What does Luke 6:33 mean?

Explanation

Luke 6:33 is a part of a larger passage often referred to as "The Sermon on the Plain," which parallels "The Sermon on the Mount" in Matthew 5-7.

The verse emphasizes the need for those who follow Jesus to display a level of goodness and kindness that goes beyond that exhibited by 'sinners,' or those who do not follow Jesus's teachings.

The literal meaning is straightforward: if you only do good to those who do good to you, you aren't demonstrating any particularly commendable behavior; even people who don't adhere to moral teachings of religion will often do that much.

The deeper meaning calls for a selfless love (also known as agape love in the Christian tradition), where actions are not based on what one can receive in return but are done with a pure intent to do good for others, regardless of their actions towards you.

Historical Context

This verse is rooted in the historical context of Jesus' ministry in the first century CE, during a period of various religious movements within Judaism.

Jesus was addressing his disciples in the presence of a larger crowd, comprised of individuals from diverse regions with various backgrounds, including Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal regions of Tyre and Sidon.

The society was marked by strict social norms, a harsh Roman occupation, and a religious hierarchy that often dictated people's behavior within the Jewish tradition.

Jesus, in this sermon, was challenging existing interpretations of the Law and calling for a radical opening of his community to include acts of love and kindness that transcend conventional expectations and social boundaries.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Luke 6:33 poses a challenge to the concept of reciprocal altruism, the expectation of a return for one's acts of goodness.

This verse undermines the transactional nature of human relationships by encouraging a kind of virtue that is not dependent on reward.

Christian theologians often view this as a call to grace, unmerited favor. It distinguishes the ethic of Jesus's followers from common societal practices, emphasizing that Christian morality requires a higher standard, evidencing transformation through Christ.

Some interpretations may also see this as a reflection of divine nature, suggesting that believers are called to imitate God's goodness, which is given freely and universally.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Luke 6:33 challenges individuals to engage in acts of kindness and goodness to others, regardless of whether they are friends or strangers, and even if they have been unkind to them.

The verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging actions such as forgiving those who have wronged us, helping those in need without expecting anything in return, and being kind to those who may not be able to repay us.

It also urges individuals to examine their motivations behind doing good, whether it is for genuine compassion or for the sake of personal gain.

Cross-References

• Matthew 5:46: "For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?"
• Romans 5:8: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
• 1 John 4:19-21: "We love him, because he first loved us.

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?"

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word "χάρις" (charis), sometimes translated as "thanks" or "grace," signifies a favor or kindness without expectation of return.

The term "ἁμαρτωλοί" (hamartoloi), translated as "sinners," carries connotations of those missing the mark or deviating from moral standards or religious norms.

The use of this word serves to emphasize the distinction between those who follow the teachings of Jesus and those who are outside of that religious and moral guideline.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Luke 6:33, in its ethic of unconditional goodness, stands in contrast to the principle of reciprocity found in many other ancient cultures and religious systems, such as the Code of Hammurabi or the Egyptian concept of "Ma'at," which stressed the importance of order, balance, and justice.

In the Eastern philosophy of Confucianism, the concept of "ren" is somewhat similar to agape love, emphasizing benevolence towards others, but it's more connected to fulfilling societal roles and expectations.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, altruistic behavior is often examined within the framework of evolutionary biology and psychology.

These disciplines explore how acts of selflessness can actually serve an evolutionary advantage for a species.

Despite the evident benefits that altruism has for group survival, Luke 6:33 challenges the believer to transcend even these natural inclinations, suggesting that the motive for goodness should not be for the survival benefit, but because it emulates divine goodness.

Commentaries

Various commentaries and biblical scholars offer diverse insights into Luke 6:33.

For example, the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes that this teaching is unique to the ethic of Jesus, distinct from merely human ethics.

The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes that our love should be as wide and as large as that of God, who is kind to the unthankful and to the evil.

Other commentaries highlight the verse's antithetical nature to human tendencies, pondering upon the difficulty and transformative power of living out this kind of radical love.