Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” New Living Translation He went into the house of God (during the days when Abiathar was high priest) and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. He also gave some to his companions.” English Standard Version how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” Berean Standard Bible 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.” Berean Literal Bible how he entered into the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and he ate the loaves of the presentation, which is not lawful to eat, except for the priests—and he gave also to those being with him?” King James Bible How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him? New King James Version how he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the showbread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and also gave some to those who were with him?” New American Standard Bible how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the consecrated bread, which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests, and he also gave it to those who were with him?” NASB 1995 how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the consecrated bread, which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests, and he also gave it to those who were with him?” NASB 1977 how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the consecrated bread, which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests, and he gave it also to those who were with him?” Legacy Standard Bible how he entered the house of God around the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the consecrated bread, which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests, and he also gave it to those who were with him?” Amplified Bible how he went into the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the sacred bread, which is not lawful for anyone but the priests to eat, and how he also gave it to the men who were with him?” Berean Annotated Bible During the high priesthood of Abiathar (my father abounds), he entered the house of God {Theou} and ate the consecrated bread (the Bread of the Presence), which was lawful only for the priests. And he gave some to his companions as well. Christian Standard Bible how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest and ate the bread of the Presence —which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests —and also gave some to his companions? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest and ate the sacred bread—which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests—and also gave some to his companions?” American Standard Version How he entered into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the showbread, which it is not lawful to eat save for the priests, and gave also to them that were with him? Contemporary English Version It was during the time of Abiathar the high priest. David went into the house of God and ate the sacred loaves of bread that only priests are allowed to eat. He also gave some to his followers." English Revised Version How he entered into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which it is not lawful to eat save for the priests, and gave also to them that were with him? GOD'S WORD® Translation Haven't you ever read how he went into the house of God when Abiathar was chief priest and ate the bread of the presence? He had no right to eat those loaves. Only the priests have that right. Haven't you ever read how he also gave some of it to his men?" Good News Translation so he went into the house of God and ate the bread offered to God. This happened when Abiathar was the High Priest. According to our Law only the priests may eat this bread--but David ate it and even gave it to his men." International Standard Version How was it that he went into the House of God during the lifetime of Abiathar the high priest and ate the Bread of the Presence, which was not lawful for anyone but the priests to eat, and gave some of it to his companions?" NET Bible how he entered the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the sacred bread, which is against the law for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to his companions?" New Heart English Bible How he entered into the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the show bread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and gave also to those who were with him?" Webster's Bible Translation How he went into the house of God, in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the show-bread, which it is not lawful to eat, but for the priests, and gave also to them who were with him? Weymouth New Testament how he entered the house of God in the High-priesthood of Abiathar, and ate the Presented Loaves--which none but the priests are allowed to eat--and gave some to his men also?" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleDuring 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.” World English Bible How he entered into God’s house at the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the show bread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and gave also to those who were with him?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHow he went into the house of God, in [the days of] Abiathar the chief priest, and ate the Bread of the Presentation, which it is not lawful to eat, except to the priests, and he also gave to those who were with him?” Berean Literal Bible how he entered into the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and he ate the loaves of the presentation, which is not lawful to eat, except for the priests—and he gave also to those being with him?” Young's Literal Translation how he went into the house of God, (at 'Abiathar the chief priest,') and the loaves of the presentation did eat, which it is not lawful to eat, except to the priests, and he gave also to those who were with him?' Smith's Literal Translation How he went into the house of God to Abiathar the chief priest, and ate the loaves of setting up, which is not lawful to eat but for priests, and gave to those being with him? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHow he went into the house of God, under Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the loaves of proposition, which was not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave to them who were with him? Catholic Public Domain Version How he went into the house of God, under the high priest Abiathar, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful to eat, except for the priests, and how he gave it to those who were with him?” New American Bible How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” New Revised Standard Version He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHow he entered into the house of God when Abiathar was the chief priest, and ate the bread which was on the table of the Lord, which was not lawful to be eaten except by the priests, and he gave it also to those who were with him? Aramaic Bible in Plain English As he entered the house of God when Abiathar was Chief Priest, and he ate the bread of the altar of THE LORD JEHOVAH, which was not legal to eat except for the priests? And he gave also to those who were with him.