King James Version

What Does Luke 6:7 Mean?

Luke 6:7 in the King James Version says “And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.

Luke 6:7 · KJV


Context

5

And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

6

And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.

7

And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.

8

But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

9

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?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the scribes and Pharisees watched him (παρετηροῦντο, paretērounto)—the Greek carries the sense of malicious surveillance, watching closely with hostile intent. They weren't seeking truth but an accusation against him (κατηγορίαν, katēgorian), legal grounds for prosecution. The question whether he would heal on the sabbath day reveals their hardened hearts—they anticipated Jesus would show mercy, and they prepared to weaponize compassion against him.

This demonstrates how religious externalism corrupts the soul. They transformed the Sabbath, meant as a gift of rest and worship, into a trap for the Son of God. Their watching (τηρέω, tēreō) contrasts with keeping God's commandments—they kept the letter while violating the spirit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The scribes (γραμματεῖς, grammateis) were Torah experts and legal scholars; Pharisees (Φαρισαῖοι, Pharisaioi) were the separatist party zealous for oral tradition. Together they formed the religious establishment. Their Sabbath regulations permitted saving life in emergencies but prohibited healing non-life-threatening conditions. They would later accuse Jesus before Pilate using similar surveillance tactics (Luke 23:2, 10), showing this was their consistent method—watching to destroy rather than learning to worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can religious observance become a means of condemning grace rather than celebrating it?
  2. Are you watching Jesus to learn from him, or to find fault with how he works in ways that challenge your traditions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
παρετήρουν1 of 17

watched

G3906

to inspect alongside, i.e., note insidiously or scrupulously

δὲ2 of 17

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοῦ3 of 17

against him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οἱ4 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γραμματεῖς5 of 17

the scribes

G1122

a professional writer

καὶ6 of 17

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ7 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Φαρισαῖοι8 of 17

Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

εἰ9 of 17

whether

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἐν10 of 17

on

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ11 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σαββάτῳ12 of 17

the sabbath day

G4521

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

θεραπεύσει13 of 17

he would heal

G2323

to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)

ἵνα14 of 17

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

εὕρωσιν15 of 17

they might find

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

κατηγορίαν16 of 17

an accusation

G2724

a complaint ("category"), i.e., criminal charge

αὐτοῦ17 of 17

against him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 6:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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