And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
LUKE 6:20KJVWhat does Luke 6:20 mean?
Luke 6:20 describes Jesus turning to his disciples and telling them that those who are poor are blessed, because the kingdom of God belongs to them. Jesus is saying that people who lack material wealth or social standing have a special place in God’s coming reign.
In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to his followers, not to the crowds. The verse opens a section known as the “Sermon on the Plain,” where Jesus teaches about who is truly blessed. The focus is on the present reality (“yours is the kingdom of God”), highlighting that God’s favor is not tied to earthly riches but is promised to those who are poor.
The Greek behind Luke 6:20
- “Blessed” (μακάριοι, makarioi): This word means more than just “happy”; it carries the sense of being favored or privileged by God. Jesus is declaring a deep, spiritual well-being for the poor.
- “Poor” (πτωχοί, ptōchoi): This word refers to those who are truly destitute or lacking resources. In this context, it points to people who are humble and dependent on God, not just those without money.
- “Kingdom” (βασιλεία, basileia): This means God’s rule or reign. Jesus is saying that God’s kingdom already belongs to the poor, not just in the future but in a real sense now.
Why Luke 6:20 matters
- Luke 6:20 clarifies that Jesus is speaking to his disciples, not just a general audience, showing that his message is for those who have chosen to follow him.
- The verse challenges the common belief that wealth is a sign of God’s blessing, instead highlighting God’s special concern for the poor.
- This verse sets the tone for the rest of Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6, where he continues to reverse common ideas about who is truly blessed and what God’s kingdom looks like.