Luke 6:27–36

Footnotes

1. 91 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.
2. 92 The substantival participle ἐπηρεαζόντων (epēreazontōn), sometimes translated “those who abuse” (), is better rendered “those who mistreat,” a more general term (see L&N 88.129).
3. 93 The phrase strikes you on the cheek probably pictures public rejection, like the act that indicated expulsion from the synagogue.
4. 94 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.
5. 95 Or “cloak.”
6. 96 See the note on the word “tunics” in .
7. 97 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.
8. 98 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).
9. 99 Grk “your things,” sometimes translated “what is yours” or “what belongs to you.”
10. 100 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.
11. 101 This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), referring to both males and females.
12. 102 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.
13. 103 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.
14. 104 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.
15. 105 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.
16. 106 Three key (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. has the word in brackets, indicating doubts as to its authenticity.
17. 107 Most (A D L Θ Ξ Ψ f13 33 𝔐 lat) include γάρ (gar, “for”) following καί (kai, here translated “even”), but a few important (א B W 700 892* 1241 ) lack the conjunction. The inclusion of the conjunction seems to be motivated by clarity and should probably be considered inauthentic.
18. 108 See the note on the word sinners in v. .
19. 109 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.
20. 110 See the note on the word sinners in v. .
21. 111 Grk “to receive as much again.”
22. 112 Or “in return.”
23. 113 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.
24. 114 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.
25. 115 That is, “sons of God.”
26. 116 Or “to the ungrateful and immoral.” The word “people” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.
27. 117 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.”