Luke 6:25
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 6:25
25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
Chapter Context
Luke 6 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, holiness, redemption. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-49: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 6:25
25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
Analysis
Woe unto you that are full for ye shall hunger Woe unto you that laugh now for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe ouai judgment. Full empeplēsmenoi satisfied sated. Shall hunger peinasete lack. Laugh gelōntes make merry. Now nyn present. Shall mourn penthēsete grieve. Weep klausete cry. Two more woes. Full now hungry later. Laughing now mourning later. Eschatological reversal. Those satisfied comfortable in this life without God will face eternal hunger thirst. Those who laugh now frivolous unconcerned about God will mourn weep judgment. Temporal comfort can lead eternal loss. Reformed theology emphasizes preparing for eternity not living for temporal ease.
Historical Context
Context continued beatitudes woes. Those satisfied now with worldly comforts ignoring God face reversal. Rich man story Luke 16 illustrates. He feasted daily luxuriously ignored beggar Lazarus. Death brought reversal. Parable rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) similar. Accumulated wealth ignored God died faced judgment. Laughing now refers to frivolous unconcerned life. Ecclesiastes vanity of pursuing pleasure. True joy is in God not fleeting pleasures. Modern culture pursues comfort pleasure entertainment. But eternity looms. Early church warned against love of world (1 John 2:15-17). Temporary satisfaction versus eternal fulfillment. Need eternal perspective.
Reflection
- How does warning of eschatological reversal challenge pursuit of comfort pleasure satisfaction in this life?
- What is difference between godly contentment joy versus worldly satisfaction that leads to future hunger?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 14:13, Isaiah 65:13, James 4:9