New Testament
Luke 6:4
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He went into God's house, took the sacred bread that only priests are allowed to eat, and shared it with the men who were with him."
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How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
What Luke 6:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus refers to an event from the Old Testament where David, when he was fleeing from Saul, entered the house of God and took the sacred bread, known as the shewbread, which was reserved for priests. This act highlights the importance of human need over strict religious rules. Jesus uses this example to illustrate that mercy and compassion are more important than ritualistic adherence to the law. By sharing the bread with his companions, David demonstrated that fulfilling a need can sometimes take precedence over the established rules. This story serves as a reminder that God values our well-being and the spirit of the law over mere legalistic observance.
How to apply Luke 6:4 to your life
This passage encourages us to prioritize compassion and human needs over rigid adherence to rules. In our daily lives, we should be willing to show mercy and understanding, especially when others are in need, reflecting the heart of God's law.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 6:4
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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 6:4 teach about the law and compassion?
Luke 6:4 illustrates that compassion and human needs can take precedence over strict adherence to religious laws. Jesus uses the example of David eating the shewbread, which was reserved for priests, to emphasize that mercy and understanding are more important than rigidly following rules. This teaches us that God values our well-being and the spirit of the law.
Why did David eat the shewbread in the Old Testament?
David ate the shewbread when he was fleeing from Saul and was in need of food. This act was significant because the shewbread was meant only for priests, highlighting the extraordinary circumstances that justified his actions. It serves as a reminder that human necessity can sometimes override established religious regulations.
How can we apply the message of Luke 6:4 in our lives?
We can apply the message of Luke 6:4 by prioritizing compassion and understanding in our interactions with others. When we encounter situations where rules may hinder helping someone in need, we should remember that showing mercy aligns with God's heart. This encourages us to be flexible and responsive to the needs of those around us.
What is the significance of the shewbread in the Bible?
The shewbread, also known as the bread of the Presence, was a sacred offering placed in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, symbolizing God's provision and presence among His people. It was reserved for priests, making David's act of eating it a profound statement about the importance of human need over ritualistic law.
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