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentHow he entered the house of God in the days of Abiathar the chief priest, and ate the loaves of the presence, which, it is not lawful, except for the priests, to eat, and gave to those also who were with him? Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament How he entered into the house of God to Abiathar the high-priest; and did eat the shewbread, which it was not lawful for any to eat except the priests, and he gave also to those who were with him? Mace New Testament how he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar, who was afterwards high-priest, and did eat the shew-bread, giving some of it likewise to the company, though the law allow'd no body to eat of it but the priests. Weymouth New Testament how he entered the house of God in the High-priesthood of Abiathar, and ate the Presented Loaves--which none but the priests are allowed to eat--and gave some to his men also?" Worrell New Testament Worsley New Testament Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Lord of the Sabbath…25Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? 26During 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.” 27Then Jesus declared, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.… Cross References During the high priesthood of Abiathar, 1 Samuel 22:20 But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David. 1 Samuel 23:6 (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.) 1 Kings 2:26-27 Then the king said to Abiathar the priest, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. Even though you deserve to die, I will not put you to death at this time, since you carried the ark of the Lord GOD before my father David, and you suffered through all that my father suffered.” / So Solomon banished Abiathar from the priesthood of the LORD and thus fulfilled the word that the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli. he entered the house of God 1 Samuel 21:1 Then 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?” Matthew 12:4 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. Luke 6:3 Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? and ate the consecrated bread, Leviticus 24:5-9 You 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. … Exodus 25:30 And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times. Hebrews 9:2 A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. which was lawful only for the priests. Leviticus 22:10-16 No one outside a priest’s family may eat the sacred offering, nor may the guest of a priest or his hired hand eat it. / But if a priest buys a slave with his own money, or if a slave is born in his household, that slave may eat his food. / If the priest’s daughter is married to a man other than a priest, she is not to eat of the sacred contributions. … Numbers 18:8-10 Then the LORD said to Aaron, “Behold, I have put you in charge of My offerings. As for all the sacred offerings of the Israelites, I have given them to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute. / A portion of the most holy offerings reserved from the fire will be yours. From all the offerings they render to Me as most holy offerings, whether grain offerings or sin offerings or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons. / You are to eat it as a most holy offering, and every male may eat it. You shall regard it as holy. Exodus 29:32-33 At the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, Aaron and his sons are to eat the meat of the ram and the bread that is in the basket. / They must eat those things by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no outsider may eat them, because these things are sacred. And he gave some to his companions as well.” 1 Samuel 21:2-6 “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.” / “There is no common bread on hand,” the priest replied, “but there is some consecrated bread—provided that the young men have kept themselves from women.” … Luke 6:4 He 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.” Matthew 12:3 Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 1 Samuel 22:10 Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” Treasury of Scripture How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the show bread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him? Abiathar. 2 Samuel 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe; 1 Chronicles 18:16 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Shavsha was scribe; 1 Kings 2:26 And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou art worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the Lord GOD before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted. 1 Samuel 22:20-22 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David… 1 Samuel 23:6,9 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand… 2 Samuel 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe; which is not lawful. Exodus 29:32,33 And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation… Leviticus 24:5-9 And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake… Jump to Previous Abiathar Abi'athar Allowed Ate Bread Chief Companions Consecrated Eat Entered Except Food High High-Priesthood House Lawful Loaves Presentation Presented Priest Priests Section Shewbread Show Showbread Show-Bread Time UnlessJump to Next Abiathar Abi'athar Allowed Ate Bread Chief Companions Consecrated Eat Entered Except Food High High-Priesthood House Lawful Loaves Presentation Presented Priest Priests Section Shewbread Show Showbread Show-Bread Time UnlessMark 2 1. Jesus followed by multitudes,3. heals a paralytic; 13. calls Matthew; 15. eats with tax collectors and sinners; 18. excuses his disciples for not fasting; 23. and for picking the heads of grain on the Sabbath day. During the high priesthood of Abiathar Abiathar was a significant figure in the Old Testament, serving as a high priest during the reign of King David. However, the event Jesus refers to actually occurred during the time of Ahimelech, Abiathar's father. This discrepancy may be due to Abiathar's more prominent role later in David's reign. Abiathar's priesthood represents a time of transition and turmoil in Israel's history, reflecting the challenges faced by David and his followers. 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. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbiatharAlthough the text mentions Abiathar, the event actually occurred during the high priesthood of Ahimelech, Abiathar's father. Abiathar later became a significant priest during King David's reign. 2. David The future king of Israel, who was fleeing from King Saul at the time of this event. David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his heart for God and his leadership. 3. House of God Refers to the tabernacle at Nob, where the consecrated bread was kept. This was a sacred place for worship and offerings. 4. Consecrated Bread Also known as the "showbread," it was placed in the tabernacle as an offering to God and was meant to be eaten only by the priests. 