New International VersionJesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?
New Living TranslationJesus replied, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry?
English Standard VersionAnd Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him:
Berean Standard BibleJesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?
Berean Literal BibleAnd Jesus answering, said to them, "Not even have you read this, that which David did when he himself was hungry, and those who were with him:
King James BibleAnd Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;
New King James VersionBut Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him:
New American Standard BibleAnd Jesus, answering them, said, “Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him,
NASB 1995And Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him,
NASB 1977And Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him,
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him,
Amplified BibleJesus replied to them, “Have you not even read [in the Scriptures] what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him—
Christian Standard BibleJesus answered them, “Haven’t you read what David and those who were with him did when he was hungry—
Holman Christian Standard BibleJesus answered them, “Haven’t you read what David and those who were with him did when he was hungry—
American Standard VersionAnd Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read even this, what David did, when he was hungry, he, and they that were with him;
Contemporary English VersionJesus answered, "You surely have read what David did when he and his followers were hungry.
English Revised VersionAnd Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read even this, what David did, when he was an hungred, he, and they that were with him;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJesus answered them, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his men were hungry?
Good News TranslationJesus answered them, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his men were hungry?
International Standard VersionJesus answered them, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions became hungry?
NET BibleJesus answered them, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry--
New Heart English BibleJesus, answering them, said, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he, and those who were with him;
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Jesus answering them, said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was hungry, and they who were with him;
Weymouth New Testament"Have you never read so much as this," answered Jesus--"what David did when he and his followers were hungry; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?
World English BibleJesus, answering them, said, “Haven’t you read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jesus answering said to them, “Did you not read even this that David did when he hungered, himself and those who are with him,
Berean Literal BibleAnd Jesus answering, said to them, "Not even have you read this, that which David did when he himself was hungry, and those who were with him:
Young's Literal Translation And Jesus answering said unto them, 'Did ye not read even this that David did, when he hungered, himself and those who are with him,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd having answered to them, Jesus said, Have ye not read this, which David did when he hungered, and they being with him; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Jesus answering them, said: Have you not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was hungry, and they that were with him:
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd responding to them, Jesus said: “Have you not read this, what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him?
New American BibleJesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those [who were] with him were hungry?
New Revised Standard VersionJesus answered, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleJesus answered and said to them, Have you not read this, what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry?
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishYeshua answered and said to them, “Have you not read this thing that David did when he was hungry and those who were with him,” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd Jesus answered and said to them: Have you not read even that which David did, when he was hungry himself, and those who were with him,
Godbey New TestamentJesus responded and said to them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and those being with him?
Haweis New Testament
And Jesus answering said to them; Have ye never read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him?
Mace New Testament
but Jesus replied, have you never read what David did, when he and his company were press'd with hunger?
Weymouth New Testament
"Have you never read so much as this," answered Jesus--"what David did when he and his followers were hungry;
Worrell New Testament
And Jesus, answering, said to them,"Did ye never read this that David did, when he was hungry, and those with him;
Worsley New Testament
And Jesus answering them said,Have ye not read what David did, whenhe himself was hungry and those that were with him? how he went into the house of God,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Lord of the Sabbath… 2But some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” 3Jesusreplied,“Have you not readwhatDaviddidwhenheandhis companionswere hungry?4He entered the house of God, took the consecrated bread and gave it to his companions, and ate what is lawful only for the priests to eat.”…
Cross References 1 Samuel 21:1-6Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And when Ahimelech met David, he trembled and asked him, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” / “The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission on which I am sending you. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place. / Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever can be found.” ...
Matthew 12:3-4Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? / He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests.
Mark 2:25-26Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? / During the high priesthood of Abiathar, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for the priests. And he gave some to his companions as well.”
Exodus 25:30And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times.
Leviticus 24:5-9You are also to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf, / and set them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD. / And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, a food offering to the LORD. ...
1 Chronicles 9:32Some of their Kohathite relatives were responsible for preparing the rows of the showbread every Sabbath.
Hebrews 9:2A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.
Matthew 9:13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Hosea 6:6For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
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 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.
Matthew 12:7If only you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.
1 Samuel 15:22But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.
Isaiah 1:11-17“What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. / When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you—this trampling of My courts? / Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me. New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations—I cannot endure iniquity in a solemn assembly. ...
Jeremiah 7:22-23For when I brought your fathers out of the land of Egypt, I did not merely command them about burnt offerings and sacrifices, / but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you.
