Luke 6:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 6:35
35 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.
Chapter Context
Luke 6 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, holiness, hope. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 6:35
35 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.
Analysis
Jesus commands: 'Love your enemies, 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.' This radical ethic of enemy love reflects God's character—He shows kindness to those who don't deserve or appreciate it. The phrase 'children of the Highest' (Greek 'huioi hypsistou,' υἱοὶ ὑψίστου) means bearing family resemblance—loving enemies proves we're God's children because we act like our Father. Grace-based love mirrors divine love that blesses the undeserving.
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame culture valued vengeance and retribution—harming enemies maintained honor. 'Love your neighbor' was accepted, but 'your neighbor' was narrowly defined, often excluding enemies and Gentiles. Jesus radicalizes Old Testament ethics, commanding love even for enemies. This teaching distinguished Jesus' ethics from both Jewish and Greco-Roman morality. Early Christians' practice of enemy love astonished pagans and demonstrated the gospel's power to transform. Jesus Himself modeled this, praying for His crucifiers (Luke 23:34) and loving those who hated Him.
Reflection
- How does loving enemies demonstrate family resemblance to God and prove authentic conversion?
- What does God's kindness to the unthankful and evil teach about the nature of grace and how we should treat others?
Word Studies
- Love: ἀγάπη (Agape) G25 - Divine love
Cross-References
- Love: John 13:35
- Good: Psalms 112:5, 145:9, Acts 14:17
- Parallel theme: Luke 1:32, Psalms 37:26, Proverbs 19:17, 22:9, John 15:8, 2 Corinthians 8:9