King James Version

What Does Mark 2:26 Mean?

Mark 2:26 in the King James Version says “How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread , which is not lawf... — study this verse from Mark chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 2:26 · KJV


Context

24

And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?

25

And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?

26

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?

27

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

28

Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus provides historical specificity: David entered 'the house of God' during 'Abiathar the high priest.' He 'did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests,' and 'gave also to them which were with him.' David didn't merely eat forbidden bread himself but shared it with his men—compounding the ceremonial violation. Despite this, Scripture records no divine judgment, suggesting God prioritized mercy and human need over ceremonial restriction. Jesus' point is powerful: if God excused David's violation to meet physical hunger, how much more does Jesus have authority to permit disciples to pluck grain on Sabbath for legitimate need?

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The showbread (לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים, 'bread of the Presence') consisted of twelve loaves representing Israel's tribes, placed weekly on the golden table, eaten by priests when replaced. David's eating it demonstrated that human survival takes precedence—the very principle Jesus applies. The reference to 'Abiathar' presents a textual challenge—1 Samuel 21:1 identifies Ahimelech (Abiathar's father). Solutions include: 'in the days of Abiathar' referring to his era broadly, or both serving together.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's mercy toward David's violation demonstrate that law's purpose is redemptive?
  2. In what areas do you prioritize religious ritual over genuine human need?
  3. What does this passage teach about God's heart for mercy over sacrifice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
πῶς1 of 32

How

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

εἰσῆλθεν2 of 32

he went

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς3 of 32

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν4 of 32
G3588

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

οἶκον5 of 32

the house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

τοῦ6 of 32
G3588

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

θεοῦ7 of 32

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐπὶ8 of 32

in the days

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

Ἀβιαθὰρ9 of 32

of Abiathar

G8

abiathar, an israelite

τοῦ10 of 32
G3588

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

ἀρχιερέως11 of 32

the high priest

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

καὶ12 of 32

also

G2532

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

τοὺς13 of 32
G3588

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

ἄρτους14 of 32

the shewbread

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

τῆς15 of 32
G3588

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

προθέσεως16 of 32
G4286

a setting forth, i.e., (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the temple) as exposed before god

φαγεῖν17 of 32

did eat

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

οὓς18 of 32

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐκ19 of 32

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔξεστιν20 of 32

is

G1832

so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it

φαγεῖν21 of 32

did eat

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

εἰ22 of 32
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ23 of 32
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τοῖς24 of 32
G3588

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

ἱερεῦσιν25 of 32

the priests

G2409

a priest (literally or figuratively)

καὶ26 of 32

also

G2532

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

ἔδωκεν27 of 32

gave

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

καὶ28 of 32

also

G2532

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

τοῖς29 of 32
G3588

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

σὺν30 of 32

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

αὐτῷ31 of 32

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

οὖσιν32 of 32

to them which were

G5607

being


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 2:26 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 Mark 2:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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