabbaton), meaning "Sabbath," which is a transliteration of the Hebrew "Shabbat," the day of rest.

Additionally, the phrase "δευτεροπρώτῳ" (deuteroproto), translated as "the second sabbath after the first," is unique and somewhat ambiguous in its precise meaning, leading to various interpretations among biblical scholars.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Jewish Sabbath, with its restrictions on work, was unique among ancient religious practices where other cultures may not have had such strict weekly rest days.

However, many ancient cultures practiced agricultural rites and had codes concerning the treatment of crop fields. The act of Jesus’ disciples plucking grains can be compared to the biblical allowance in Deuteronomy 23:25 and contrasts with more rigid interpretations of Sabbath observance.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of health and human well-being support the idea that strict adherence to rules should not compromise basic human needs such as hunger.

From a nutritional standpoint, this verse also touches on the rudimentary processing of grain by hand, which is a simple, albeit laborious, way to make the grain edible without modern technology.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various interpretations of this passage.

Some stress the moral and ethical teachings of Jesus, pointing out the disciples' necessity and hunger.

Others focus on the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities as a central theme.

Still, others debate the correct interpretation of the term "deuteroproto." Classic commentaries like those of Matthew Henry or John Gill elaborate on the notion of the Sabbath being made for man, not man for the Sabbath, underscoring Jesus' higher authority in interpreting the law.