Lexical Summary psóchó: To rub, to grind Original Word: ψόχω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rub. Prolongation from the same base as psallo; to triturate, i.e. (by analogy) to rub out (kernels from husks with the fingers or hand) -- rub. see GREEK psallo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origincollateral form of psaó (to rub) Definition to rub NASB Translation rubbing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5597: ψώχωψώχω; (from the obsolete ψοωο for ψάω); to rub, rub to pieces: τάς στάχυας ταῖς χερσίν, Luke 6:1. ((middle in Nicander.)) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Background The verb describes the simple agrarian action of rubbing raw grain between the hands in order to disengage the edible kernels from the husk. In first-century Galilee this was a common way for travelers or field-workers to satisfy immediate hunger without the use of tools or fire. The action was entirely lawful under Mosaic provision for the poor and the traveler (Deuteronomy 23:25), yet it became the flashpoint for a major Sabbath dispute. Occurrence in Scripture Luke 6:1 records the sole New Testament use: “One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples were picking heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them”. Historical Agricultural Practice Harvesting by hand rubbing required no scythe, threshing floor, or winnowing fan. The kernels were exposed through the friction of the palms, then blown free of chaff by a light breath. Because it left the standing crop largely undisturbed, the Law counted it as personal sustenance, not laborious reaping. Old Testament Foundations • Deuteronomy 23:25 legitimizes hand-picking grain in a neighbor’s field. These precedents establish that meeting immediate hunger is a divine concession woven into Israel’s social fabric. Sabbath Controversy and Theological Implications In Luke 6:1-5 (with parallels in Matthew 12:1-8 and Mark 2:23-28), the religious leaders equated rubbing grain with threshing, an activity forbidden by their interpretive traditions. Jesus appealed to: 1 Samuel 21:3-6 – David eating the consecrated bread, showing that human need outweighs ritual restriction. Hosea 6:6 – the priority of mercy over sacrifice. He concluded, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (Luke 6:5). Thus the single instance of the verb becomes a vehicle for affirming Christ’s authority, clarifying the Sabbath’s beneficent design, and exposing the danger of man-made legalism. Symbolic and Devotional Insights • Separation of kernel from chaff pictures God’s sanctifying work (Psalm 1:4; Matthew 3:12). Ministry Applications 1. Compassion precedes ceremony. Churches must prioritize relieving genuine need over protecting tradition. Homiletical Suggestions A sermon could explore “Rubbing Grain on the Sabbath” as an illustration of: Summary Though the verb appears only once, it carries rich layers of historical, legal, and theological meaning. The disciples’ modest act of rubbing grain underscores the goodness of God’s created provision, validates mercy over meticulousness, and ultimately magnifies Jesus Christ as the rightful Lord who interprets and fulfills the Law. Forms and Transliterations ψωχοντες ψώχοντες psochontes psōchontes psṓchontesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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