The term "second-first" appears in the context of the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 6:1, where it describes a particular Sabbath. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows: "One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain, rub them in their hands, and eat them." The phrase "second-first Sabbath" is a unique expression found in some manuscripts, though it is not present in all translations or versions of the Bible.

Context and Interpretation:

The "second-first Sabbath" has been a subject of scholarly debate and interpretation. The term is not explicitly defined within the biblical text, leading to various theories about its meaning. Some scholars suggest that it refers to a specific Sabbath in the Jewish liturgical calendar, possibly the first Sabbath after the second day of Passover, which would coincide with the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This interpretation aligns with the Jewish practice of counting Sabbaths leading up to the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost).

Another interpretation posits that the "second-first" could refer to a Sabbath that follows a special festival day, such as the Passover, which would be considered a "first" Sabbath due to its significance. Thus, the "second-first" would be the next regular Sabbath following this festival.

Theological Significance:

The passage in Luke 6:1-5, where the term "second-first" is found, highlights a significant moment in Jesus' ministry concerning the observance of the Sabbath. The Pharisees challenge Jesus and His disciples for what they perceive as unlawful behavior on the Sabbath. Jesus responds by referencing the actions of David when he ate the consecrated bread, emphasizing the principle that human need and mercy take precedence over ritualistic observance.

This incident underscores Jesus' authority over the Sabbath, as He declares, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Luke 6:5). The narrative illustrates the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time, as well as His mission to fulfill and transcend the Law.

Historical and Cultural Background:

Understanding the Jewish calendar and Sabbath observance is crucial for interpreting the "second-first" term. The Jewish calendar is lunar-based, with months beginning at the new moon. The Sabbath, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, is a day of rest and worship, commemorating God's rest after creation (Genesis 2:2-3).

During Jesus' time, various Jewish sects, including the Pharisees, had developed extensive traditions and interpretations of the Law, including detailed regulations for Sabbath observance. These traditions often led to conflicts with Jesus, who emphasized the spirit of the Law rather than strict legalism.

Conclusion:

The "second-first" Sabbath in Luke 6:1 remains a topic of scholarly discussion, with interpretations varying based on historical, cultural, and theological perspectives. Regardless of its precise meaning, the passage serves as a critical moment in the Gospels, highlighting Jesus' teaching on the Sabbath and His authority as the Messiah.1207 -- second, after the first.
... Part of Speech: Adjective Phonetic Spelling: (dyoo-ter-op'-ro-tos) Short Definition:
second-first Definition: second-first, a word of uncertain meaning. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1207.htm - 6k

The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn ...
... Luke describes the Sabbath of this occurrence as the second-first' - an expression
so peculiar that it cannot be regarded as an interpolation, [3539] but as ...
/.../chapter xxxv the two sabbath-controversies.htm

The Greeks had Some Knowledge of the True God.
... [3257] [A strange passage; but its "darkness visible" seems to lend some help to
the understanding of the puzzle about the second-first Sabbath of Luke 6:1.]. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter v the greeks had some.htm

Hebrews xii. 14
... And at the same time also this is added to their calamity, that the first is become
last, and the second, first: the one, for courageous endurance; the other ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxi hebrews xii 14.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... Sabbath, the, Jewish modes of making it a delight, i.437, ii.52, 114, 115;
Christ's controversy on the second first' Sabbath, ii.53-56; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

Letter Lii. To Nepotian.
... My teacher, Gregory of Nazianzus, when I once asked him to explain Luke's phrase
sabbaton deuteroproton , that is "the second-first Sabbath," playfully evaded ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lii to nepotian.htm

Second-first (1 Occurrence)
Second-first. Secondarily, Second-first. Second-in-command .
Multi-Version Concordance Second-first (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/second-first.htm - 6k

Wheatfields (3 Occurrences)
... Luke 6:1 Now on the second-first Sabbath while He was passing through the wheatfields,
His disciples were plucking the ears and rubbing them with their hands ...
/w/wheatfields.htm - 7k

Plucking (8 Occurrences)
... Luke 6:1 Now on the second-first Sabbath while He was passing through the wheatfields,
His disciples were plucking the ears and rubbing them with their hands ...
/p/plucking.htm - 9k

Passing (177 Occurrences)
... Luke 6:1 Now on the second-first Sabbath while He was passing through the wheatfields,
His disciples were plucking the ears and rubbing them with their hands ...
/p/passing.htm - 36k

Cornfields (3 Occurrences)
... Luke 6:1 And it came to pass on the second-first sabbath, that he went through
cornfields, and his disciples were plucking the ears and eating them, rubbing ...
/c/cornfields.htm - 7k

After (10866 Occurrences)
... Frank E. Hirsch. SABBATH, SECOND AFTER THE FIRST. (sabbaton deuteroproton (Luke
6:1), literally, "the second-first sabbath," of the Revised Version margin): We ...
/a/after.htm - 12k

Secondarily (1 Occurrence)

/s/secondarily.htm - 7k

Second-in-command (1 Occurrence)
Second-in-command. Second-first, Second-in-command. Secondly . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See NIV). Second-first, Second-in-command. Secondly . ...
/s/second-in-command.htm - 6k

Eating (151 Occurrences)
... Luke 6:1 And it came to pass on the second-first sabbath, that he went through
cornfields, and his disciples were plucking the ears and eating them, rubbing ...
/e/eating.htm - 38k

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