Luke 6:7 Meaning and Explanation
“And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Hardened hearts watched a man with a withered hand and hoped Jesus would not heal him.
The Context of Luke 6:7
In a synagogue on the sabbath, a man with a withered hand is present. The scribes and Pharisees, the religious experts of the day, are watching Jesus closely, looking for grounds to charge Him. Jesus knows their thoughts and is about to heal the man openly (Luke 6:8-10).
What Does Luke 6:7 Mean?
The scene is tense before a word is spoken. A man with a crippled hand sits in the synagogue, and beside him sit men studying Jesus' next move more than the man's need. They have come to catch Him out, hunting for a charge. The sabbath, given as a gift of rest and mercy, has become in their hands a trap. They would rather catch Jesus breaking a rule than watch a suffering man be made whole. It is a chilling picture of how religion can curdle when the heart goes cold.
Jesus does not flinch from their watching. He calls the man to stand in the open, asks whether it is lawful to do good on the sabbath, and heals him in plain sight (verses 9-10). He will not hide goodness to avoid an accusation. This is the Lord of the sabbath, who made the day for our sake and delights to do us good. The same eyes that watched Him for a charge would one day see Him give His life for the very people who plotted against Him.
Luke 6:7 in the Original Language
paratereo (παρατηρέω), 'watched' -- to watch closely on the side, to observe with hostile, scheming intent.
How to Apply Luke 6:7 Today
It is sobering how easily devotion to rules can crowd out compassion for people. Jesus shows us a goodness that will not be intimidated into hiding. When we are tempted to guard a principle at the expense of a hurting person, His example calls us back to mercy done in the open.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 6:7
What does Luke 6:7 mean?
Hardened hearts watched a man with a withered hand and hoped Jesus would not heal him.
What is the context of Luke 6:7?
In a synagogue on the sabbath, a man with a withered hand is present. The scribes and Pharisees, the religious experts of the day, are watching Jesus closely, looking for grounds to charge Him. Jesus knows their thoughts and is about to heal the man openly (Luke 6:8-10).
How can I apply Luke 6:7 today?
It is sobering how easily devotion to rules can crowd out compassion for people. Jesus shows us a goodness that will not be intimidated into hiding. When we are tempted to guard a principle at the expense of a hurting person, His example calls us back to mercy done in the open.