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Luke 6

And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.

And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?

And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;

How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?

And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.

And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.

But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.

Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

What does Luke 6:21 mean?

Explanation

Luke 6:21 is part of what is often referred to as the Sermon on the Plain, which is a collection of teachings by Jesus.

This specific verse contains two beatitudes, statements that begin with the word "blessed." The verse promises a reversal of fortunes: those who are hungry and those who are weeping will experience joy and satisfaction.

The literal meaning is quite direct, those who suffer from physical hunger and from sorrow will find alleviation and happiness.

However, the deeper meaning might also refer to a spiritual hunger for righteousness and a mourning for the brokenness of the world, both of which will be comforted and filled by God's kingdom.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Gospel of Luke, written around 80–110 A.D., and is understood to be a compilation of Jesus's teachings and events in His life.

These teachings were delivered in the context of the Roman Empire, where there were stark economic and social disparities.

A majority of people lived in poverty and were often hungry, while a minority had abundant wealth.

Many Jewish people of the time also longed for spiritual renewal and expected a Messiah who would bring both spiritual and socio-political liberation. Jesus's message in this verse would have challenged both the social norms of the day and the expectations for the Messiah.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse may be interpreted through the lens of God's justice and the eschatological hope, the promise of God's perfect kingdom to come.

In the interim, Jesus's followers are to embody the values of this future kingdom, helping to meet the needs of those who are suffering.

Furthermore, some theologians see this as an encouragement to those who seek God earnestly, suggesting that true fulfillment comes not from earthly provisions but from a deep relationship with God.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages individuals to find hope amidst hardship, suggesting that current struggles are not the end of the story.

For those who are comfortable, it serves as a reminder to empathize and support those in need.

Practically, this could mean engaging in charitable acts, advocating for social justice, or being present for those who are grieving.

It additionally promotes an attitude of spiritual seeking, implying that those who earnestly seek God and His righteousness will find fulfillment.

Cross-References

Matthew 5:4 - "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."
Matthew 5:6 - "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."
Revelation 21:4 - "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

Language Study

In the original Greek, "blessed" (μακάριοι - makarioi) implies a divine joy and perfect happiness.

The term "hunger" (πεινῶντες - peinontes) can refer to physical hunger but also a metaphorical, spiritual longing.

The word "filled" (χορτασθήσονται - chortasthēsontai) suggests being satisfied or satiated, and "laugh" (γελάσετε - gelasete) implies to be joyous or to rejoice, painting an image of a transition from mourning to celebration.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures and religions, there are similar themes of reversal of fortune and blessings.

For instance, in Hinduism, the concept of karma suggests that actions in this life or past lives influence future fortunes.

In Greek mythology, the concept of hubris and nemesis also reflects the idea of reversal, where excessive pride or arrogance is followed by a downfall.

These parallels indicate a universal human understanding of the potential for a dramatic change in one's circumstances.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, socio-economic status has been shown to impact physical and mental health.

Studies reveal that poverty and hunger can lead to long-term physiological and psychological stress.

Historical analyses confirm the material hardships of those living in Jesus's time.

Here, science reinforces the human need for basic sustenance and psychological wellbeing, two elements addressed by Jesus's promise of future satisfaction and joy.

commentaries

Many theologians and biblical scholars have provided insights on this verse.

For example, John Calvin commented on the spiritual aspect of hunger, suggesting that to 'hunger now' is to crave righteousness and the kingdom of God.

Likewise, the Pulpit Commentary emphasizes the contrast between the present and the future for those who suffer, a common theme in biblical exegesis.

Contemporary scholars like N.T.

Wright focus on the social and political implications of Jesus's words, challenging the status quo and calling his followers to actively participate in manifesting God's kingdom on earth.

Luke 6

Luke 6

What does Luke 6:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 6:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?