How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?

MARK 2:26KJV
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Mark 2:26 (KJV)

What does Mark 2:26 mean?

Mark 2:26 refers to an event when David entered the house of God during the time of Abiathar the high priest and ate the consecrated bread, which was normally only allowed for priests, and also shared it with his companions. This example is used to show that human need can, at times, take precedence over ceremonial law.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, who are questioning Him about His disciples picking grain on the Sabbath. Jesus points to a well-known story from the life of David to illustrate that even sacred laws about holy bread were set aside in a moment of necessity. The verse highlights both the historical event and the principle that mercy and human need are important in God’s eyes.

The Greek behind Mark 2:26

  • "σῶμα τοῦ θεοῦ" (house of God, transliterated: oikos tou theou): This phrase refers specifically to the sanctuary or temple, emphasizing the sacredness of the place David entered.
  • "ἄρτους τῆς προθέσεως" (shewbread, transliterated: artous tēs protheseōs): This term means "bread of the presence," special loaves set before God in the sanctuary, reserved only for priests. Mentioning this bread underlines the seriousness of David’s action.
  • "οὐκ ἔξεστιν" (not lawful, transliterated: ouk exestin): This phrase stresses that eating the shewbread was strictly forbidden for anyone except priests, making David’s action unusual and noteworthy.

Why Mark 2:26 matters

  • Mark 2:26 helps clarify that Jesus is not dismissing the law but showing that compassion and practical needs can be more important than ritual rules.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ response to the broader biblical tradition, showing that even revered figures like David acted out of necessity and were not condemned for it.
  • This example sets the stage for Jesus’ teaching about the Sabbath, emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for people’s good, not as a burden.

Where else these words appear

“shewbread” Greek G4286 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 12:4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
  • Acts 27:13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
  • Ephesians 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

“is” 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.

“priests” Greek G2409 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
  • Hebrews 7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

“for” Greek G1508 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 4:26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
  • Romans 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.