Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. New Living Translation Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him. English Standard Version And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible 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. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. New American Standard Bible And He said to them, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent. NASB 1995 And He said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent. NASB 1977 And He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent. Legacy Standard Bible And He said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent. Amplified Bible He asked them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent. Berean Annotated Bible And He asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life {psychēn} or to destroy it? But they were silent. Christian Standard Bible Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do evil, to save life or to kill? ” But they were silent. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do what is good or to do what is evil, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. American Standard Version And he saith unto them, Is it lawful on the sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to kill? But they held their peace. Contemporary English Version Then he asked, "On the Sabbath should we do good deeds or evil deeds? Should we save someone's life or destroy it?" But no one said a word. English Revised Version And he saith unto them, Is it lawful on the sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to kill? But they held their peace. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then he asked them, "Is it right to do good or to do evil on the day of worship, to give a person back his health or to let him die?" But they were silent. Good News Translation Then he asked the people, "What does our Law allow us to do on the Sabbath? To help or to harm? To save someone's life or to destroy it?" But they did not say a thing. International Standard Version Then he asked them, "Is it lawful to do good or to do evil on Sabbath days, to save a life or to destroy it?" But they remained silent. NET Bible Then he said to them, "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath, or evil, to save a life or destroy it?" But they were silent. New Heart English Bible And he said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?" But they were silent. Webster's Bible Translation And he saith to them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? but they held their peace. Weymouth New Testament Then He asked them, "Are we allowed to do good on the Sabbath, or to do evil? to save a life, or to destroy one?" They remained silent. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd 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. World English Bible He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good or to do harm? To save a life or to kill?” But they were silent. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd 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. Berean Literal Bible 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. Young's Literal Translation And he saith to them, 'Is it lawful on the sabbaths to do good, or to do evil? life to save, or to kill?' but they were silent. Smith's Literal Translation And he says to them, Is it lawful in the sabbaths to do good, or to do evil? to save a soul, or to kill? And they were silent. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he saith to them: Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy? But they held their peace. Catholic Public Domain Version And he said to them: “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbaths, or to do evil, to give health to a life, or to destroy?” But they remained silent. New American Bible Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. New Revised Standard Version Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen he said to them also, Is it lawful to do good or evil on the sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it? But they were silent. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But he said also to them, “Is it legal to do what is good on the Sabbath or what is evil; to save life or to destroy?” But they were silent. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd he said to them: Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath-day, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they were silent. Godbey New Testament And He says to them; Haweis New Testament And he saith to them, Is it lawful on the sabbath day to do good, or to do evil, to preserve life, or to kill? but they were silent. Mace New Testament and he ask'd them, is it allowed to do good, or to do mischief on the sabbath-days? to save life, or to kill? but they were very silent. Weymouth New Testament Then He asked them, "Are we allowed to do good on the Sabbath, or to do evil? to save a life, or to destroy one?" They remained silent. Worrell New Testament And He saith to them, Worsley New Testament then saith He to them, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jesus Heals on the Sabbath…3Then Jesus said to the man with the withered hand, “Stand up among us.” 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. 5Jesus looked around at them with anger and sorrow at their hardness of heart. Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored.… Cross References And He asked them, Luke 6:9 Then 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?” Matthew 12:10-12 and 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.” Luke 13:10-17 One Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, / and a woman there had been disabled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was hunched over and could not stand up straight. / When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your disability.” … “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: John 7:23 If 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 20:8-10 Remember 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 5:12-15 Observe 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. … to do good or to do evil, Psalm 37:27 Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever. Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Isaiah 1:16-17 Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” to save life or to destroy it?” John 10:10-11 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness. / I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. Proverbs 24:11-12 Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter. / If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds? Deuteronomy 30:15-19 See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, as well as death and disaster. / For I am commanding you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and increase, and the LORD your God may bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. / But if your heart turns away and you do not listen, but are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, … But they were silent. Luke 14:4 But they remained silent. Then Jesus took hold of the man, healed him, and sent him on his way. Matthew 22:46 No one was able to answer a word, and from that day on no one dared to question Him any further. 