Devine Scripture

Mark 2:27

What does Mark 2:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 2:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 2:27 means

Jesus then made a foundational declaration: "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath." This profound statement reveals the true purpose of the Sabbath—as a beneficial gift from God designed for humanity's well-being and rest, rather than a burdensome set of rigid rules. It reframes the understanding of this divine institution, prioritizing human flourishing and divine intent over legalistic interpretation, challenging the Pharisees' entire worldview.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said to them, `The sabbath for man was made, not man for the sabbath,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, The sabbath was made on account of man, not man on account of the sabbath;

Context

This verse delivers Jesus' pivotal theological statement concerning the Sabbath, flowing directly from His appeal to the Davidic precedent in verses 25-26. This declaration fundamentally reorients the understanding of the Sabbath, shifting it from a legalistic burden to a benevolent provision for humanity. This crucial statement provides the underlying principle for His final, culminating declaration of His authority over the Sabbath.

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?

v.27This passage

v.28so that the Son of man is lord even of the sabbath.

Cross references

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

  • Ezekiel 20:12

    Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am Jehovah that sanctifieth them.

  • Ezekiel 20:20

    and hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am Jehovah your God.

  • Luke 6:9

    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?

  • Isaiah 58:13

    If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, and the holy of Jehovah honorable; and shalt honor it, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:

  • 1 Corinthians 3:21

    Wherefore let no one glory in men. For all things are yours;

  • Deuteronomy 5:14

    but the seventh day is a sabbath unto Jehovah thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy man-servant and thy maid-servant may rest as well as thou.

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