Luke 6:22
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
3 of 25
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
μισήσωσιν
shall hate
G3404
μισήσωσιν
shall hate
Strong's:
G3404
Word #:
4 of 25
to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
9 of 25
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ἀφορίσωσιν
they shall separate
G873
ἀφορίσωσιν
they shall separate
Strong's:
G873
Word #:
10 of 25
to set off by boundary, i.e., (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
17 of 25
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
19 of 25
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
πονηρὸν
evil
G4190
πονηρὸν
evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
20 of 25
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοῦ
for the Son
G5207
υἱοῦ
for the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
23 of 25
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Matthew 10:22And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.1 Peter 3:14But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;John 16:2They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.Isaiah 66:5Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.John 7:7The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.Isaiah 65:5Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.John 12:42Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:Acts 9:16For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.Acts 24:5For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:Matthew 10:39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Historical Context
Early Christians faced exactly this progression—hated by family, excommunicated from synagogues, slandered as atheists and cannibals, martyred. Jesus' promise sustained them—persecution validated their faith and guaranteed future reward (v. 23). Roman persecution intensified after Nero (AD 64), making this teaching vital for survival. Church history shows persecution strengthening rather than destroying faith. Modern believers in hostile cultures experience the same progression. Suffering for Christ's name proves genuine discipleship and shares in Christ's sufferings.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' pronouncement of blessing on the persecuted challenge natural human desire for acceptance and comfort?
- What does suffering 'for the Son of man's sake' teach about persecution's nature and the proper response to opposition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus declares: '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.' This beatitude promises blessing for persecution endured for Christ. The progression—hatred, separation, reproach, slander—describes escalating opposition. The phrase 'for the Son of man's sake' (Greek 'heneka tou huiou tou anthrōpou,' ἕνεκα τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου) indicates the cause—suffering because of association with Jesus. Persecution is blessing, not curse, when endured for Christ. This radically inverts worldly values.