Mark 3:2
And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρετήρουν
they watched
G3906
παρετήρουν
they watched
Strong's:
G3906
Word #:
2 of 11
to inspect alongside, i.e., note insidiously or scrupulously
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 11
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
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σάββασιν
on the sabbath day
G4521
σάββασιν
on the sabbath day
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
6 of 11
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
θεραπεύσει
he would heal
G2323
θεραπεύσει
he would heal
Strong's:
G2323
Word #:
7 of 11
to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 11
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
Cross References
Psalms 37:32The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.Luke 14:1And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.Luke 6:7And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.Luke 20:20And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.Matthew 12:10And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.John 9:16Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.Daniel 6:4Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
Historical Context
Pharisaic Sabbath tradition permitted healing only if life was immediately threatened. Non-emergency healing could wait. Since the withered hand wasn't life-threatening, they expected Jesus to postpone healing. This trap-setting demonstrates spiritual blindness—witnessing divine power yet seeking to destroy its source. This pattern escalates throughout Mark, culminating in crucifixion.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways do you scrutinize others' actions to find fault rather than celebrating God's work?
- How can theological knowledge become a weapon that opposes Christ?
- What does this passage reveal about prioritizing tradition over mercy?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The religious leaders 'watched him'—imperfect tense indicating continuous, intense observation suggesting hostile scrutiny. They monitored Jesus to see 'whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.' Their purpose was accusation—formal legal charge, revealing hearts opposed to Jesus despite witnessing His power. They prioritized tradition over mercy. Their question wasn't whether Jesus could heal but whether He would violate Sabbath regulations. Reformed theology warns that unconverted religious people can be gospel's fiercest opponents.