Luke 6:21–49

6:21 “Blessed are you who hunger74 now, for you will be satisfied.75

“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.76

6:22 “Blessed are you when people77 hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject you as evil78 on account of the Son of Man! 6:23 Rejoice in that day, and jump for joy, because79 your reward is great in heaven. For their ancestors80 did the same things to the prophets.81

6:24 “But woe82 to you who are rich, for you have received83 your comfort84 already.

6:25 “Woe to you who are well satisfied with food85 now, for you will be hungry.

“Woe to you86 who laugh87 now, for you will mourn and weep.

6:26 “Woe to you88 when all people89 speak well of you, for their ancestors90 did the same things to the false prophets.

6:27 “But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies,91 do good to those who hate you, 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat92 you. 6:29 To the person who strikes you on the cheek,93 offer the other as well,94 and from the person who takes away your coat,95 do not withhold your tunic96 either.97 6:30 Give to everyone who asks you,98 and do not ask for your possessions99 back100 from the person who takes them away. 6:31 Treat others101 in the same way that you would want them to treat you.102

6:32 “If103 you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners104 love those who love them.105 6:33 And106 if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even107 sinners108 do the same. 6:34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to be repaid,109 what credit is that to you? Even sinners110 lend to sinners, so that they may be repaid in full.111 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back.112 Then113 your reward will be great, and you will be sons114 of the Most High,115 because he is kind to ungrateful and evil people.116 6:36 Be merciful,117 just as your Father is merciful.

Do Not Judge Others

6:37 “Do118 not judge,119 and you will not be judged;120 do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive,121 and you will be forgiven. 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over,122 will be poured123 into your lap. For the measure you use will be the measure you receive.”124

6:39 He also told them a parable: “Someone who is blind cannot lead another who is blind, can he?125 Won’t they both fall126 into a pit? 6:40 A disciple127 is not greater than128 his teacher, but everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher. 6:41 Why129 do you see the speck130 in your brother’s eye, but fail to see131 the beam of wood132 in your own? 6:42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck from your eye,’ while you yourself don’t see the beam in your own? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

6:43 “For133 no good tree bears bad134 fruit, nor again135 does a bad tree bear good fruit, 6:44 for each tree is known136 by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered137 from thorns, nor are grapes picked138 from brambles.139 6:45 The good person out of the good treasury of his140 heart141 produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasury142 produces evil, for his mouth speaks143 from what fills144 his heart.

6:46 “Why145 do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’146 and don’t do what I tell you?147

6:47 “Everyone who comes to me and listens to my words and puts them into practice148—I will show you what he is like: 6:48 He is like a man149 building a house, who dug down deep,150 and laid the foundation on bedrock. When151 a flood came, the river152 burst against that house but153 could not shake it, because it had been well built.154 6:49 But the person who hears and does not put my words into practice155 is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When156 the river burst against that house,157 it collapsed immediately, and was utterly destroyed!”158

