Luke 6:4 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:4 mean?

Luke 6:4 recalls how David entered the house of God and ate the special bread, called the shewbread, which was only allowed for priests, and also gave some to his companions. This verse points out that David did something not permitted by the law, yet it was not condemned, highlighting an exception made for human need.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, reminding them of the story of David from the Old Testament. The situation is that Jesus’ disciples had picked grain on the Sabbath, which the Pharisees saw as breaking the law. By mentioning David, Jesus shows that even sacred rules could be set aside in special circumstances, especially when people were hungry and in need.

The Greek behind Luke 6:4

• The word for "shewbread" combines two Greek terms: ἄρτος (artos, meaning "bread") and πρόθεσις (prothesis, meaning "setting forth" or "presentation"), describing bread that was set out before God in the temple. This highlights the bread’s special, sacred purpose.
• The Greek word ἐξόν (exon, translated as "lawful") means something permitted or allowed. Here, it emphasizes that eating the shewbread was strictly for priests, making David’s action unusual.
• The word ἱερεῦσιν (hiereusin, "priests") makes clear that the law specifically limited this bread to a certain group, underlining the exception David made.

Why Luke 6:4 matters

• This verse helps clarify that Jesus is not dismissing the law but is showing that mercy and human need can take precedence in certain situations, using a respected biblical example.
• Luke 6:4 connects Jesus’ actions and his disciples’ actions to a well-known story, helping the audience see that exceptions to ritual law have precedent in Scripture.
• The verse challenges a rigid, legalistic approach to religious rules, encouraging readers to consider the spirit and purpose behind the law.