Keraia
Mark 3

Mark 3:4

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath · Mark 3:1–6
Read Mark 3

Translations

Modern
And 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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And He says to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbaths to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent.
Latin
Et dicit eis: Licet sabbatis benefacere, an male? animam salvam facere, an perdere? At illi tacebant.

Interlinear

Greek
English
And 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.

Notes

Mark 3:3–4

  • Jesus challenged his enemies' belief that God did not allow doing good works on the Sabbath (see Luke 13:10–17).

  • to save life or to destroy it: This might refer to an incident in which the Maccabees decided to fight if attacked on the Sabbath (1 Maccabees 2:32–41). These great Jewish heroes were willing to kill on the Sabbath day. But the Pharisees did not allow good works on that day. The question Jesus asked embarrassed them. It shamed them into silence, but they still refused to change (Mark 3:5).

Mark 3:1–6

This story ends the collection of controversy stories (2:1–3:6). Like the previous story, Jesus argues with the Pharisees about the Sabbath. As in the first story, the controversy involves a healing (2:1–12).

Mark 2:1–3:6

Five controversy stories (2:1–12, 13–17, 18–22, 23–28; 3:1–6) are grouped together because they share a common theme. Each story shows a conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders. In these accounts, Jesus says or does things that challenge their beliefs and practices. These stories show the great authority that Jesus has.

Theme notes and profiles

The Pharisees

Events

Parallels

Matthew 12:9–14 Luke 6:6–11

People

Sabbath: The seventh day of the week, set apart for rest and worship

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Feasts and Festivals of Israel Heal, Healing Mark, Gospel of Miracle Sabbath Withered Hand

Topics

Capernaum: Miracles of Jesus Performed At Jesus, the Christ: Heals a Man Having a Withered Hand (At Capernaum) Jesus, the Christ: Miracles of Restores the Withered Hand Miracles of Jesus, in Chronological Order: Restoring the Withered Hand