Luke 6:5 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:5 mean?

Luke 6:5 records Jesus telling his listeners that "the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath," meaning that he, as the Son of Man, has authority even over the Sabbath day. This statement claims a unique authority for Jesus regarding the rules and purpose of the Sabbath.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to religious leaders who are questioning him about what is allowed on the Sabbath. By calling himself "the Son of man" and saying he is "Lord" of the Sabbath, Jesus is making a bold claim about his identity and authority, especially in the context of Jewish law and tradition. The verse highlights a moment where Jesus challenges common understandings of religious rules.

The Greek behind Luke 6:5

• "Son" (υἱός, huios) and "man" (ἄνθρωπος, anthrōpos): Together, "Son of man" is a phrase Jesus often uses for himself. In Greek, this can mean a human being, but in this context, it often points to a special, messianic figure.
• "Lord" (κύριος, kyrios): This word means master or someone with authority. Here, it emphasizes that Jesus has the right to interpret or even set the rules for the Sabbath.
• "Sabbath" (σάββατον, sabbaton): This is the day of rest in Jewish tradition. By linking his authority to the Sabbath, Jesus is addressing a core part of Jewish religious life.

Why Luke 6:5 matters

• Luke 6:5 clears up the idea that Jesus is simply a teacher following existing traditions; instead, he claims a unique authority over key religious practices.
• This verse connects to the wider passage where Jesus is questioned about Sabbath observance, showing that the debate is not just about rules but about who has the right to interpret them.
• The statement helps readers understand why Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath were so controversial and why his identity was a central issue in his interactions with religious leaders.