New International VersionJesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?”
New Living TranslationJesus asked the Pharisees and experts in religious law, “Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?”
English Standard VersionAnd Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?”
Berean Standard BibleSo Jesus asked the experts in the law and the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?”
Berean Literal BibleAnd Jesus answering, spoke to the lawyers and to the Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?"
King James BibleAnd Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?
New King James VersionAnd Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
New American Standard BibleAnd Jesus responded and said to the lawyers and Pharisees, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?”
NASB 1995And Jesus answered and spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?”
NASB 1977And Jesus answered and spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Jesus answered and spoke to the scholars of the Law and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?”
Amplified BibleAnd Jesus asked the lawyers and the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?”
Christian Standard BibleIn response, Jesus asked the law experts and the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleIn response, Jesus asked the law experts and the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?”
American Standard VersionAnd Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath, or not?
Contemporary English VersionJesus turned and asked the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law of Moses, "Is it right to heal on the Sabbath?"
English Revised VersionAnd Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath, or not?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJesus reacted by asking the Pharisees and the experts in Moses' Teachings, "Is it right to heal on the day of worship or not?"
Good News Translationand Jesus spoke up and asked the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees, "Does our Law allow healing on the Sabbath or not?"
International Standard VersionSo Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the Law, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?"
NET BibleSo Jesus asked the experts in religious law and the Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?"
New Heart English BibleJesus, answering, spoke to the Law scholars and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?"
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Jesus answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath?
Weymouth New TestamentThis led Jesus to ask the lawyers and Pharisees, "Is it allowable to cure people on the Sabbath?" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Jesus asked the experts in the law and the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
World English BibleJesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Jesus answering spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
Berean Literal BibleAnd Jesus answering, spoke to the lawyers and to the Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?"
Young's Literal Translation and Jesus answering spake to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, 'Is it lawful on the sabbath-day to heal?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jesus having answered, said to those skilled in the law and the Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to cure in the sabbath? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Jesus answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying: Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd responding, Jesus spoke to the experts in the law and to the Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath?”
New American BibleJesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?”
New Revised Standard VersionAnd Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees, “Is it lawful to cure people on the sabbath, or not?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Jesus answered and said to the scribes and Pharisees, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath?
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd Yeshua answered and said to the Scribes and to the Pharisees, “Surely it is legal to heal on the Sabbath.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd Jesus answered and spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying: Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath-day?
Godbey New TestamentAnd Jesus responding spoke to the theologians and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath-day, or not? and they were silent.
Haweis New Testament
And Jesus addressing himself to the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, spake, saying, Is it lawful to perform cures on the sabbath?
Mace New Testament
Jesus therefore addressing himself to the doctors of the law, and to the Pharisees, said, is it allowable to perform a cure on the sabbath-day? to which they made no answer.
Weymouth New Testament
This led Jesus to ask the lawyers and Pharisees, "Is it allowable to cure people on the Sabbath?"
Worrell New Testament
And, answering, Jesus spake to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying,"Is it lawful on the sabbath to heal or not?"
Worsley New Testament
And Jesus spake to the expounders of the law andto the pharisees, saying,Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath-day?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Heals a Man with Dropsy… 2Right there before Him was a man with dropsy. 3SoJesusaskedtheexperts in the lawandthe Pharisees,“Is it lawfulto healon theSabbathornot?”4But they remained silent. Then Jesus took hold of the man, healed him, and sent him on his way.…
Cross References Matthew 12:10-12and a man with a withered hand was there. In order to accuse Jesus, they asked Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” / He replied, “If one of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? / How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
Mark 3:4And He asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” But they were silent.
John 5:16-18Now because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews began to persecute Him. / But Jesus answered them, “To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working.” / Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
Matthew 22:34-40And when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they themselves gathered together. / One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with a question: / “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?” ...
Mark 12:28-34Now one of the scribes had come up and heard their debate. Noticing how well Jesus had answered them, he asked Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” / Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. / Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ...
Luke 6:9Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”
John 7:23If a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses will not be broken, why are you angry with Me for making the whole man well on the Sabbath?
Exodus 20:8-11Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant or livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates. ...
Deuteronomy 5:12-15Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest as you do. ...
Isaiah 58:13-14If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable, if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words, / then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Matthew 9:10-13Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. / When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” / On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ...
