What does Luke 6:28 mean?

Explanation

Luke 6:28, part of the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, instructs the followers of Christ to exhibit an attitude of love and forgiveness that runs counter to natural human tendencies.

The verse emphasizes a radical form of altruism, whereby an individual is encouraged to bless those who curse them and to pray for those who mistreat them. At its core, it teaches that one's response to hostility should not be retaliation but kindness and intercession.

Historical Context

This verse is situated within the "Sermon on the Plain," which is a discourse consisting of ethical teachings by Jesus.

The "Sermon on the Plain" mirrors the "Sermon on the Mount" found in Matthew, but it is unique to Luke's Gospel.

This particular verse forms part of a larger passage in which Jesus is presenting a new standard of conduct for his disciples, often including commands that contrast starkly with human instincts and societal norms of his time.

At the time, it was typical for cultures to support revenge and reciprocation, but Jesus is challenging this norm and promoting a message of non-retaliation and proactive love.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Luke 6:28 has implications for concepts like forgiveness, love, and the nature of Christian ethics.

Some theological perspectives might focus on how this verse reflects the unconditional love of God, who loves even those who rebel against him.

It could be seen as a reflection of Jesus' own actions, who prayed for his persecutors even from the cross ("Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" Luke 23:34).

From a teleological standpoint, the ultimate goal is to align human behavior with God's will, demonstrating a perfected form of love.

Others might emphasize the transformative aspect of this command, arguing that praying for those who wrong you changes both the one who prays and potentially the one prayed for.

Practical Applications

In daily life, applying this verse could mean responding to personal grievances without animosity toward the one causing harm.

It could involve active benevolence toward those who are openly antagonistic, as well as taking steps to empathize with and understand those who are difficult to love.

In a broader sense, this can extend to advocating for love over hate, even in systemic or social contexts like politics, community relations, and international conflicts.

Cross-References

• Matthew 5:44 - "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"
• Romans 12:14 - "Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not."
• 1 Peter 3:9 - "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are called, that ye should inherit a blessing."
• 1 Thessalonians 5:15 - "See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men."

Language Study

The key terms in this verse in the original Greek text have important nuances:

• "Bless" (εὐλογέω - eulogeō) directly translates to speaking well of someone or to invoke blessings upon them.
• "Curse" (καταράομαι - kataraomai) means to speak evil of someone or to wish harm upon them.
• "Pray" (προσεύχομαι - proseuchomai) denotes not just the act of prayer, but an invocation or earnest wish towards God on behalf of someone.
• "Despitefully use" (ἐπηρεάζω - epēreazō) carries the idea of insult, mistreatment, or abuse without cause.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other cultural and religious traditions, there are varying beliefs regarding how to treat one's adversaries.

For instance, the concept of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism suggests that one's actions, good or bad, will eventually return to them.

Judaism's Torah contains the principle of "eye for an eye," which is often understood as a call for measured justice rather than personal vengeance.

In the Greco-Roman world, honor and revenge were significant social values which contrast with the ethic Jesus presents in this passage.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific studies on human behavior and psychology can provide insight into the benefits of forgiveness and altruism, which are related to the concepts in Luke 6:28.

Research has shown that forgiveness can have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress, anger, and depression.

Additionally, there are studies indicating that altruistic behaviors can lead to greater life satisfaction and well-being, supporting the idea that treating others with kindness, regardless of their treatment of you, can be beneficial both socially and personally.

Commentaries

Bible scholars and theologians offer a variety of perspectives on this verse.

William Barclay emphasizes that Jesus' teaching is not just about a passive resistance to evil, but an active goodness that goes beyond what is expected.

John Calvin interprets this verse as a call for Christians to mirror the clemency and kindness of God.

Contemporary theologians might focus on the psychological and sociological implications of these teachings, considering how they foster communities founded on mutual respect and peace.

Commentators consistently underline the challenge presented by this verse, noting how it calls for an attitude and actions that do not come naturally to most people.