New Testament
Luke 14:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he said to them, "If your donkey or ox falls into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn't you immediately pull it out?"
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And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?
What Luke 14:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus challenges the rigid interpretation of the Sabbath laws by asking a rhetorical question. He points out that if someone’s donkey or ox fell into a pit on the Sabbath, they would not hesitate to rescue it. This highlights the value of compassion and mercy over strict adherence to rules. Jesus is emphasizing that doing good and helping those in need should take precedence, even on a day of rest. The implication is that the Sabbath should not be a burden but a time for kindness and care. By using this example, Jesus teaches that human need and welfare are more important than legalistic observance of the law. This moment illustrates the heart of the law, which is love and compassion, rather than mere rule-following. It invites us to reflect on our priorities and how we can act with kindness, even when it seems inconvenient or against the norm.
How to apply Luke 14:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to prioritize compassion over strict rules in our lives. When faced with situations where we can help others, we should act with kindness, even if it means stepping outside of our comfort zones or routines. Our actions should reflect love and care.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 14:5
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 14:5 mean?
Luke 14:5 highlights Jesus' teaching that compassion should take precedence over strict Sabbath laws. He uses the example of rescuing an animal to illustrate that helping those in need is more important than rigid rule-following.
What is the significance of the Sabbath in Luke 14:5?
In Luke 14:5, the Sabbath is portrayed as a day not just for rest, but for acts of kindness and mercy. Jesus emphasizes that the true purpose of the Sabbath is to prioritize human welfare over legalistic observance.
How does Luke 14:5 relate to compassion?
Luke 14:5 demonstrates that compassion is essential, even on the Sabbath. Jesus argues that if one would rescue an animal in distress, they should also extend that same compassion to people.
What is the main message of Luke 14:5?
The main message of Luke 14:5 is that love and compassion should guide our actions, even when they conflict with established rules. Jesus encourages prioritizing human needs over strict adherence to laws.
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