Treasury of Scripture And Jesus answering them said, Have you not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungered, and they which were with him; Have. Matthew 12:3,5 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; … Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which madethem at the beginning made them male and female, Matthew 21:16,42 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? … what. 1 Samuel 21:3-6 Now therefore what is under thine hand? giveme fiveloaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present… Matthew 12:3,4 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; … Mark 2:25,26 And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? … Jump to Previous CompanionsDavidFoodForbidsHungeredHungredHungryJesusLawNeedPhariseesReadSabbathWritingsJump to Next CompanionsDavidFoodForbidsHungeredHungredHungryJesusLawNeedPhariseesReadSabbathWritingsLuke 6 1.Jesus reproves the Pharisees;12.chooses apostles;17.heals the diseased;20.preaches to his disciples before the people: the beattitudes;27.Love your Enemy37.Do not Judge43.A Tree and Its Fruit46.The House on the RockJesus repliedIn this passage, Jesus is responding to the Pharisees who criticized His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath. His reply indicates His authority and knowledge of Scripture, setting the stage for a teaching moment. Jesus often used questions to challenge the religious leaders and to provoke deeper thought, demonstrating His role as a teacher and a figure of wisdom. Have you not read
This phrase suggests familiarity with the Scriptures, as Jesus addresses the Pharisees, who were well-versed in the Law and the Prophets. It implies that the answer to their question is found in the Scriptures they claim to know so well. This rhetorical question highlights the importance of understanding the spirit of the law, not just the letter. what David did
Jesus references an event from the life of King David, a revered figure in Jewish history. By invoking David, Jesus draws a parallel between Himself and the beloved king, subtly asserting His own messianic identity. David's actions, recorded in1 Samuel 21:1-6, provide a precedent for prioritizing human need over ritualistic observance. when he and his companions were hungry
This context emphasizes the human need that justified David's actions. It underscores the principle that mercy and compassion should take precedence over strict legalism. The mention of hunger connects to the disciples' situation, illustrating that the Sabbath was made for man's benefit, not as a burden. This aligns with Jesus' teaching that He is the Lord of the Sabbath, as seen inMark 2:27-28. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in the New Testament, the Son of God, who is teaching and addressing the Pharisees in this passage. 2. DavidThe second king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is referenced by Jesus as an example from the Scriptures. 3. Companions of DavidThe men who were with David during his time of need, highlighting the communal aspect of their actions. 4. PhariseesA religious group in Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law, who often challenged Jesus' teachings. 5. Event of David's HungerRefers to the incident recorded in 1 Samuel 21, where David and his men ate the consecrated bread from the tabernacle. Teaching Points Understanding the Spirit of the LawJesus emphasizes the importance of understanding the spirit rather than the letter of the Law. The Law was made for man's benefit, not as a burden. Mercy Over RitualJesus highlights that acts of mercy and necessity can take precedence over ritualistic observance. This teaches us to prioritize compassion in our daily lives. Scriptural Knowledge and ApplicationJesus' question, "Have you not read?" challenges us to not only know Scripture but to apply it wisely and contextually. Jesus' AuthorityBy referencing David, Jesus asserts His authority over the Law, indicating that He is greater than David and has the authority to interpret the Law. Community and ProvisionThe example of David and his companions teaches us about God's provision and the importance of community support in times of need. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 6:3?
2.How does Luke 6:3 demonstrate Jesus' understanding of Old Testament scripture?
3.What lesson can we learn from David's actions mentioned in Luke 6:3?
4.How does Jesus' response in Luke 6:3 challenge legalistic interpretations of the law?
5.In what ways can we apply Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:3 today?
6.How does Luke 6:3 connect to the concept of mercy over sacrifice?
7.What does Luke 6:3 reveal about Jesus' understanding of the Sabbath?
8.How does Luke 6:3 challenge traditional interpretations of the law?
9.Why does Jesus reference David in Luke 6:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 6?
11.Why did David eat the showbread in the Bible?
12.What is the Bread of the Presence?
13.Who was high priest when David ate the showbread? (Mark 2:26 vs. 1 Samuel 21:1)
14.Did the centurion personally ask Jesus to heal his slave in Capernaum? Yes (Matthew 8:5) or No, he sent others (Luke 7:3,6)?What Does Luke 6:3 Mean Jesus repliedLuke sets the scene: Pharisees accuse Jesus’ disciples of breaking Sabbath laws by plucking grain (Luke 6:1-2). Jesus answers, not with opinion, but with Scripture. • Parallel accounts show the same response (Matthew 12:3;Mark 2:25). • In every confrontation, Jesus establishes His lordship by Scripture first (Luke 4:4, 8, 12). • By replying, He reveals Himself as the ultimate interpreter of the Law (Isaiah 42:21). Jesus’ very act of replying reminds us that God’s Word is living, able to speak into legalistic situations and defend the innocent (Psalm 119:89-93).
