Devine Scripture

Luke 6:9

What does Luke 6:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 6:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 6:9 means

Jesus posed a direct question to the scribes and Pharisees, asking whether it is lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to destroy it. This rhetorical question exposes the absurdity of their legalistic mindset, forcing them to confront the inherent moral principle that doing good, especially alleviating suffering, aligns with God's will. He implies that their rigid Sabbath rules, by preventing good, effectively promote harm or neglect, thus missing the true spirit of the law.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jesus said unto them, I ask you, Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to destroy it?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jesus said unto them, I ask you, Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to destroy it?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus said, I put the question to you, Is it right to do good on the Sabbath or to do evil? to give life or to take it away?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then said Jesus unto them, `I will question you something: Is it lawful on the sabbaths to do good, or to do evil? life to save or to kill?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then Jesus said to them: I ask you, if it be lawful on the sabbath days to do good or to do evil? To save life or to destroy?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Jesus therefore said to them, I will ask you if it is lawful on the sabbath to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy [it]?

Context

Immediately after calling the man forward, Jesus directly questions the religious leaders, pressing them to consider the moral implications of their Sabbath interpretations. This pivotal question creates a moment of decision for them, revealing their priorities. It prepares the way for Jesus' demonstration of active compassion, which will expose their refusal to answer and their hardened hearts.

v.8But he knew their thoughts; and he said to the man that had his hand withered, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

v.9This passage

v.10And he looked round about on them all, and said unto him, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 12:12

    How much then is a man of more value than a sheep! Wherefore it is lawful to do good on the sabbath day.

  • Mark 3:4

    And he saith unto them, Is it lawful on the sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

  • Luke 14:3

    And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath, or not?

  • Luke 9:56

    And they went to another village.

  • John 7:19

    Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you doeth the law? Why seek ye to kill me?

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