And they were unableThis phrase highlights the inability of the Pharisees and experts in the law to respond to Jesus' challenge. In the context of
Luke 14, Jesus is at a meal in the house of a prominent Pharisee, and He has just healed a man on the Sabbath. The religious leaders were often unable to counter Jesus' wisdom and authority, as seen in other instances such as
Matthew 22:46, where no one could answer Him a word. This inability underscores the divine wisdom of Jesus, which surpasses human understanding.
to answer
The inability to answer reflects the religious leaders' struggle with the legalistic interpretation of the law versus the spirit of the law. Jesus often posed questions that revealed the heart of God's commandments, focusing on mercy and compassion rather than strict legalism. This is reminiscent of the wisdom literature, such asProverbs 26:4-5, which speaks to the discernment needed in responding to folly. Their silence is a testament to the authority of Jesus' teaching and His understanding of the law.
these questions
The questions Jesus posed were designed to challenge the prevailing interpretations of the law, particularly concerning the Sabbath. In this context, Jesus asked whether it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath, a question that exposed the inconsistency in the Pharisees' application of the law. This echoes the prophetic tradition, where God, through prophets like Isaiah (Isaiah 1:11-17), called for a deeper understanding of the law that emphasized justice and mercy over ritualistic observance. Jesus, as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, embodies this call to a higher righteousness.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus- The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching and challenging the Pharisees and experts in the law.
2.
Pharisees- A religious group known for strict adherence to the law and traditions. They are often depicted in the Gospels as being in opposition to Jesus.
3.
Experts in the Law- Also known as scribes, these individuals were scholars and interpreters of the Jewish law.
4.
Sabbath- The day of rest in Jewish tradition, which is central to the context of this passage as Jesus heals on the Sabbath.
5.
Man with Dropsy- The individual whom Jesus heals, prompting the discussion and questions that the Pharisees cannot answer.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Spirit of the LawJesus challenges us to look beyond the letter of the law to its spirit. The Sabbath was made for man's benefit, not as a burden.
Compassion Over LegalismJesus demonstrates that compassion and mercy should take precedence over rigid adherence to rules. We are called to prioritize love and kindness in our actions.
The Inability to AnswerThe Pharisees' silence highlights the inadequacy of legalism when confronted with the truth of Jesus' teachings. We should be open to the transformative power of Christ's message.
Healing and RestorationJesus' healing on the Sabbath signifies the restoration and wholeness that He brings. We are invited to seek and participate in His healing work in our lives and communities.
Challenging TraditionsJesus often challenged the traditions of His time to reveal deeper truths. We should be willing to examine our own traditions and practices in light of Scripture.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 14:6?
2.How does Luke 14:6 demonstrate Jesus' wisdom in responding to His critics?
3.What does Luke 14:6 teach about handling opposition with grace and truth?
4.How can we apply Jesus' example in Luke 14:6 to modern-day conflicts?
5.What Old Testament principles align with Jesus' response in Luke 14:6?
6.How does Luke 14:6 encourage us to stand firm in our convictions?
7.What does Luke 14:6 reveal about Jesus' authority over religious leaders?
8.How does Luke 14:6 challenge traditional interpretations of the Sabbath?
9.What historical context is essential for understanding Luke 14:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 14?
11.Who do you say I am?
12.Luke 14:31-32: Does Jesus' warfare analogy conflict with other passages (e.g., Matthew 5:9) advocating peace?
13.How does James 4:2-3 reconcile the promise of answered prayer with the many unanswered prayers observed in reality?
14.Did Stephen have the face of an angel?What Does Luke 14:6 Mean
And• The conjunction looks back to Jesus’ pointed challenge inLuke 14:5—“Then He asked them, ‘Which of you whose son or ox falls into a pit will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?’”.
• “And” links their silence to that probing question, showing a direct cause-and-effect: Jesus speaks; they fall quiet (compareLuke 20:26;Mark 3:4).
• The flow reminds us the narrative is continuous, not a detached proverb; truth confronts tradition in real time.
they were• “They” identifies the invited Pharisees and experts in the Law present at the Sabbath meal (Luke 14:1-3).
• These seasoned theologians prided themselves on precise answers (Luke 11:45-46), yet here they sit speechless.
• Their collective response underscores corporate accountability—each could have spoken, none did (seeLuke 6:9‐11).
unable• Inability here is moral as much as intellectual; hard hearts render sharp minds powerless (John 5:40;Hebrews 3:13).
• The same wordlessness fell on others who opposed Jesus: “And they were unable to trap Him in His words… and they fell silent” (Luke 20:26).
• Silence exposes a bankruptcy of truth: they cannot refute compassion without condemning themselves (Micah 6:8;Matthew 12:12).
to answer• Throughout Scripture, failing to answer highlights conviction (Job 32:1;Romans 3:19).
• Jesus’ question was not obscure; it was painfully clear—Is mercy lawful on the Sabbath? Their tradition said “no,” conscience said “yes.”
• Answering would either justify neglect or admit error; both options threatened their authority (Luke 13:17).
these questions.• Plural points to the layered challenge:
– Is rescuing on the Sabbath lawful?
– How much more a suffering man than an animal? (Luke 14:3-5;Mark 3:4)
• By healing the man with dropsy (Luke 14:4), Jesus already demonstrated the right answer.
• Their silence becomes judgment against themselves, fulfillingProverbs 24:11-12—failure to act (or speak) when life and mercy are at stake is sin.
summaryLuke 14:6 spotlights the triumph of truth over tradition. Confronted with Jesus’ undeniable logic and loving action, the religious elite have no comeback. Their silence verifies the goodness of Sabbath mercy and exposes the emptiness of legalism. In every age, when human rules collide with God’s heart, His word renders opposition speechless and calls us to compassionate obedience.
(6)
And they could not answer him again.--The Greek is, perhaps, a little more emphatic--"They
had no power, they were
powerless to answer him."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
AndΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.they were unableἴσχυσαν(ischysan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2480:To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.to answerἀνταποκριθῆναι(antapokrithēnai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 470:To contradict, reply against, give a hostile answer. From anti and apokrinomai; to contradict or dispute.these [ questions ].ταῦτα(tauta)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.
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NT Gospels: Luke 14:6 They couldn't answer him regarding these things (Luke Lu Lk) 
