Mark 2:24
And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
3 of 14
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 14
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
Ἴδε
G1492
Ἴδε
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 14
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τί
why
G5101
τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
7 of 14
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιοῦσιν
do they
G4160
ποιοῦσιν
do they
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 14
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σάββασιν
the sabbath day
G4521
σάββασιν
the sabbath day
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
11 of 14
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
ὃ
that which
G3739
ὃ
that which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Exodus 20:10But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:Hebrews 12:3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.Matthew 12:2But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.
Historical Context
Pharisaic Sabbath regulations prohibited 39 categories of work, each subdivided into detailed prohibitions. Plucking grain potentially violated harvesting, threshing, and winnowing. Rubbing grain in hands could constitute 'grinding.' These regulations extended biblical law beyond its intent. The Pharisees' question reveals their assumption that oral traditions carried divine authority equal to written Torah. Jesus consistently challenged this, appealing to Scripture over tradition.
Questions for Reflection
- When do you use biblical knowledge as a weapon to criticize rather than build up?
- How do you discern when concerns about 'lawfulness' reflect genuine conviction versus legalism?
- What motivates your questions about others' practices—genuine concern or desire to judge?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Pharisees challenge Jesus: 'Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?' Their question assumes the disciples violated Sabbath law. The word 'behold' draws attention dramatically. The phrase 'not lawful' appeals to legal precedent and tradition. The Pharisees don't question Jesus directly but accuse His disciples, attempting to undermine His authority. This tactic appears repeatedly—opponents attack Jesus indirectly. Their concern wasn't genuine compassion for Sabbath honor but desire to discredit Jesus. Reformed theology notes that legalists emphasize external conformity while missing the law's spiritual purpose.