Hosea 6:6For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
Micah 6:6-8With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? / Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? / He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Matthew 23:23Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
Mark 2:27-28Then Jesus declared, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. / Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Treasury of Scripture And Jesus answering spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? the lawyers. Luke 11:44,45 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk overthem are not awareof them… Is. Luke 6:9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroyit? Luke 13:14-16 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day… Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which hadhis hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. Jump to Previous AllowableCureDoctorsExpertsHealJesusLawLawyersPhariseesRightSabbathSabbath-DayScribesJump to Next AllowableCureDoctorsExpertsHealJesusLawLawyersPhariseesRightSabbathSabbath-DayScribesLuke 14 1.Jesus heals the dropsy on the Sabbath;7.teaches humility;12.to feast the poor;15.under the parable of the great supper,23.shows how worldly minded men shall be shut out of heaven.25.Those who will be his disciples, to bear their cross must make their accounts beforehand,31.lest with shame they revolt from him afterward;34.and become altogether unprofitable, like salt that has lost its flavor.So Jesus asked the experts in the law and the PhariseesIn this passage, Jesus is addressing the religious leaders of His time, specifically the Pharisees and the experts in the law, also known as scribes. These individuals were well-versed in the Mosaic Law and held significant influence over Jewish religious practices. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the law and traditions, often adding their interpretations and rules. Jesus frequently engaged with them to challenge their understanding and application of the law, highlighting their legalism and lack of compassion. This encounter takes place during a meal at the house of a prominent Pharisee, a setting that underscores the tension between Jesus and the religious elite. “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?”
The question posed by Jesus directly addresses the interpretation of the Sabbath law. According to the Mosaic Law, the Sabbath was a day of rest, and work was prohibited (Exodus 20:8-11). However, the Pharisees had developed extensive regulations defining what constituted work, often leading to rigid and burdensome restrictions. Healing was considered work by many Pharisees, and thus, they viewed it as a violation of the Sabbath. Jesus' question challenges their understanding of the law, emphasizing the spirit rather than the letter of the law. By asking this, Jesus highlights the importance of mercy and compassion over strict legalism. This question also connects to other instances where Jesus healed on the Sabbath (e.g.,Luke 13:10-17,John 5:1-18), demonstrating His authority over the law and His role as the Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:27-28). Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching and challenging the religious leaders of His time. He often used questions to provoke thought and reveal deeper truths. 2. Experts in the LawThese were the scribes or teachers of the Jewish law, well-versed in the Torah and responsible for interpreting and teaching the law to the people. 3. PhariseesA religious and political group known for strict adherence to the law and traditions. They often clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the law, especially concerning the Sabbath. 4. SabbathA day of rest and worship observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, as commanded in the Ten Commandments. It was a central aspect of Jewish religious life. 5. HealingThe act of restoring health, which Jesus frequently performed, often leading to discussions about the appropriateness of such acts on the Sabbath. Teaching Points The Heart of the LawJesus challenges us to understand the spirit behind God's commandments. The law is meant to promote love, mercy, and justice, not just rigid adherence. Compassion Over LegalismJesus demonstrates that acts of compassion and mercy should not be restricted by legalistic interpretations. Our actions should reflect God's love and care for others. Sabbath as a GiftThe Sabbath is a gift for rest and renewal, not a burden. It should be a time to focus on God and serve others, reflecting His character. Questioning for GrowthJesus uses questions to provoke thought and self-examination. We should be open to questioning our own beliefs and practices to align more closely with God's will. Balancing Tradition and TruthWhile traditions can be valuable, they should not overshadow the truth of God's word. We must discern when traditions hinder our relationship with God and others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 14:3?
2.How does Luke 14:3 challenge our understanding of Sabbath laws and compassion?
3.What does Jesus' question in Luke 14:3 reveal about His authority and wisdom?
4.How can we apply Jesus' example in Luke 14:3 to modern-day ethical dilemmas?
5.In what ways does Luke 14:3 connect to other healing accounts in the Gospels?
6.How should Luke 14:3 influence our actions toward others on the Sabbath?
7.What does Luke 14:3 reveal about Jesus' view on healing on the Sabbath?
8.How does Luke 14:3 challenge traditional interpretations of Sabbath laws?
