Luke 6:35

Authorized King James Version

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Word-by-Word Analysis

πλὴν

G4133

But

moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet

ἀγαπᾶτε

G25

love ye

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐχθροὺς

G2190

enemies

hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀγαθοποιεῖτε

G15

do good

to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δανείζετε

G1155

lend

to loan on interest; reflexively, to borrow

#10

μηδὲν

G3367

for nothing

not even one (man, woman, thing)

#11

ἀπελπίζοντες·

G560

again

to hope out, i.e., fully expect

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

ἔσεσθε

G2071

shall be

will be

#14

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

μισθὸς

G3408

reward

pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad

#16

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#17

πολύς

G4183

great

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

ἔσεσθε

G2071

shall be

will be

#20

υἱοὶ

G5207

the children

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#21

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

ὑψίστου

G5310

of the Highest

highest, i.e., (masculine singular) the supreme (god), or (neuter plural) the heavens

#23

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#24

αὐτὸς

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#25

χρηστός

G5543

kind

employed, i.e., (by implication) useful (in manner or morals)

#26

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#27

ἐπὶ

G1909

unto

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#28

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#29

ἀχαρίστους

G884

the unthankful

thankless, i.e., ungrateful

#30

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#31

πονηρούς

G4190

to the evil

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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Luke 6:35

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

Study Resources