Luke 6:30
Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δίδου
Give
G1325
δίδου
Give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
6 of 14
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
8 of 14
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἴροντος
him that taketh away
G142
αἴροντος
him that taketh away
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
10 of 14
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 6:12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.Acts 20:35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.Psalms 41:1Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.Proverbs 21:26He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.Proverbs 19:17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.Luke 18:22Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.Luke 6:38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman patronage systems operated on reciprocity—gifts created obligations for repayment or favors. Jesus overthrows this economy with kingdom generosity that gives without expecting return. First-century Galilee had great wealth disparity; beggars and poor were common. Jesus himself lived without permanent home or possessions (Luke 9:58). The early church took this teaching seriously, sharing possessions and caring for the poor (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35). This countercultural generosity demonstrated the gospel's transforming power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' command to give to everyone who asks challenge your evaluation of 'deserving' versus 'undeserving' recipients?
- What possessions are you holding tightly that Jesus is calling you to steward loosely, ready to give when asked?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Give to every man that asketh of thee (παντὶ αἰτοῦντί σε δίδου, panti aitounti se didou)—the present imperative demands continuous action: keep giving to everyone who keeps asking. Panti (παντί) means every/all without discrimination. This challenges selective generosity. And of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again (μὴ ἀπαίτει, mē apaitei)—don't demand back what's taken. The verb apaitēo (ἀπαιτέω) means to ask back, demand return.
This teaching radicalizes stewardship—we hold possessions as trustees, not owners. Kingdom citizens give freely, knowing their true treasure is in heaven (Luke 12:33). This isn't naive enabling of exploitation but recognition that God owns everything; we're merely distributing his resources. Such generosity requires faith that God will provide for our needs as we meet others' needs.