But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

LUKE 6:27KJV
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Luke 6:27 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:27 mean?

In Luke 6:27, Jesus tells his listeners to respond to hostility with love and helpful actions. His words join an attitude toward enemies with the way those enemies are treated, even when the hostility comes from the other side.

Jesus addresses “you which hear,” speaking directly to the people listening to him. After warning about being spoken well of by everyone in verse 26, he turns to the conduct he expects from his hearers.

The Greek behind Luke 6:27

  • “Love” — ἀγαπάω (agapaō): This word can mean to love or show concern for someone. Here, the instruction is paired with doing good, giving love an expression in actions.
  • “enemies” — ἐχθρός (echthros): This word refers to people who are hostile or opposed to someone. In this sentence, Jesus places those people among the recipients of the love he calls for.

Why Luke 6:27 matters

  • The verse connects love with treatment, not merely a private feeling. The command to “do good” follows immediately after “Love your enemies.”
  • Jesus describes hostility in personal terms. The people in view are “your enemies” and those “which hate you,” rather than an unnamed group far away.
  • The passage continues by giving the command more concrete shape. Verse 28 adds words and actions directed toward people who curse or mistreat Jesus’ hearers.

Where else these words appear

“enemies” Greek G2190 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 6:35 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.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

“good” Greek G2573 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • John 4:17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
  • Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

“hate” Greek G3404 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 21:17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
  • Ephesians 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

“Love” Greek G25 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
  • 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.