What does Luke 6:2 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 6:2 occurs in the context of an event described in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus is passing through a grainfield with his disciples on the Sabbath. As they walk through, the disciples pluck ears of grain, rub them in their hands, and eat the kernels.

Some Pharisees, who were a religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law, challenge Jesus on this act by his disciples, stating that what they are doing is not lawful on the Sabbath.

In this account, the Pharisees are invoking the Jewish law that prohibits work on the Sabbath.

They interpret the disciples' actions as harvesting, which was considered work and, therefore, not permitted on this holy day.

The deeper meaning unfolds as Jesus uses this incident to teach about the nature of the Sabbath, its intention, and his own authority over religious tradition and law.

Historical Context

The Sabbath is a day of rest, a holy day for the Jewish people, that commemorates God's day of rest after six days of creation.

The observance of the Sabbath is dictated in the Old Testament and was governed by strict rules that determined what could and could not be done on that day.

By the time of Jesus, these rules had been elaborated upon by religious leaders, adding many specifics to what constituted 'work.' The Pharisees were particularly known for their rigid observance of the law and often confronted Jesus on matters of the law and tradition.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints approach this verse and the incident it describes in various ways:

Some view it as an illustration of Jesus challenging legalism.

He emphasizes the spirit of the law rather than a literal, strict interpretation that fails to account for human need. 2.

Other theologians might focus on the lordship of Jesus over the Sabbath, as he later explains in Luke 6:5, "The Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath." 3.

A third perspective could be that Jesus brings a more humane interpretation to the law, prioritizing mercy and necessity over ritual observance, which is also seen in his other healings and actions performed on the Sabbath.

Practical Applications

This verse, along with the surrounding narrative, encourages us to consider the following applications in daily life:

Prioritize human need and well-being over legalistic adherence to rules. 2.

Understand the underlying principles behind religious observances and traditions. 3.

Recognize that lawful and ethical considerations should be balanced with compassion and common sense. 4.

Embrace the freeing aspect of Jesus' teachings, which invites believers to a restful relationship with God, unburdened by the legalism.

Cross-References

• Mark 2:23-28 - Another account of this same story.
• Matthew 12:1-8 - Matthew's version of this event.
• Exodus 20:8-11 - The Sabbath commandment.
• Deuteronomy 23:25 - Allowing the plucking of heads of grain by hand.

Language Study

In the original language (Greek), the phrase "not lawful" is ἔξεστιν (exestin), which means "it is not lawful" or "forbidden." In the context of the Sabbath, it contains implications of religious and ethical legality established by Jewish tradition.

"Sabbath" is σάββατον (sabbaton), translated from the Hebrew "Shabbat," the seventh day designated for rest and worship.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, many cultures had days of rest or festival days where certain activities were curtailed.

However, the Jewish Sabbath is particularly unique in its weekly occurrence and strictness of observance. The idea of a divine rest influencing human practice may have no direct parallel in other ancient myths but does share the theme of sacred time with several cultures.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific perspectives might not directly intersect with the notion of Sabbath observance since it's primarily a religious and cultural practice.

However, contemporary research in psychology and health does stress the importance of regular rest and ceasing from labor, which aligns with the intended benefit of the Sabbath to human well-being.

Commentaries

Commentators and scholars offer varied insights on Luke 6:2:

Albert Barnes notes that the disciples were not technically reaping or preparing food as prohibited by the law, but the Pharisees extended the interpretation of the law to trivial things. 2.

John Gill discusses how the disciples' actions should be viewed as a deed of necessity and mercy, which the Sabbath law did not intend to prevent. 3.

The Pulpit Commentary points out that the real intention behind the law was to ensure rest and refreshment from labor, rather than an excuse to impose additional burdens upon people.