Mark 3:4 web — He said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?" But they were…

World English Bible

"He said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?" But they were silent."

— Mark 3:4, World English Bible

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Mark 3:4 in Other Translations

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Mark 3 — Context

1

He entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man there who had his hand withered.

2

They watched him, whether he would heal him on the Sabbath day, that they might accuse him.

3

He said to the man who had his hand withered, "Stand up."

4

He said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?" But they were silent.

5

When he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored as healthy as the other.

6

The Pharisees went out, and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

7

Jesus withdrew to the sea with his disciples, and a great multitude followed him from Galilee, from Judea,

Mark 3:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Mark 3:4 say?
Mark 3:4 in the World English Bible reads: “He said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?" But they were silent.”
Where is Mark 3:4 in the Bible?
Mark 3:4 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Mark, chapter 3, verse 4.
Who wrote Mark?
Mark is traditionally attributed to John Mark, companion of Peter and Paul. Early tradition (Papias, c. AD 130) reports Mark wrote down Peter's preaching. It was written c. AD 55–65.
What is the book of Mark about?
Mark is the shortest, fastest-paced Gospel — "immediately" is its favorite word. It portrays Jesus as the powerful, suffering Servant who acts, heals, casts out demons, and finally gives his life as a ransom for many. The story moves with urgency from Galilee to a cross outside Jerusalem.
What are the major themes of Mark?
Mark explores themes including Servant, Action, Suffering, Discipleship, Cross. These themes shape the meaning and context of Mark 3:4.
What translation should I read Mark 3:4 in?
Mark 3:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Mark 3:4?
Mark 3:4 reads (WEB): “He said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?" But they were silent.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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