A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 6

On a sabbath (εν σαββατω). This is the second sabbath on which Jesus is noted by Luke. The first was Lu 4:31-41. There was another in Joh 5:1-47. There is Western and Syrian (Byzantine) evidence for a very curious reading here which calls this sabbath "secondfirst" (δευτεροπρωτω). It is undoubtedly spurious, though Westcott and Hort print it in the margin. A possible explanation is that a scribe wrote "first" (πρωτω) on the margin because of the sabbath miracle in Lu 6:6-11. Then another scribe recalled Lu 4:31 where a sabbath is mentioned and wrote "second" (δευτερω) also on the margin. Finally a third scribe combined the two in the word δευτεροπρωτω that is not found elsewhere. If it were genuine, we should not know what it means.

Plucked (ετιλλον). Imperfect active. They were plucking as they went on through (διαπορευεσθα). Whether wheat or barley, we do not know, not our "corn" (maize).

Did eat (ησθιον). Imperfect again. See on Mt 12:1f.; Mr 2:23f. for the separate acts in supposed violence of the sabbath laws.

Rubbing them in their hands (ψωχοντες ταις χερσιν). Only in Luke and only here in the N.T. This was one of the chief offences. "According to Rabbinical notions, it was reaping, threshing, winnowing, and preparing food all at once" (Plummer). These Pharisees were straining out gnats and swallowing camels! This verb ψωχω is a late one for ψαω, to rub.

Not even this (ουδε τουτο). This small point only in Luke.

What (ο). Literally,

which . Mr 2:25; Matthew 12:3 have τ (what).

Did take (λαβων). Second aorist active participle of λαμβανω. Not in Mark and Matthew. See Mt 12:1-8; Mr 2:23-28 for discussion of details about the shewbread and the five arguments in defence of his conduct on the sabbath (example of David, work of the priests on the sabbath, prophecy of Ho 6:6, purpose of the sabbath for man, the Son of Man lord of the sabbath). It was an overwhelming and crushing reply to these pettifogging ceremonialists to which they could not reply, but which increased their anger. Codex D transfers verse 5 to after verse 10 and puts here the following: "On the same day beholding one working on the sabbath he said to him: Man, if you know what you are doing, happy are you; but if you do not know, cursed are you and a transgressor of the law."

On another sabbath (εν ετερω σαββατω). This was a second (ετερον, as it often means), but not necessarily the next, sabbath. This incident is given by all three synoptics (Matthew 12:9–14; Luke 6:6–11). See Matt. and Mark for details. Only Luke notes that it was on a sabbath. Was this because Luke as a physician had to meet this problem in his own practise?

Right hand (η δεξια). This alone in Luke, the physician's eye for particulars.

The scribes and the Pharisees (ο γραμματεις κα ο Φαρισαιο). Only Luke here though Pharisees named in Mt 12:14 and Pharisees and Herodians in Mr 3:6.

Watched him (παρετηρουντο αυτον). Imperfect middle, were watching for themselves on the side (παρα). Mr 3:2 has the imperfect active παρετηρουν. Common verb, but the proposition παρα gave an extra touch, watching either assiduously like the physician at the bedside or insidiously with evil intent as here.

Would heal (θεραπευσε). But the present active indicative (θεραπευε) may be the correct text here. So Westcott and Hort.

That they might find out how to accuse him (ινα ευρωσιν κατηγορειν αυτου). Second aorist active subjunctive of ευρισκω and the infinitive with it means to find out how to do a thing. They were determined to make a case against Jesus. They felt sure that their presence would prevent any spurious work on the part of Jesus.