Luke Chapter 14 · Verse 3

Authorized King James Version

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And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀποκριθεὶς answering G611
ἀποκριθεὶς answering
Strong's: G611
Word #: 2 of 16
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦς Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 4 of 16
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
εἶπεν spake G2036
εἶπεν spake
Strong's: G2036
Word #: 5 of 16
to speak or say (by word or writing)
πρὸς unto G4314
πρὸς unto
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 6 of 16
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τοὺς G3588
τοὺς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νομικοὺς the lawyers G3544
νομικοὺς the lawyers
Strong's: G3544
Word #: 8 of 16
according (or pertaining) to law, i.e., legal (ceremonially); as noun, an expert in the (mosaic) law
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 9 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Φαρισαίους Pharisees G5330
Φαρισαίους Pharisees
Strong's: G5330
Word #: 10 of 16
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
λέγων, saying G3004
λέγων, saying
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 11 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἐι Is it G1487
Ἐι Is it
Strong's: G1487
Word #: 12 of 16
if, whether, that, etc
Ἔξεστιν lawful G1832
Ἔξεστιν lawful
Strong's: G1832
Word #: 13 of 16
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαββάτῳ on the sabbath day G4521
σαββάτῳ on the sabbath day
Strong's: G4521
Word #: 15 of 16
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
θεραπεύειν to heal G2323
θεραπεύειν to heal
Strong's: G2323
Word #: 16 of 16
to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus takes the initiative: 'And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?' Though no one had spoken, Jesus 'answering' (ἀποκριθεὶς, apokritheis) responds to their unspoken thoughts and hostile intentions. He addresses 'the lawyers and Pharisees'—experts in religious law who should know Scripture's true meaning. His question 'Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?' (Ἔξεστιν τῷ σαββάτῳ θεραπεῦσαι ἢ οὔ; Exestin tō sabbatō therapeusai ē ou;) forces them to declare their position publicly. The question is brilliantly framed—answering 'yes' contradicts their tradition; answering 'no' exposes their cruelty.

Historical Context

Jewish Sabbath law, as interpreted by Pharisees, permitted healing only when life was immediately threatened. This man's chronic condition didn't qualify as life-threatening emergency. Jesus consistently challenged this restrictive interpretation, arguing that the Sabbath was made for human benefit, not human burden (Mark 2:27). His Sabbath healings demonstrated that God's rest celebrates His redemptive work, making the Sabbath the perfect day for liberation and restoration. The lawyers' (νομικοί, nomikoi, legal experts) presence indicates this was a formal gathering where Jesus' teaching would be scrutinized.

Questions for Reflection