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74	sn You who hunger are people like the poor Jesus has already mentioned. The term has OT roots both in conjunction with the poor (Isa 32:6–7; 58:6–7, 9–10; Ezek 18:7, 16) or by itself (Ps 37:16–19; 107:9).
75	sn The promise you will be satisfied is the first of several “reversals” noted in these promises. The beatitudes and the reversals that accompany them serve in the sermon as an invitation to enter into God’s care, because one can know God cares for those who turn to him.
76	sn You will laugh alludes to the joy that comes to God’s people in the salvation to come.
77	tn This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), referring to both males and females.
78	tn Or “disdain you”; Grk “cast out your name as evil.” The word “name” is used here as a figure of speech to refer to the person as a whole. sn The phrase when they exclude you and insult you and reject you as evil alludes to a person being ostracized and socially isolated because of association with the Son of Man, Jesus.
79	tn Grk “because behold.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) at the beginning of this clause has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).
80	tn Or “forefathers”; Grk “fathers.”
81	sn Mistreatment of the prophets is something Luke often notes (Luke 11:47–51; Acts 7:51–52).
82	sn Jesus promises condemnation (woe) to those who are callous of others, looking only to their own comforts. On Luke and the rich see 1:53; 12:16; 14:12; 16:1, 21–22; 18:23; 19:2; 21:1. These woes are unique to Luke.
83	sn Ironically the language of reward shows that what the rich have received is all they will get. This result looks at a current situation, just as the start of the beatitudes did. The rest of the conclusions to the woes look to the future at the time of judgment.
84	tn Grk “your consolation.”
85	tn Grk “who are filled.” See L&N 23.18 for the translation “well satisfied with food.”
86	tc The wording “to you” (ὑμῖν, humin) is lacking in several witnesses (א B K L T W Θ Ξ 0147 f1, 13 579 700 892 1241 2542 al), though found in most (𝔓75 A D Q Ψ 33 𝔐 lat co). The longer reading looks to be a clarifying addition; nevertheless, “to you” is included in the translation because of English requirements.
87	sn That is, laugh with happiness and joy.
88	tc The wording “to you” (ὑμῖν, humin) is lacking throughout the ms tradition except for a few witnesses (D W* Δ 1424 pc co). The Western witnesses tend to add freely to the text. Supported by the vast majority of witnesses and the likelihood that “to you” is a clarifying addition, the shorter reading should be considered original; nevertheless, “to you” is included in the translation because of English requirements.
89	tn This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), referring to both males and females.
90	tn Or “forefathers”; Grk “fathers.”
91	sn Love your enemies is the first of four short exhortations that call for an unusual response to those who are persecuting disciples. Disciples are to relate to hostility in a completely unprecedented manner.
92	tn The substantival participle ἐπηρεαζόντων (epēreazontōn), sometimes translated “those who abuse” (NRSV), is better rendered “those who mistreat,” a more general term (see L&N 88.129).
93	sn The phrase strikes you on the cheek probably pictures public rejection, like the act that indicated expulsion from the synagogue.
94	sn This command to offer the other cheek as well is often misunderstood. It means that there is risk involved in reaching out to people with God’s hope. But if one is struck down in rejection, the disciple is to continue reaching out.
95	tn Or “cloak.”
96	tn See the note on the word “tunics” in 3:11.
97	sn The command do not withhold your tunic either is again an image of continually being totally at risk as one tries to keep contact with those who are hostile to what Jesus and his disciples offer.
98	sn Jesus advocates a generosity and a desire to meet those in dire need with the command give to everyone who asks you. This may allude to begging; giving alms was viewed highly in the ancient world (Matt 6:1–4; Deut 15:7–11).
99	tn Grk “your things,” sometimes translated “what is yours” or “what belongs to you.”
100	sn Do not ask for your possessions back … is an example of showing forgiveness. Paul’s remarks in 1 Cor 6:7 may reflect this principle.
101	tn This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), referring to both males and females.
102	sn Jesus’ teaching as reflected in the phrase treat others in the same way you would want them to treat you, known generally as the Golden Rule, is not completely unique in the ancient world, but it is stated here in its most emphatic, selfless form.
103	tn Grk “And if.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. This is a first class condition, but the next two conditional clauses are third class conditions, so that stylistic variation is probably at work.
104	sn Here the term sinners may refer to people who had no concern for observing the details of the Mosaic law; these were often treated as social outcasts. See L&N 88.295.
105	sn Jesus’ point in the statement even sinners love those who love them is that disciples are to go farther than sinners do. The examples replay vv. 29–30.
106	tc ‡ Three key mss (𝔓75 א* B) have “for” here, but it is unlikely that it was present originally. The addition of conjunctions, especially to the beginning of a clause, are typically suspect because they fit the pattern of Koine tendencies toward greater explicitness. NA 27 has the word in brackets, indicating doubts as to its authenticity.
107	tc Most mss (A D L Θ Ξ Ψ f13 33 𝔐 lat) include γάρ (gar, “for”) following καί (kai, here translated “even”), but a few important mss (א B W 700 892* 1241 pc) lack the conjunction. The inclusion of the conjunction seems to be motivated by clarity and should probably be considered inauthentic.
108	sn See the note on the word sinners in v. 32.
109	tn Grk “to receive”; but in context the repayment of the amount lent is implied. Jesus was noting that utilitarian motives are the way of the world.
110	sn See the note on the word sinners in v. 32.
111	tn Grk “to receive as much again.”
112	tn Or “in return.”
113	tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the outcome or result. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started in the translation at this point.
114	sn The character of these actions reflects the grace and kindness of God, bearing witness to a “line of descent” or relationship of the individual to God (sons of the Most High). There is to be a unique kind of ethic at work with disciples. Jesus refers specifically to sons here because in the ancient world sons had special privileges which were rarely accorded to daughters. However, Jesus is most likely addressing both men and women in this context, so women too would receive these same privileges.
