What does Luke 6:30 mean?

Explanation

Luke 6:30 is a verse that forms part of Jesus Christ’s teachings which are collectively known as the Sermon on the Plain, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke.

This particular directive advocates for a form of radical generosity and non-retaliation.

Literally, the verse instructs the follower of Jesus to give to anyone who asks and not to demand back property taken by others.

The deeper meaning suggests an attitude of open-handedness and equanimity in the face of loss or need, going beyond natural inclinations to possessiveness and vindictiveness.

It implies trusting in God’s provision and the cultivation of a heart that values others’ needs and mercy above material goods.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was likely written between 80 and 110 AD, a period after the destruction of Jerusalem.

During this time, early Christians were defining their identity in a Greco-Roman context and often faced social and economic challenges.

Luke's audience was primarily Gentile, thus the teachings were adapted to resonate with a non-Jewish readership that was experiencing the tension of living in a world with values different from those taught by Jesus.

In a society where status and possessions were crucial indicators of one’s identity and honor, Jesus’ radical call to generosity was counter-cultural.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Luke 6:30 can be understood in the light of the character of God, who is generous and gives without partiality.

The passage reflects the teachings of Jesus about the Kingdom of God, where worldly values are upturned.

In this kingdom, the wealth is not in possessions but in relationships and divine provision.

Different theological perspectives might highlight various aspects of this verse:

• Calvinist theologians might interpret this verse as a call to reflect God’s sovereign generosity.
• Liberation theology proponents could see this as a mandate to subvert economic injustices and support the poor.
• Some evangelical circles might emphasize the spiritual over the literal interpretation, focusing on the heart’s attitude rather than the letter of the command.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this teaching could translate into various practices:

• Generous giving to anyone in need, without hesitation or discrimination.
• Simplicity of living, holding possessions loosely, and avoiding materialism.
• Forgiving those who wrong us, as indicated in the parallel of not demanding one’s belongings back.
• Trusting in divine provision, releasing the anxiety often associated with personal finances and security.

Cross-References

• Matthew 5:42 - "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away."
• Proverbs 19:17 - "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."
• Matthew 6:33 - "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Language Study

The Greek verb used for "ask" is "αιτει" (aitei), which carries the connotation of asking with urgency or need.

The phrase "taketh away" is translated from "αφαιρεί" (aphairei), which implies forcibly being deprived of something. The original language amplifies the action of receiving and giving, not as a commercial transaction but more as an unconditional response to need.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Jewish laws often included commandments about generosity and care for the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7-11), but Jesus' command extends the expectation of generosity to an unconditional level.

While cultural conventions in the Greco-Roman world did involve philanthropy, it was often done with expectations of reciprocity or to gain honor. Jesus’ teaching diverges significantly by advocating for a selfless approach.

In broader religious comparisons, many faiths emphasize mercy and generosity as virtues.

For example, in Islam, the concept of zakat is one of the Five Pillars and encourages charitable giving.

Hindu and Buddhist traditions also emphasize detachment from material goods and compassion towards others.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific studies in psychology and sociology have looked into the effects of generosity and altruism on human well-being. Research suggests that generous behaviors can lead to greater social connection, improved mental and physical health, and longer lifespan.

While the scientific approach does not usually address the supernatural aspects of biblical teaching, there can be a notable parallel between the holistic well-being Jesus promotes and the empirically observed benefits of generosity.

commentaries

Commentary on Luke 6:30 varies:

• The Expositor’s Greek Testament emphasizes the radical nature of Jesus’ message, underlining its ethical implications and the demand for a new approach to material possessions.
• Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that Christ’s commands here are designed to make the heart gentle and kind, not necessarily to be taken in the most extensive sense but to illustrate the spirit Christians should embody.
• The IVP New Testament Commentary Series reiterates the sense of open-handedness and the priority of heavenly treasures over earthly goods.

On a final note, professional theologians and biblical scholars often view the verse in the context of Jesus' larger body of teachings about wealth, ownership, and community.