Luke 6:5 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:5 mean?

In Luke 6:5, Jesus claims authority over the Sabbath, the Jewish day of rest. He makes this claim during a dispute about what his disciples were doing on that day. His answer places the question about their actions alongside the question of his own authority.

Jesus calls himself “the Son of man,” a title he often uses when speaking about himself. The title also recalls Daniel 7:13–14, where one “like the Son of man” receives authority from God.

The Greek behind Luke 6:5

• “Lord” — κύριος (kyrios): This word can mean a master or someone with authority. Here, its connection with “the sabbath” points to Jesus’ authority in relation to that day.
• “sabbath” — σάββατον (sabbaton): This word refers to the Sabbath, the seventh day of the Jewish week. For Jesus’ first listeners, the day was set apart for rest under the law given to Israel.

Why Luke 6:5 matters

• Jesus’ answer comes after a question about his disciples picking and eating grain on the Sabbath (Luke 6:1–2). The claim in verse 5 gives a reason to pay attention to who is answering, not just to the disputed action.
• The word “also” links Jesus’ statement to the example he has just given. He recalls David eating bread normally reserved for priests when he and his companions were hungry (Luke 6:3–4).
• The next scene continues the subject of Sabbath activity. In Luke 6:6–10, Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath after asking whether doing good or doing harm is lawful on that day.