Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

LUKE 6:9KJV
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Luke 6:9 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:9 mean?

Luke 6:9 records Jesus asking whether the Sabbath is a day for doing good and saving life, or for doing evil and destroying life. His question brings the dispute about healing on the Sabbath into focus: he asks his listeners to consider the good at stake, not just whether an action is permitted.

Jesus speaks to the religious leaders who are watching him as a man with a withered hand stands before them. The Sabbath was the Jewish day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. Jesus puts the issue in two sharp pairs: good or evil, saving life or destroying it.

The Greek behind Luke 6:9

  • “lawful” — ἔξεστιν (exestin): This word means “it is permitted.” Jesus frames his question around what may be done on the Sabbath, the point his observers are watching closely.
  • “life” — ψυχή (psychē): This word can mean life or a living person. Here it carries the sense of a person’s life, making the question of saving or destroying more personal than a debate about rules alone.

Why Luke 6:9 matters

  • Jesus connects healing with a larger question about human life. The man’s hand is the immediate concern, but Jesus asks about the contrast between saving life and destroying it.
  • The question exposes the tension in the scene. Luke says the observers are looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, while Jesus asks them to consider what is good to do on the Sabbath (Luke 6:7–9).
  • Jesus’ action gives the question its immediate setting. After asking it, he tells the man to stretch out his hand, and the hand is restored (Luke 6:10).

Where else these words appear

“evil” Greek G2554 · used in 4 verses

  • 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.
  • 1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
  • 3 John 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

“good” Greek G15 · used in 10 verses

  • 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.
  • Acts 14:17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
  • 1 Peter 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

“lawful” Greek G1832 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 12:2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day.
  • Mark 2:24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
  • John 5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

“ask” Greek G1905 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
  • Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
  • Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?