Luke Chapter 6 · Verse 21
Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πεινῶντες
are ye that hunger
G3983
πεινῶντες
are ye that hunger
Strong's:
G3983
Word #:
3 of 12
to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
4 of 12
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 12
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
χορτασθήσεσθε
ye shall be filled
G5526
χορτασθήσεσθε
ye shall be filled
Strong's:
G5526
Word #:
6 of 12
to fodder, i.e., (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κλαίοντες
are ye that weep
G2799
κλαίοντες
are ye that weep
Strong's:
G2799
Word #:
9 of 12
to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
10 of 12
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
Cross References
Matthew 5:6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.John 6:35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.Matthew 5:4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.Luke 1:53He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.Revelation 7:16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.Luke 6:25Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.Isaiah 30:19For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.Psalms 17:15As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.Jeremiah 31:9They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
Historical Context
Literal hunger was common in first-century Palestine due to poverty, crop failure, and economic exploitation. Jesus uses physical hunger as metaphor for spiritual hunger—longing for God, righteousness, truth, meaning. Psalm 42:1-2 expresses this spiritual hunger. The prophets promised messianic age would bring satisfaction (Isaiah 55:1-2, 65:13). Jesus identifies His ministry as fulfilling this—He is the bread of life (John 6:35) who satisfies spiritual hunger. The beatitude promises that current hunger will be reversed—those hungry now will feast in God's kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does spiritual hunger—awareness of our emptiness and need—prepare us to receive what God offers?
- What does Jesus' promise that the hungry will be filled teach about God's commitment to satisfy those who seek Him?
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus continues: 'Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled.' Physical hunger represents spiritual hunger—deep longing for righteousness, satisfaction, fulfillment. The Greek 'peinōntes' (πεινῶντες, hungering) indicates ongoing, present-tense hunger—not past hunger but current experience. The promise is 'ye shall be filled' (Greek 'chortasthēsesthe,' χορτασθήσεσθε, future passive—you will be satisfied), God's action satisfying hunger. Those aware of their spiritual emptiness seek filling; those considering themselves full see no need. Kingdom blessing comes to those hungering for what only God provides.