Mark 2:26
How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
Original Language Analysis
πῶς
How
G4459
πῶς
How
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
1 of 32
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 32
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκον
the house
G3624
οἶκον
the house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
5 of 32
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 32
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐπὶ
in the days
G1909
ἐπὶ
in the days
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 32
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερέως
the high priest
G749
ἀρχιερέως
the high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
11 of 32
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προθέσεως
G4286
προθέσεως
Strong's:
G4286
Word #:
16 of 32
a setting forth, i.e., (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the temple) as exposed before god
οὓς
which
G3739
οὓς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
18 of 32
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔξεστιν
is
G1832
ἔξεστιν
is
Strong's:
G1832
Word #:
20 of 32
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
23 of 32
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔδωκεν
gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
27 of 32
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
28 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
30 of 32
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
Cross References
2 Samuel 8:17And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;1 Chronicles 24:6And Shemaiah the son of Nethaneel the scribe, one of the Levites, wrote them before the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and before the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites: one principal household being taken for Eleazar, and one taken for Ithamar.1 Samuel 21:1Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?
Historical Context
The showbread (לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים, 'bread of the Presence') consisted of twelve loaves representing Israel's tribes, placed weekly on the golden table, eaten by priests when replaced. David's eating it demonstrated that human survival takes precedence—the very principle Jesus applies. The reference to 'Abiathar' presents a textual challenge—1 Samuel 21:1 identifies Ahimelech (Abiathar's father). Solutions include: 'in the days of Abiathar' referring to his era broadly, or both serving together.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's mercy toward David's violation demonstrate that law's purpose is redemptive?
- In what areas do you prioritize religious ritual over genuine human need?
- What does this passage teach about God's heart for mercy over sacrifice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus provides historical specificity: David entered 'the house of God' during 'Abiathar the high priest.' He 'did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests,' and 'gave also to them which were with him.' David didn't merely eat forbidden bread himself but shared it with his men—compounding the ceremonial violation. Despite this, Scripture records no divine judgment, suggesting God prioritized mercy and human need over ceremonial restriction. Jesus' point is powerful: if God excused David's violation to meet physical hunger, how much more does Jesus have authority to permit disciples to pluck grain on Sabbath for legitimate need?