9.Why did Jesus question the Pharisees and experts in the law in Luke 14:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 14?
11.Luke 14:3–4: How can Jesus justify healing on the Sabbath, when Old Testament law (Exodus 20:8–11) seems strict about keeping it holy?
12.What were the key events in Jesus' trials?
13.Who was the tenth disciple of Jesus in the list of twelve? Thaddaeus (Matthew 10: 1-4; Mark 3:13 -19) Judas son of James is the corresponding name in Lukes gospel (Luke 6:12-16)
14.Luke 7:36-50 - How does the anointing of Jesus by a sinful woman align, or conflict, with other anointing accounts in the Gospels regarding location, timing, and participants?What Does Luke 14:3 Mean So Jesus askedJesus takes the initiative. He is not intimidated by the religious elite; He turns the spotlight on their hearts. Just as inMatthew 12:10 andMark 3:4 (both), He begins the conversation rather than waiting to be put on the defensive. His question is a gracious invitation for them to consider God’s intent behind the Law, not merely its letter.
the experts in the law and the PhariseesThese men knew every Sabbath regulation, yet they missed the heart of the Lawgiver (compareJohn 5:39-40;Matthew 23:23). By addressing both “experts in the law” and “Pharisees,” Jesus exposes a united front of legalism that valued tradition above mercy. Their silence inLuke 14:4 shows they sensed the trap but were unwilling to concede.
“Is it lawful”Jesus frames the issue as a legal question to reveal that true legality flows from God’s character of compassion (Micah 6:8). InMatthew 22:36-40 He teaches that all commandments hang on love for God and neighbor. If love is absent, even strict adherence becomes law-breaking in God’s eyes.
to healHealing is an act of restoration, mirroring God’s original design (Isaiah 35:5-6).Acts 10:38 describes Jesus as “healing all who were oppressed by the devil,” underscoring that sickness is part of the fallen order Christ came to overturn. By focusing on healing, Jesus highlights the Sabbath’s purpose: refreshment and wholeness (Exodus 23:12).
on the SabbathThe Sabbath was made for man’s good (Mark 2:27).Nehemiah 9:13-14 shows God gave the Sabbath as a gift, not a burden. Yet centuries of added regulations turned it into a yoke. Jesus demonstrates that the day set aside to honor God must also reflect His mercy.
or not?The question forces a clear choice: align with God’s compassionate kingdom or cling to man-made restrictions. Similar “either/or” challenges appear inJoshua 24:15 and1 Kings 18:21. Silence is itself a decision—and inLuke 14:4 their refusal to answer reveals hardened hearts.
summaryLuke 14:3 shows Jesus lovingly confronting legalism by asking whether it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath. His question exposes the experts’ distorted priorities, reaffirms the Sabbath’s merciful intent, and invites all hearers to embrace God’s heart of compassion over rigid tradition. (3) Unto the lawyers.--See Note on Matthew 22:35. The teaching of our Lord is identical in substance, and nearly so in form, with that in Luke 6:6-11, Matthew 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6. Here, however, it will be noticed, our Lord takes the initiative in the controversy, whereas before the scribes and Pharisees had asked Him the question. Possibly some report of what had then passed had reached the ears of those who were now present, and caused them to be silent both before and after the question. Verse 3. - And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? And the Heart-reader read their thoughts, and in a moment he saw all and understood all, and answered the unasked question of his host and the assembled guests by putting to them another query which went to the root of the whole were matter which they pondering in their evil hearts.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Soκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.askedἀποκριθεὶς(apokritheis)Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 611:From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.theτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.experts in the lawνομικοὺς(nomikous)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3544:From nomos; according to law, i.e. Legal; as noun, an expert in the law.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[the] Pharisees,Φαρισαίους(Pharisaious)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5330:Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.“Is it lawfulἜξεστιν(Exestin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1832:It is permitted, lawful, possible.to healθεραπεῦσαι(therapeusai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2323:From the same as therapon; to wait upon menially, i.e. to adore, or to relieve.on theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Sabbathσαββάτῳ(sabbatō)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4521:The Sabbath, a week.orἢ(ē)Conjunction
Strong's 2228:Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.not?”οὔ(ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.
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NT Gospels: Luke 14:3 Jesus answering spoke to the lawyers (Luke Lu Lk) |
