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Luke 6:9

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 6:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jesus said unto them, I ask you, Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to destroy it?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jesus said unto them, I ask you, Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to destroy it?
Luke 6:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6And it came to pass on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man there, and his right hand was withered.
7And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath; that they might find how to accuse him.
8But he knew their thoughts; and he said to the man that had his hand withered, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.
9And Jesus said unto them, I ask you, Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to destroy it?
10And he looked round about on them all, and said unto him, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did [so]: and his hand was restored.
11But they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
12And it came to pass in these days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer to God.
← Luke 6:8Luke 6:10 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then said Jesus unto them, etc.] The Scribes and Pharisees, who were watching him, and whose thoughts, and the reasonings of their minds, purposes, and intentions, he full well knew: I will ask you one thing; or question, as they had asked him one before; (<401210>Matthew 12:10) is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? (See Gill on “<410304>Mark 3:4”) to which may be added, that to save life on the sabbath day was agreeable to their own canons: there were many things which they allowed might be done on the sabbath day, when life was in danger, which otherwise were not lawful; (See Gill on “<401208>Matthew 12:8”).”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“good, or . . . evil, save . . . or destroy--By this novel way of putting His case, our Lord teaches the great ethical principle, that to neglect any opportunity of doing good is to incur the guilt of doing evil; and by this law He bound His own spirit. (See Mar 3:4.)”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“To save life or to kill - He just then probably saw the design to kill him rising in their hearts. Luke 6:12”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:9 Is this a day to save life or to destroy it? Jesus’ question penetrated the religious leaders’ motives. They were plotting against Jesus (an evil act) because he was going to heal someone (a good act).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Is it: Luk 14:3; Mat 12:12, Mat 12:13; Mar 3:4; Joh 7:19-23 to save: Luk 9:56 Luke 6:10”
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Related study paths

Read Luke 6 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification