Mark 2:28

ὥστε. Here, as in Mark 10:8, c. indic. If Mark 2:27 is omitted, the argument is incomplete. Mt. has γάρ, making the saying a premise rather than a conclusion. Lk. has neither. In all three, κύριος comes first with emphasis. The Sabbath has been given to mankind for their benefit; therefore the Representative of mankind may decide how the gift can best be used for their benefit, and it must not be used in such a way as to turn a blessing into a curse. Thus Christ not only takes the responsibility for His disciples’ action but claims it. St Paul argues in a similar way about our liberty in things indifferent; we must not use it in such a way as to lose it, by becoming slaves to a habit (1 Corinthians 6:12). See Hort, Jud. Chris. p. 33. Some Fathers seem to have thought that, because the Jews made the Sabbath a burden, it was given them as a burden, to punish them for their carnal way of life.

καὶ τοῦ σαββάτου. Either “also” (A.V.) or “even” (R.V.) may be right. If “also,” it means “in addition to other things of which He has control.” Cf. Mark 7:18.