Sabbath was made for man Bible Verse Meaning

The “Sabbath was made for man” Bible verse is Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’ accusation that the disciples broke the Sabbath.

Jesus and His disciples passed through the cornfield on the Sabbath day. And the disciples as they went, they were plucking the ears of the corn.

According to the interpretations of the Pharisees, this act was breaking the holiness of the Sabbath.

They added extra rules and regulations to all the Laws of God. You had to be very meticulous with these things according to them.

Jesus explained that He did not create the Sabbath to be a burden, but the Sabbath was made for man. (Mark 2:27)

In other words, the Sabbath was created to be a joy and a blessing, and not a rigid rule as the Pharisees made it to be.

Table of Contents

Mark 2:27 Context

The context for this verse saying “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath” is when Jesus and His disciples were crossing through a field of corn.

The disciples then started to pluck the ears of the corn. And the Pharisees immediately accused them of breaking the Sabbath.

They had rigid interpretations of the Law of God, and added many extra rules and regulations to it.

In other words, they were making everything a burden for the people.

And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.

And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
Mark 2:23-24 KJV

And Jesus responded:

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?

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 2:25-26 KJV

In other words, the needs of man are important! When David was hungry with his men, he took the showbread from the House of God.

The Law stated that only priests could eat that showbread, nevertheless, he did not sin in that situation.

The Purpose of the Sabbath

God loves us very much, and He takes care of all our needs!

And the Sabbath was created for us, man, to be a joy and a delight, and not a burden like the Pharisees made it to be.

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

Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Mark 2:27-28 KJV

This day is a special day when we take time to connect with our Creator and enjoy His gifts – family, friends, nature, etc.

The Sabbath was never intended to be a burden, but a delight for mankind.

A day when we disconnect from our jobs, stress and modern lifestyle.

Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath

He created the Sabbath, and He is above it.

Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Mark 2:28 KJV

Conclusion

To conclude, the Sabbath was made for man in the sense that God created this day for our benefit and to enjoy it.

Unfortunately, the religious leaders of that time made it to be a burden. You had to always “take your list” and check what you can and cannot do on this day.

But God made it for us, to enjoy it!

My Letter To A Sunday Keeper – Sabbath Documentary