Luke 6:27 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:27 mean?

Luke 6:27 records Jesus telling his listeners to love their enemies and to do good to those who hate them. This is a direct call to respond to hostility not with retaliation or avoidance, but with active kindness and goodwill, even toward those who oppose or mistreat you.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd that includes both his disciples and others gathered to hear him teach. The instruction stands out because it goes against the normal human instinct to return harm for harm. Jesus’ words set a higher standard for how to treat others, especially those who are difficult to love, and introduce a radical approach to relationships and conflict.

The Greek behind Luke 6:27

• ἀγαπᾶτε (agapate): This is the Greek word for "love" here, often understood as a self-giving, unconditional kind of love that seeks the good of the other person, not just a feeling or affection. Jesus is calling for a deliberate choice to act in the best interest of even one’s enemies.
• ἐχθρούς (echthrous): This word means "enemies," referring to those who are actively opposed or hostile. The instruction is not just about difficult people, but those who may actually wish harm.
• καλῶς (kalōs): Translated as "do good," this word carries the sense of doing what is genuinely beneficial or helpful, not just refraining from harm. Jesus is urging positive action, not just passive tolerance.
• μισοῦσιν (misousin): This means "hate," describing those who have strong negative feelings or actions toward you. The verse highlights that the command applies even when others are openly hostile.

Why Luke 6:27 matters

• Luke 6:27 clarifies that Jesus’ teaching is not limited to loving friends or neighbors, but extends even to those who are against us, challenging common assumptions about who deserves kindness.
• This verse sets the tone for the rest of Jesus’ "Sermon on the Plain," where he expands on what it means to live as his follower, especially in how we treat others.
• The verse helps correct the idea that love is only a feeling; here, love is shown to be an active choice, expressed through doing good even in difficult situations.