Devine Scripture

Luke 6:3

What does Luke 6:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 6:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 6:3 means

Jesus responded to the Pharisees by reminding them of David's actions when he and his companions were hungry. He pointed to a scriptural precedent where the literal interpretation of the law was set aside due to pressing human need. By citing David, a revered king and man after God's own heart, Jesus subtly challenged the Pharisees' rigid understanding of the Sabbath, implying that their legalistic approach missed the deeper intent of God's commands regarding compassion and necessity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read even this, what David did, when he was hungry, he, and they that were with him;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read even this, what David did, when he was hungry, he, and they that were with him;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus said, Have you not seen in the Writings what David did when he was in need of food, he, and those who were with him;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus answering said unto them, `Did ye not read even this that David did, when he hungered, himself and those who are with him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus answering them, said: Have you not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was hungry and they that were with him:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus answering said to them, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did when he hungered, he and those who were with him,

Context

After the Pharisees' accusation, Jesus immediately counter-questions them by referencing a well-known Old Testament account. This serves as Jesus' initial defense and sets up His argument that human need can sometimes take precedence over ceremonial law. This historical example forms the basis for His larger declaration about His authority.

v.2But certain of the Pharisees said, Why do ye that which it is not lawful to do on the sabbath day?

v.3This passage

v.4how he entered into the house of God, and took and ate the showbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat save for the priests alone?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 2:25

    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?

  • Matthew 21:16

    and said unto him, Hearest thou what these are saying? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea: did ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

  • 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 12:3

    But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him;

  • Mark 12:10

    Have ye not read even this scripture: The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner;

  • Matthew 19:4

    And he answered and said, Have ye not read, that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,

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