Luke Chapter 14 · Verse 5
And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
2 of 23
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
πρὸς
them
G4314
πρὸς
them
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 23
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,
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Τίνος
Which
G5101
Τίνος
Which
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
6 of 23
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
βοῦς
an ox
G1016
βοῦς
an ox
Strong's:
G1016
Word #:
10 of 23
an ox (as grazing), i.e., an animal of that species ("beef")
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
φρέαρ
a pit
G5421
φρέαρ
a pit
Strong's:
G5421
Word #:
12 of 23
a hole in the ground (dug for obtaining or holding water or other purposes), i.e., a cistern or well; figuratively, an abyss (as a prison)
ἐμπεσεῖται,
fallen
G1706
ἐμπεσεῖται,
fallen
Strong's:
G1706
Word #:
13 of 23
to fall on, i.e., (literally) to be entrapped by, or (figuratively) be overwhelmed with
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὴ
G3588
τὴ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρᾳ
day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
21 of 23
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
Historical Context
Jewish law permitted rescuing animals on the Sabbath (Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 128b). Even strict Pharisees agreed on this. Jesus' argument parallels His earlier defense (Luke 13:15-16) where He noted they watered animals on the Sabbath yet objected to healing humans. The comparison isn't demeaning humans but highlighting the Pharisees' misplaced priorities—they valued animals' temporary comfort over humans' permanent healing. This exposes how religious systems can invert values, elevating minor matters while ignoring major mercies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' argument reveal the Pharisees' selective application of Sabbath law?
- What does this teach about God's priorities—mercy triumphs over sacrifice (James 2:13)?
- In what ways might contemporary Christianity similarly prioritize tradition over compassion?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus presses His argument: 'And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?' Again Jesus 'answered' though they remained silent—He addresses their unspoken objections. His question appeals to their own practice: they would rescue an animal on the Sabbath without hesitation. The phrase 'straightway' (εὐθέως, eutheōs, immediately) emphasizes they wouldn't delay until sunset. If animal welfare justifies Sabbath work, how much more does human healing? This argument from lesser to greater (qal vachomer) was standard rabbinic reasoning. Jesus uses their own logic to expose their inconsistency.