Luke Chapter 6 · Verse 33
And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 17
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἀγαθοποιοῦντας
to them which do good
G15
ἀγαθοποιοῦντας
to them which do good
Strong's:
G15
Word #:
3 of 17
to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγαθοποιοῦντας
to them which do good
G15
ἀγαθοποιοῦντας
to them which do good
Strong's:
G15
Word #:
5 of 17
to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)
ποία
what
G4169
ποία
what
Strong's:
G4169
Word #:
7 of 17
individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one
χάρις
thank
G5485
χάρις
thank
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
9 of 17
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Good deeds to those who reciprocate is natural morality. Secular humanism can do this. Christian distinctiveness is unilateral love good deeds regardless response. Good Samaritan loved enemy despiser. Joseph forgave brothers who sold him. Stephen forgave those stoning him. Jesus forgave crucifiers. This is supernatural requires grace. Medieval church indulgences tried to earn merits. Reformation grace alone. Works are fruit of grace not earning favor. Modern church social justice without gospel can become mere humanism. Must be gospel-driven grace-enabled supern atural love.
Questions for Reflection
- How does command to do good unilaterally challenge natural reciprocal morality?
- What role does gospel grace play in enabling supernatural doing good to all?
Analysis & Commentary
If ye do good to them which do good to you what thank have ye for sinners also do even same. Do good agathopoiēte benefit help. To them which tous agathopoiountas those doing good. Same pattern as v. 32. Doing good to those who reciprocate is natural. No special credit. Even sinners do this. Golden Rule do unto others as they do unto you. Christian ethic is do unto others as you would have them do regardless their treatment. Unilateral not reciprocal. Grace not merit. Reformed theology emphasizes grace-based ethics. Treat others based on God grace to us not their treatment of us.