115	sn That is, “sons of God.”
116	tn Or “to the ungrateful and immoral.” The word “people” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.
117	sn Merciful is a characteristic of God often noted in the OT: Exod 34:6; Deut 4:31; Joel 2:31; Jonah 4:2; 2 Sam 24:14. This remark also echoes the more common OT statements like Lev 19:2 or Deut 18:13: “you must be holy as I am holy.”
118	tn Grk “And do.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
119	sn As the Gospel makes clear, with the statement do not judge Jesus had in mind making a judgment that caused one to cut oneself off from someone so that they ceased to be reached out to (5:27–32; 15:1–32). Jesus himself did make judgments about where people stand (11:37–54), but not in such a way that he ceased to continue to offer them God’s grace.
120	sn The point of the statement do not judge, and you will not be judged is that the standards one applies to others God applies back. The passive verbs in this verse look to God’s action.
121	sn On forgive see Luke 11:4; 1 Pet 3:7.
122	sn The background to the image pressed down, shaken together, running over is pouring out grain for measure in the marketplace. One often poured the grain into a container, shook it to level out the grain and then poured in some more. Those who are generous have generosity running over for them.
123	tn Grk “they will give”; that is, “pour.” The third person plural has been replaced by the passive in the translation.
124	tn Grk “by [the measure] with which you measure it will be measured back to you.”
125	tn Questions prefaced with μή (mē) in Greek anticipate a negative answer. This can sometimes be indicated by using a “tag” at the end in English (here it is “can he?”).
126	sn The picture of a blind man leading a blind man is a warning to watch who one follows: Won’t they both fall into a pit? The sermon has been about religious choices and reacting graciously to those who oppose the followers of Jesus. Here Jesus’ point was to be careful who you follow and where they are taking you.
127	tn Or “student.”
128	tn Or “significantly different.” The idea, as the next phrase shows, is that teachers build followers who go the same direction they do.
129	tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
130	sn A speck (also twice in v. 42) refers to a small piece of wood, chaff, or straw (L&N 3.66).
131	tn Or “do not notice.”
132	sn The beam of wood (also twice in v. 42) refers to a big piece of wood, the main beam of a building, in contrast to the speck in the other’s eye (L&N 7.78).
133	tn The explanatory connective γάρ (gar) is often dropped from translations, but the point of the passage is that one should be self-corrective and be careful who one follows (vv. 41–42), because such choices also reflect what the nature of the tree is and its product.
134	tn Grk “rotten.” The word σαπρός, modifying both “fruit” and “tree,” can also mean “diseased” (L&N 65.28).
135	tc Most mss, especially later ones (A C D Θ Ψ 33 𝔐 lat sy sa), lack the adverb πάλιν (palin, “again”) here. Its presence is attested, however, by several good witnesses (𝔓75 א B L W Ξ f1, 13 579 892 1241 2542).
136	sn The principle of the passage is that one produces what one is.
137	tn Grk “they do not gather”; this has been simplified to the passive voice in the translation since the subject “they” is not specified further in the context.
138	tn This is a different verb (τρυγῶσιν, trugōsin) for gathering from the previous one (συλλέγουσιν, sullegousin).
139	tn This is a different term (βάτος, batos) for a thorn or bramble bush than the previous one (ἄκανθα, akantha). sn The statement nor are grapes picked from brambles illustrates the principle: That which cannot produce fruit, does not produce fruit.
140	tn Grk “the”; the Greek article has been translated here and in the following clause (“out of the evil”) as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).
141	sn Mention of the heart shows that Jesus is not interested in what is done, but why. Motives are more important than actions for him.
142	tn The word “treasury” is not repeated in the Greek text at this point, but is implied.
143	sn What one utters from one’s mouth is especially singled out as the example of this principle. James seems to have known this teaching (Jas 1:26; 3:1–12).
144	tn Grk “for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
145	tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
146	tn The double use of the vocative is normally used in situations of high emotion or emphasis. Even an emphatic confession without action means little.
147	sn Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do what I tell you? Respect is not a matter of mere words, but is reflected in obedient action. This short saying, which is much simpler than its more developed conceptual parallel in Matt 7:21–23, serves in this form to simply warn and issue a call to hear and obey, as the last parable also does in vv. 47–49.
148	tn Grk “and does them.”
149	tn Here and in v. 49 the Greek text reads ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), while the parallel account in Matt 7:24–27 uses ἀνήρ (anēr) in vv. 24 and 26.
150	tn There are actually two different Greek verbs used here: “who dug (ἔσκαψεν, eskapsen) and dug deep (ἐβάθυνεν, ebathunen).” Jesus is placing emphasis on the effort to which the man went to prepare his foundation.
151	tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
152	sn The picture here is of a river overflowing its banks and causing flooding and chaos.
153	tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in the context.
154	tc Most mss, especially later ones (A C D Θ Ψ f1, 13 𝔐 latt), read “because he built [it] on the rock” rather than “because it had been well built” (𝔓75vid א B L W Ξ 33 579 892 1241 2542 pc sa). The reading of the later mss seems to be a harmonization to Matt 7:25, rendering it most likely secondary.
155	tn Grk “does not do [them].”
156	tn Grk “against which”; because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative clause was converted to a temporal clause in the translation and a new sentence started here.
157	tn Grk “it”; the referent (that house) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
158	tn Grk “and its crash was great.” sn The extra phrase at the end of this description (and was utterly destroyed) portrays the great disappointment that the destruction of the house caused as it crashed and was swept away.

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