Mark 3:4
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.
Mark 3:4 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Jesus poses a challenging question to the religious leaders of his time. He questions whether it is lawful to perform acts of kindness and compassion on the Sabbath, a day traditionally meant for rest and worship. By asking if it is right to save a life or do harm on this sacred day, Jesus challenges the established religious norms and priorities. The response of the religious leaders, who remain silent, highlights their inability or unwillingness to recognize the importance of showing love and mercy towards others, even if it means breaking with tradition. Jesus uses this moment to teach a valuable lesson about the true meaning of faith and righteousness, emphasizing the importance of compassion and justice over rigid adherence to religious laws. This verse serves as a reminder to followers of Jesus to prioritize acts of kindness and goodness, even when they may go against societal expectations or religious rules.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Jesus is questioning the Pharisees about the lawfulness of doing good on the Sabbath. By asking whether it is better to save a life or to kill on the Sabbath, Jesus is challenging the traditional interpretation of the Sabbath laws. The theological interpretation of this verse reveals Jesus' emphasis on compassion and love over legalistic adherence to rules. Jesus is highlighting the importance of doing what is right and just, even if it goes against societal norms or traditions. This verse underscores the principle that the Sabbath is meant to be a day of rest and worship, but also a day to show mercy and kindness to others. The word study of 'good' and 'evil' in this context sheds light on the moral implications of our actions and the importance of following the spirit of the law rather than just the letter. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the central themes of love, compassion, and justice in the teachings of Jesus.
Mark 3:4 in other translations
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.
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.
Douay-Rheims
And 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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he saide to them, Is it lawfull to doe a good deede on the Sabbath day, or to doe euil? to saue the life, or to kill? But they held their peace.