Luke 14:3

“And Jesus answering, spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, etc.] All the Oriental versions, for “lawyers”, read “Scribes”: these, with the Pharisees, were got together in a body, in their brother Pharisee's house, to watch the motions of Christ; who knew their designs upon him, and the thoughts of their hearts, and made answer to them, by putting the following question; saying, is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? The occasion of the question was the object before him, whom Christ had a compassionate regard to, and determined to cure; but knowing that these men were catching at every thing, to traduce him, was desirous of having their sentiments first; not but that he knew full well,…”

“(See on Mat 12:11-12).”

“Jesus, answering - To “answer,” in the Scriptures, does not always imply, as among us, that anything had been said before. It means often merely to “begin” or to take up a subject, or, as here, to remark on the case that was present. Is it lawful ... - He knew that they were watching him. If he healed the man at once, they would accuse him. He, therefore, proposed the question to them, and when it was asked, they could not say that it was not lawful. return to 'Top of Page'”

“And Jesus answering, spake - Answering the thoughts which he saw rising in their hearts. Luke 14:7”

“14:3 Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day? This question was debated by the rabbis (see study note on 6:6-7).”

“the lawyers: Luk 11:44, Luk 11:45 Is: Luk 6:9, Luk 13:14-16; Mat 12:10; Mar 3:4; Joh 7:23 Luke 14:4”