Mark 3:4
And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 16
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
Ἔξεστιν
Is it lawful
G1832
Ἔξεστιν
Is it lawful
Strong's:
G1832
Word #:
4 of 16
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σάββασιν
on the sabbath days
G4521
σάββασιν
on the sabbath days
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
6 of 16
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
κακοποιῆσαι
to do evil
G2554
κακοποιῆσαι
to do evil
Strong's:
G2554
Word #:
9 of 16
to be a bad-doer, i.e., (objectively) to injure, or (genitive) to sin
ψυχὴν
life
G5590
ψυχὴν
life
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
10 of 16
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
σῶσαι
to save
G4982
σῶσαι
to save
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
11 of 16
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Jewish rabbinic tradition debated Sabbath healing. General consensus: save life on Sabbath (pikuach nefesh), but postpone non-emergency healing. Jesus rejects this logic. His question 'to save life or to kill' gains irony from Pharisees plotting His death (v. 6)—violating the sixth commandment while claiming Sabbath zeal. Early Christians emphasized mercy over ritual.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' question challenge false dichotomy between doing good and religious rule-keeping?
- Where do you treat inaction as neutral when Jesus calls it evil?
- What does this reveal about the true purpose of God's commands?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus poses a question exposing twisted priorities: 'Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill?' The question is profound—refusing to do good when opportunity exists is doing evil; failing to save life when possible is taking life. Jesus establishes moral binary: inaction isn't neutral. The Sabbath's purpose is doing good and preserving life. The irony is devastating: Pharisees plot Jesus' murder (v. 6) while condemning Him for healing! 'They held their peace' (ἐσιώπων) indicates guilty silence. Reformed theology emphasizes law's purpose is love.