Mark Chapter 2 · Verse 28
Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Original Language Analysis
ὥστε
Therefore
G5620
ὥστε
Therefore
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 10
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
κύριός
Lord
G2962
κύριός
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
2 of 10
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
5 of 10
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Revelation 1:10I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,Ephesians 1:22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,Matthew 12:8For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.John 9:14And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
Historical Context
Pharisees developed elaborate Sabbath regulations (39 categories of forbidden work in Mishnah) to 'fence' the law, making accidental violation impossible. Plucking grain heads while walking (Mark 2:23) violated their oral tradition, though not explicit Torah. Their system made Sabbath oppressive rather than restful. Jesus appeals to David eating showbread (1 Samuel 21:1-6), arguing from lesser to greater: if David's physical need justified ritual violation, how much more the Messiah's authority supersedes ceremonial law? This challenged scribal interpretive supremacy, threatening their religious authority structure.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's lordship over Sabbath free you from both legalism and license?
- Do your Sundays reflect restful worship in Christ or anxious religious performance?
Analysis & Commentary
'Therefore the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath' asserts Jesus' sovereignty over the fourth commandment. The Sabbath, instituted at creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and codified in the Decalogue (Exodus 20:8-11), was God's gift showing His lordship over time. By claiming lordship over Sabbath, Jesus claims divine authority. The conjunction 'therefore' (hōste) connects to verse 27: 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.' Jesus reverses Pharisaic priorities, showing Sabbath serves humanity's good under God's design, not as burdensome legalism. As Lord of Sabbath, Christ determines its proper observance. Reformed theology sees the moral law (Ten Commandments) as eternally binding but fulfilled in Christ, who is our Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9-10). The weekly Sabbath principle continues as worship on the Lord's Day, commemorating resurrection.