Luke 6:35 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:35 mean?

Luke 6:35 presents love for enemies as a way of acting like God, whose kindness reaches even people who are ungrateful and evil. Jesus describes that love in practical terms: doing good and lending without hoping to receive anything back.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples and the crowd listening to him. After asking what credit there is in lending when repayment is expected (verse 34), he points beyond ordinary exchanges. “Children of the Highest” pictures people whose conduct reflects the character of God, whom Jesus calls “the Highest.”

The Greek behind Luke 6:35

• “hoping for nothing again” — ἀπελπίζω (apelpizō): The Greek here carries the sense of expecting nothing in return. The KJV uses the phrase to describe lending without looking for something back from the borrower.

• “children” — υἱός (huios): This word often means “son,” and it can also describe people who share a recognizable character. Here the KJV’s “children” connects their conduct with the kindness of “the Highest.”

• “kind” — χρηστός (chrēstos): The Greek word carries the sense of being good or gracious toward others. Jesus uses it to describe God’s treatment of people who are “unthankful” and “evil.”

Why Luke 6:35 matters

• Jesus’ description of love includes actions, not only feelings. He pairs “love ye your enemies” with doing good and lending.
• The promised reward stands alongside the instruction not to hope for a return from lending. Jesus says “your reward shall be great” while directing attention to God’s kindness.