Devine Scripture

Mark 2:25

What does Mark 2:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 2:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 2:25 means

Jesus responded to their accusation by asking if they had never read the account of King David, who, along with his companions, ate the showbread when he was in need and hungry. This was an act normally forbidden for anyone but priests. Jesus uses this historical example from 1 Samuel 21:1-6 to demonstrate that mercy and human need can, in certain circumstances, take precedence over strict legalistic interpretations of the Law.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, Have you no knowledge of what David did, when he had need and was without food, he, and those who were with him?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said to them, `Did ye never read what David did, when he had need and was hungry, he and those with him?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: Have you never read what David did when he had need and was hungry, himself and they that were with him?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, Have ye never read what David did when he had need and hungered, he and those with him,

Context

This verse is Jesus' initial counter-argument to the Pharisees' accusation in verse 24. By citing David's actions, Jesus appeals to a revered figure in Jewish history and implicitly points out that exceptions to ritual law were recognized for human necessity. This historical precedent sets the stage for Jesus' larger theological statements about the Sabbath's purpose and His authority over it, which follow in the next verses.

v.24And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?

v.25This passage

v.26How he entered into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the showbread, which it is not lawful to eat save for the priests, and gave also to them that were with him?

Cross references

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

  • Luke 10:26

    And he said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

  • 1 Samuel 21:3

    Now therefore what is under thy hand? give me five loaves of bread in my hand, or whatsoever there is present.

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