Luke 6:3

And Iesus answering them, said, Haue yee not read so much as this what Dauid did, when himselfe was an hungred, and they which were with him: Luke 6:3 (KJV)

And Jesus answering them said,

Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; Luke 6:3 (KJV)

Luke 6:3 is situated within the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17‑49), where Jesus teaches His disciples and a great multitude about righteous living and true discipleship. In this verse He refers to an Old Testament incident involving King David. While fleeing from King Saul, David entered the house of God and asked for food. The only bread available was the consecrated bread reserved for the priests, yet the priest gave it to David and his companions because they were hungry (1 Samuel 21:1‑6).

Spiritual Principles

a. Priority of Human Need – Jesus uses David’s example to show that human need can take precedence over religious regulations. He reminds the Pharisees that even the holy bread was set aside when there was a greater need for nourishment, demonstrating that God values mercy and compassion above strict legalism.

b. Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath – By citing this event, Jesus underscores His authority as the Son of God and Lord of the Sabbath (cf. Luke 6:5). He indicates that He has the authority to interpret and, when necessary, modify religious practices to meet people’s needs, shifting the focus from rigid rule‑keeping to love and service.

c. Application for Believers – The principle calls believers today to respect godly principles and traditions while remembering that the ultimate goal is love for God and neighbor. There will be occasions when extending grace, showing mercy, and meeting pressing needs may require deviating from certain religious customs.

Questions for Reflection

• Are there religious practices or traditions I prioritize over showing mercy and meeting others’ needs?
• How can I balance honoring godly principles with compassionate action?
• Do I recognize Jesus as Lord of my life, including every aspect of my faith and practice, and submit to His authority?
• In what practical ways can I demonstrate love, compassion, and mercy daily, following Jesus’ example?

Studying the entire chapter of Luke 6 will provide fuller insight into the context of this teaching and the broader message of the Sermon on the Plain.