Luke 6:35 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:35 mean?

Luke 6:35 teaches that followers of Jesus should love their enemies, do good to them, and lend without expecting anything back, because God himself is kind even to those who are ungrateful or wicked. Jesus promises that living this way brings a great reward and shows that people truly belong to God.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples and a crowd, teaching them how to live differently from the world around them. The command to love enemies and give without expecting repayment was radical in a culture where reciprocity was expected. Jesus points to God’s own character—his kindness to all people—as the model for his followers.

The Greek behind Luke 6:35

• ἐχθρούς (echthrous, "enemies"): This word refers to people who are actively hostile or opposed. Jesus is not just talking about difficult people, but those who might actually wish harm.
• ἀγαθοποιεῖτε (agathopoieite, "do good"): The Greek word here means to actively do what is beneficial or helpful, not just to avoid harm.
• μηδὲν ἀπελπίζοντες (mēden apelpizontes, "hoping for nothing again"): This phrase carries the sense of not expecting anything in return, not even repayment or gratitude, which sharpens the teaching about generosity.
• χρηστός (chrēstos, "kind"): This word describes a deep, active kindness or goodness, not just a passive tolerance. Jesus says God is this way even to the ungrateful and wicked, setting the standard for his followers.

Why Luke 6:35 matters

• Luke 6:35 corrects the common idea that kindness should only be shown to those who deserve it or will repay it, emphasizing a generosity that mirrors God’s own character.
• The verse highlights that true children of God are recognized by their willingness to love and give without conditions, setting them apart from normal social expectations.
• This teaching fits into Jesus’ broader message in the Sermon on the Plain, where he calls his followers to a higher standard of love and mercy, rooted in God’s example rather than human custom.