1 Kings 18:21 Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. Matthew 9:12-13 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. / But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Treasury of Scripture And he said to 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. Is it. Mark 2:27,28 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: … Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Matthew 12:10-12 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him… But. Mark 9:34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. Jump to Previous Allowed Death Destroy Evil Good Harm Held Jesus Kept Kill Lawful Peace Right Sabbath Sabbaths Save SilentJump to Next Allowed Death Destroy Evil Good Harm Held Jesus Kept Kill Lawful Peace Right Sabbath Sabbaths Save SilentMark 3 1. Jesus heals the withered hand,10. and many other infirmities; 11. rebukes the unclean spirit; 13. chooses his twelve apostles; 22. convinces the blasphemy of casting out demons by Beelzebub; 31. and shows who are his brother, sister, and mother. And He asked them, Jesus often used questions to provoke thought and challenge the prevailing interpretations of the Law. This method of teaching was common among rabbis, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with the subject matter. Here, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees, who were known for their strict adherence to the Law. “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” But they were silent. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching in the synagogue and challenging the Pharisees' understanding of the Sabbath. 2. Pharisees A religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law. They are present in the synagogue and are observing Jesus to see if He will heal on the Sabbath. 3. Man with the Withered Hand The individual in need of healing, whose presence prompts Jesus to address the Pharisees' legalism. 4. Synagogue The place where this event occurs, serving as a center for teaching and worship in Jewish communities. Teaching Points Understanding the SabbathJesus challenges the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of the Sabbath, emphasizing that it is meant for good and not for harm. This teaches us to prioritize compassion and mercy over legalism. The Heart of the Law The original Greek word for "lawful" (exestin) implies what is permitted or allowed. Jesus is highlighting that the heart of the law is love and mercy, not mere rule-following. Compassion Over Ritual Jesus' willingness to heal on the Sabbath demonstrates that acts of compassion should not be hindered by ritualistic observance. This encourages believers to act in love, even when it challenges traditional norms. Confronting Legalism Jesus' question to the Pharisees exposes the danger of legalism, which can blind us to the needs of others. We are called to examine our own hearts and ensure that our practices align with God's love and justice. Courage to Stand for Truth Jesus' boldness in confronting the Pharisees serves as an example for believers to stand firm in truth, even when it is unpopular or met with opposition. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 3:4?2. How does Mark 3:4 challenge our understanding of lawful actions on the Sabbath? 3. What does Jesus' question in Mark 3:4 reveal about God's priorities? 4. How can we apply the principle of doing good on the Sabbath today? 5. How does Mark 3:4 connect with Jesus' teachings on mercy and compassion? 6. In what ways can we prioritize life and goodness in our daily decisions? 7. What does Mark 3:4 reveal about Jesus' view on the Sabbath? 8. How does Mark 3:4 challenge traditional interpretations of the Sabbath law? 9. Why does Jesus question the legality of doing good on the Sabbath in Mark 3:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 3? 11. Why did Jesus perform healings on the Sabbath? 12. Is saving a life more important than religious laws? 13. Did Jesus violate the Sabbath law? 14. Why did Jesus perform healings on the Sabbath? What Does Mark 3:4 Mean And He asked themJesus initiates the conversation. He does not wait for accusation; He brings God’s truth into the open (John 3:19-21). By posing a question, He invites the religious leaders to examine their own hearts, echoing the Lord’s pattern of reasoning with His people (Isaiah 1:18). Which is lawful on the Sabbath The Lord affirms the Sabbath’s divine origin (Exodus 20:8-11) while challenging human additions that smother its purpose (Isaiah 58:13-14). His words highlight that God’s law is never void of compassion. Matthew 12:5-8 shows the same appeal—“The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath”—reminding us that the Lawgiver stands before them. to do good or to do evil • Doing good is always consonant with God’s heart (Micah 6:8). • Neglecting good when it is in our power equates to evil (James 4:17). In Deuteronomy 22:4, rescuing a fallen animal is commanded even when inconvenient; how much more should a person be helped (Luke 13:15-16). to save life or to destroy it? Jesus places the stakes at their highest: life or death. The Sabbath was given “for man” (Mark 2:27), guarding life’s rhythm and promoting wellbeing. 1 Samuel 21:4-6 illustrates David’s eating the consecrated bread to preserve life—mercy triumphs over ritual (Hosea 6:6). Rejecting mercy endangers life, aligning one with the destroyer, not the Creator (John 10:10). But they were silent Their silence exposes a hardened heart (Hebrews 3:7-8). Confronted with undeniable truth, they choose self-righteous rigidity over repentance, foreshadowing the plot to kill Jesus (Mark 3:6). Proverbs 17:28 notes that even a fool may seem wise when quiet, yet here their silence condemns them because it resists the obvious will of God. summary Mark 3:4 reveals the Sabbath’s true intent: to glorify God through life-giving mercy. Jesus’ question unmasks legalism that values rule-keeping above people. By affirming that rescuing and restoring are always lawful, He calls every believer to align with God’s compassionate character every day, including the day set apart for worship and rest. Greek Andκαὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. He asked λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. them, αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural 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. “Which is lawful Ἔξεστιν (Exestin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1832: It is permitted, lawful, possible. on the τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Sabbath: σάββασιν (sabbasin) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural Strong's 4521: The Sabbath, a week. to do good ἀγαθὸν¦ποιῆσαι (agathon¦poiēsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 15: To do that which is good. From agathopoios; to be a well-doer. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. to do evil, κακοποιῆσαι (kakopoiēsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 2554: To do harm, do wrong, do evil, commit sin. From kakopoios; to be a bad-doer, i.e. to injure, or to sin. to save σῶσαι (sōsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 4982: To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect. life ψυχὴν (psychēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5590: From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. to destroy [it]?” ἀποκτεῖναι (apokteinai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 615: To put to death, kill; fig: I abolish. From apo and kteino; to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy. But δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. they were silent. ἐσιώπων (esiōpōn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 4623: To keep silence, be silent, either voluntarily or involuntarily. From siope; to be dumb; figuratively, to be calm. Links Mark 3:4 NIVMark 3:4 NLT Mark 3:4 ESV Mark 3:4 NASB Mark 3:4 KJV Mark 3:4 BibleApps.com Mark 3:4 Biblia Paralela Mark 3:4 Chinese Bible Mark 3:4 French Bible Mark 3:4 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Mark 3:4 He said to them Is it lawful (Mar Mk Mr) |
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