Mark Chapter 2 · Verse 25
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?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 19
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
ἔλεγεν
he said
G3004
ἔλεγεν
he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 19
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
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
7 of 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐποίησεν
did
G4160
ἐποίησεν
did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 19
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
χρείαν
need
G5532
χρείαν
need
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
11 of 19
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
ἔσχεν
he had
G2192
ἔσχεν
he had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
12 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπείνασεν
was an hungred
G3983
ἐπείνασεν
was an hungred
Strong's:
G3983
Word #:
14 of 19
to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 19
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 19
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 #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
David's encounter with Ahimelech at Nob occurred during flight from Saul's jealousy. David asked for food; Ahimelech offered showbread. David and his men ate it without divine rebuke. Jesus cited this incident to show that mercy and human need override ceremonial restrictions. Jewish rabbis recognized exceptions to Sabbath law: saving life, circumcision on eighth day, temple service. Jesus extends this principle—if ceremonial law yields to necessity, Sabbath regulations should accommodate legitimate needs.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' appeal to David teach you to read Scripture with grace-oriented priorities?
- When does concern for religious propriety cause you to neglect genuine human need?
- What does this passage reveal about interpreting Old Testament law in light of Christ's priorities?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus responds to Pharisaic accusation by appealing to Scripture: 'Have ye never read what David did?' This rhetorical question implies the Pharisees, Scripture experts, missed the text's obvious implications. Jesus references 1 Samuel 21:1-6, where David ate consecrated bread reserved for priests. David's action technically violated ceremonial law, yet Scripture doesn't condemn him—necessity and God's mercy trump ceremonial restrictions. Jesus' argument proceeds from lesser to greater: if David's need justified eating consecrated bread, how much more do Jesus' disciples' needs justify plucking grain? Reformed theology emphasizes that moral law's heart supersedes ceremonial applications when they conflict.