What does Luke 6:3 mean?

Explanation

The verse from Luke 6:3, "And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;" is a response to a challenge by the Pharisees regarding the conduct of Jesus' disciples.

The disciples had been picking and eating grains on the Sabbath, which the Pharisees considered a violation of the Sabbath law.

Jesus refers them to an incident in the life of King David described in the Old Testament, where David and his companions, when hungry, ate the consecrated bread from the temple, which was technically not lawful for them to eat.

Through this, Jesus emphasizes the importance of human need over ritualistic adherence to law.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written against the backdrop of first-century Jewish society, where the observance of the Sabbath was a central aspect of religious life.

The Pharisees, as strict adherents to the Mosaic Law, often challenged Jesus regarding his interpretation of the Law.

The historical incident Jesus refers to is found in 1 Samuel 21, where David, fleeing from King Saul, and his men eat the showbread from the temple, which was reserved for the priests.

Theological Insights

This verse is often cited in theological discussions regarding the interpretation of religious law, emphasizing the principle of compassion and mercy over legalistic adherence.

From a Christian viewpoint, Jesus is seen as the Lord of the Sabbath, having authority to interpret its observance. His argument suggests that the Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can be applied to situations where strict adherence to rules may conflict with human compassion and common sense.

It teaches that in some cases, human need should take precedence over religious or social customs.

This could apply to areas such as healthcare, where workers might have to attend to emergencies irrespective of religious observations like the Sabbath.

Cross-References

• 1 Samuel 21:1-6 - The historical event where David and his men ate the consecrated bread.
• Matthew 12:3-4 - Another account of the same teaching by Jesus.
• Mark 2:25-26 - Mark's version of the same exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees.
• Hosea 6:6 - "For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

• "hungred" (πεινάω - peinaō): to be hungry, to suffer want.
• "answering" (ἀποκρίνομαι - apokrinomai): to give an answer to a question proposed, to answer.
• "read" (ἀναγινώσκω - anaginōskō): to know again, to read.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In cultural and religious comparative studies, this verse can be examined alongside instances in other religions where there is a tension between religious duty and human need.

For example, in the Jewish tradition, the principle of "pikuach nefesh" dictates that preserving human life overrides virtually any other religious rule.

Similarly, Islamic Shari'a has provisions for necessities that can override standard restrictions.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective may not directly apply to the interpretation of this biblical verse.

However, the concept of human needs such as hunger can be understood within the context of human biology and psychology. It acknowledges that basic human needs often take precedence over cultural or religious norms, which aligns with Maslow's hierarchy of needs in psychological theory.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse offer various insights:

• Some emphasize the humanity of Jesus in understanding the basic needs of his disciples.
• Others point out Jesus' challenge to legalistic interpretations of Scripture, highlighting his emphasis on the spirit rather than the letter of the law.
• Scholars like William Barclay note Jesus's use of a rabbinic argument style known as "qal v'chomer" (light and heavy), wherein a lighter case is used to justify a heavier case; here, the lesser violation of David is used to justify the disciples' actions.
• Many also discuss Jesus’s role in reinterpreting the Sabbath laws, suggesting the incident foreshadows the New Covenant's approach to the Law.