5. Companions of David Those who were with David during his flight from Saul, sharing in his need and receiving the bread. Teaching Points Mercy Over RitualJesus uses this account to illustrate that human need can take precedence over ritual law. This teaches us to prioritize compassion and mercy in our interactions with others. Understanding Context Knowing the historical and cultural context of biblical events helps us understand their significance and application. David's need and the priest's response show a deeper understanding of God's law. God's Provision Just as God provided for David in his time of need, He provides for us. Trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem dire. Leadership and Responsibility David's actions, though unconventional, were driven by his responsibility to care for his men. This teaches us about the balance between leadership and adherence to rules. Scriptural Consistency Jesus' reference to this event shows the consistency of God's character throughout Scripture. He is a God of mercy, compassion, and understanding. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 2:26?2. How does Mark 2:26 illustrate Jesus' authority over traditional religious practices? 3. What does David's action in Mark 2:26 teach about human need versus law? 4. How does Mark 2:26 connect with 1 Samuel 21:1-6 regarding David's actions? 5. How can we prioritize compassion over ritual in our daily Christian walk? 6. What lessons from Mark 2:26 can guide our understanding of Sabbath observance today? 7. Why does Mark 2:26 mention Abiathar as high priest instead of Ahimelech? 8. How does Mark 2:26 challenge the accuracy of biblical historical accounts? 9. What theological implications arise from Jesus referencing David's actions in Mark 2:26? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 2? 11. Why does Jesus refer to “Abiathar the high priest” in Mark 2:26 while 1 Samuel 21 names Ahimelech instead? 12. Who was high priest when David ate the showbread? (Mark 2:26 vs. 1 Samuel 21:1) 13. Who was high priest when David went into the House of GOD and ate the consecrated bread? Abiathar (Mark 2:26) Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar (I Samuel 1:1; 22:20) 14. Mark 2:23-28 - How reliable is the story of disciples picking grain on the Sabbath, given the potential historical and legal disputes that should have arisen? What Does Mark 2:26 Mean During the high priesthood of AbiatharJesus reaches back to the events recorded in 1 Samuel 21:1-6, where David sought refuge in Nob. Abiathar is later noted as the sole survivor of Saul’s slaughter of the priests (1 Samuel 22:20-23). Mentioning him places the story in the era when David was on the run yet already anointed king. By pointing to that moment, Jesus reminds His listeners that God’s purposes for His anointed override ceremonial tradition when human need is pressing (compare Mark 2:27-28). he entered the house of God David’s approach to the sanctuary shows reverence for God even while fleeing. The “house of God” was the tabernacle at Nob, served by priests descended from Eli (1 Samuel 2:27-36). Jesus uses this to underscore that God’s dwelling is a place of mercy for those who seek Him, not merely a museum of regulations (Psalm 27:4-5; Hebrews 4:16). and ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for the priests The Bread of the Presence was set before the LORD continually (Exodus 25:30) and, by statute, reserved for Aaron’s sons (Leviticus 24:5-9). Yet Ahimelech (the priest serving before Abiathar took office) gave the bread to David because David’s hunger was immediate and genuine. Jesus highlights this to show that the law was never meant to negate compassion (Hosea 6:6; Matthew 12:7). Key takeaways: • God’s law is perfect, but it is applied within God’s larger purposes. • Ceremonial commands yield to the preservation of life, illustrating the heart behind the law. And he gave some to his companions as well David’s companions, like David, were fugitives and hungry (1 Samuel 21:4). Sharing the bread demonstrates the communal nature of God’s provision and the leader’s responsibility to care for his people (Psalm 72:4). Jesus points out that David did not hoard God’s mercy; he distributed it. By analogy, the Son of Man, Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28), gives life-sustaining grace to all who follow Him (John 6:35). summary Mark 2:26 affirms that God’s law, while unchanging, is always administered with mercy. David’s reception of the sacred bread shows that human need can legitimately supersede ceremonial restriction, foreshadowing Jesus’ authority to interpret and fulfill the law. The passage reassures believers that God’s house welcomes the hungry, that His ordinances protect life rather than burden it, and that Christ, greater than David, supplies sustaining grace to every companion who walks with Him. (26) In the days of Abiathar the high priest.--St. Mark's is the only record that gives the name of the high priest, and in so doing it creates an historical difficulty. In 1Samuel 21:1, Ahimelech is named as exercising the high priest's office in the Tabernacle at Nob. He is slain by Doeg, at the command of Saul, and his son Abiathar joins David at the cave of Adullam (1Samuel 22:20), and continues to act as high priest till his deposition by Solomon (1Kings 2:26). Two conjectural explanations suggest themselves as probable: (1) that St. Mark, or that our Lord, may have given the name of the more famous priest of the two, who, though not then high-priest, was at the Tabernacle at the time referred to; (2) that he might have acted then as a coadjutor to his father, as Eli's sons seem to have done to him (1Samuel 4:4), and being, as his flight showed, of David's party, was the chief agent in allowing him to take the shew-bread.Greek Duringἐπὶ (epi) Preposition Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at. the high priesthood ἀρχιερέως (archiereōs) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest. of Abiathar, Ἀβιαθὰρ (Abiathar) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 8: Abiathar, a priest in King David's time. Of Hebrew origin; Abiathar, an Israelite. he entered εἰσῆλθεν (eisēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. house οἶκον (oikon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3624: A dwelling; by implication, a family. of God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. ate ἔφαγεν (ephagen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 5315: A primary verb; to eat. the τοὺς (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. consecrated bread, ἄρτους (artous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 740: Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf. which οὓς (hous) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. was lawful ἔξεστιν (exestin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1832: It is permitted, lawful, possible. only εἰ (ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. for the τοὺς (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. priests. ἱερεῖς (hiereis) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 2409: A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest. And καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. he gave [some] ἔδωκεν (edōken) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. to his companions τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative 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. as well.” καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. Links Mark 2:26 NIVMark 2:26 NLT Mark 2:26 ESV Mark 2:26 NASB Mark 2:26 KJV Mark 2:26 BibleApps.com Mark 2:26 Biblia Paralela Mark 2:26 Chinese Bible Mark 2:26 French Bible Mark 2:26 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Mark 2:26 How he entered into the house (Mar Mk Mr) |
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