Have you not readThe question is rhetorical—Jesus assumes the religious leaders know the text yet have missed its heart. • Similar phrasing appears when He corrects error (Matthew 19:4; 22:31), highlighting the sufficiency of Scripture. • Reading is not merely scanning; it demands understanding (Nehemiah 8:8;Acts 17:11). • The phrase underscores personal responsibility: “Every word of God is flawless” (Proverbs 30:5). For us, the takeaway is clear: familiarity with the Bible must lead to insight, not pride (1 Corinthians 8:1).
What David didJesus cites1 Samuel 21:1-6, where the hungry David—God’s anointed yet not‐yet enthroned king—ate the consecrated bread. • That bread, the “Bread of the Presence,” was normally for priests alone (Leviticus 24:5-9), yet Ahimelech gave it, prioritizing life over ritual. • Jesus’ choice of David isn’t random; like David, He is the rightful King whose actions set precedent (2 Samuel 7:12-16;Luke 1:32-33). • By invoking David, Jesus shows that mercy and human need outrank ceremonial detail (Hosea 6:6;Micah 6:8). Thus, Scripture itself validates compassionate flexibility within God’s law.
When he and his companions were hungryNeed is the hinge of the illustration. • The Law already allowed gleaning to satisfy hunger (Deuteronomy 23:25). • David’s men, like Jesus’ disciples, were not feasting—it was basic survival. • Jesus later states, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27), confirming that divine ordinances serve human well-being. God’s design never pits obedience against compassion; the two walk together (James 2:13).
summaryLuke 6:3 shows Jesus anchoring His defense of the disciples in Scripture, proving that the Law, rightly understood, upholds mercy. He appeals to David’s precedent to declare that human need can, under God’s own Word, override ceremonial restriction. The passage invites us to read the Bible carefully, value life above ritual, and recognize Jesus as the authoritative King who interprets Scripture perfectly. Verses 3, 4. - And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; how he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful toeat but for the priests alone? Their own loved David, said the new Teacher to his jealous accusers, scrupled not, when he "was an hungred," to set at nought the twofold ordinance of sacrilege and of sabbath-breaking. (The reference is to 1 Samuel 21:5. David's visit to the sanctuary at Nob took place evidently on the sabbath, as the fresh supply of shewbread had been apparently just laid out; he must, too, have violated another rule by his journey on that day. See Stier, 'Words of the Lord Jesus,' on Matthew 12:3, 4.) The lesson which Jesus intended to draw from the example of the great hero-king and the high priest was that no ceremonial law was to override. the general principle of providing for the necessities of the body. St. Matthew adds here a very forcible saying of the Lord's spoken on this occasion, which goes to the root of the whole matter, "But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless." These laws, as God originally gave them, were never intended to be a burden, rather they were meant to be a blessing for man. After ver. 5, Codex I) - a very ancient authority, written in the fifth century, now in the University Library at Cambridge, but one which contains many passages not found in any other trustworthy manuscript or version - adds the following strange narrative: "The same day, Jesus seeing a man who was working on the sabbath, saith to him, O man, if thou knowest what thou art doing, blessed art thou; but if thou knowest not, thou art accursed, and a transgressor of the Law." As no other ancient authority of weight contains this remarkable addition to the recital of our Lord's teaching respecting the observance of the sabbath, it must be pronounced an interpolation. It belongs most likely to the very early days of the Christian story, and was probably founded on some tradition current in the primitive Church. The framework of the anecdote in its present form, too, shows a state of things simply impossible at this time. Any Jew who, in the days of Jesus Christ's earthly ministry, openly, like the man of the story, broke the sabbath in the daring way related, would have been liable to be arrested and condemned to death by stoning.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.replied,ἀποκριθεὶς(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.“Have you not readἀνέγνωτε(anegnōte)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 314:To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.whatὃ(ho)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.DavidΔαυὶδ(Dauid)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1138:David, King of Israel. Of Hebrew origin; Dabid, the Israelite king.didἐποίησεν(epoiēsen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.whenὁπότε(hopote)Conjunction
Strong's 3753:When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.heαὐτὸς(autos)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.his companionsοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative 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.were hungry?ἐπείνασεν(epeinasen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3983:To be hungry, needy, desire earnestly. From the same as penes; to famish; figuratively, to crave.
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NT Gospels: Luke 6:3 Jesus answering them said Haven't you read (Luke Lu Lk) |
