The paralytic forgiven and healed
Mark 2:1–12FocusAuthority to forgive
Connection to the wholeThe visible healing answers the challenge to Jesus' declaration of forgiveness and brings His authority into public dispute.
interpretation Mark 2:26
KJVHow 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?
Read it in context
Grain on the Sabbath
Start reading at Mark 2:23 (Mark 2:23 to Mark 2:28).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The Sabbath dispute continues the controversies and prepares the further confrontation at the beginning of chapter 3.
- 2:23 And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.
- 2:24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
- 2:25 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?
- 2:26 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?
- 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
- 2:28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? Jesus' disciples pluck grain while passing through the fields. Pharisees object to their Sabbath conduct, and Jesus answers them. Passage: Mark 2:23–28. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Grain on the Sabbath. Read Mark 2:23 through Mark 2:28 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The Sabbath dispute continues the controversies and prepares the further confrontation at the beginning of chapter 3. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Grain on the Sabbath (Mark 2:23 to Mark 2:28). Start reading at Mark 2:23. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 2:23, Mark 2:28, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
Plucking grain on the sabbath
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- Abiathar 1 Sam 22:20-22 1 Sam 23:6,9 2 Sam 8:17 2 Sam 15:24,29,35 2 Sam 20:25 1 Kgs 1:7 1 Kgs 2:22,26-27 1 Kgs 4:4
- which is not lawful Exod 29:32-33 Lev 24:5-9
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 2
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
Meals and fasting
Mark 2:13–22FocusSinners and the bridegroom
Connection to the wholeLevi's calling and questions about fasting reveal why Jesus' ministry cannot be understood merely through His critics' expectations.
interpretation FocusNeed and lordship
Connection to the wholeThe Sabbath dispute continues the controversies and prepares the further confrontation at the beginning of chapter 3.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation Passion and resurrection
Mark 14:1–16:20FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.