Luke 6:37 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:37 mean?

Luke 6:37 records Jesus telling his listeners not to judge or condemn others, promising that if they refrain from doing so, they themselves will not be judged or condemned. He also teaches that forgiving others leads to being forgiven in return.

Jesus is speaking to a crowd, including his disciples, as part of a larger teaching often called the "Sermon on the Plain." In this verse, Jesus highlights the importance of mercy and forgiveness in relationships. The focus is on how a person's attitude toward others—especially regarding judgment, condemnation, and forgiveness—shapes how they themselves will be treated.

The Greek behind Luke 6:37

• "Judge" (κρίνω, krinō): This Greek word often means to make a decision about someone, especially in a critical or condemning way. Here, it points to a warning against a harsh, fault-finding spirit.
• "Condemn" (καταδικάζω, katadikazō): This word means to pronounce someone guilty or worthy of punishment. Jesus is cautioning against writing others off or declaring them beyond hope.
• "Forgive" (ἀπολύω, apolyō): In this context, it means to release or set free, often from a debt or wrongdoing. The emphasis is on letting go of grievances rather than holding them against others.

Why Luke 6:37 matters

• Luke 6:37 helps clear up the common misunderstanding that Jesus is forbidding all forms of discernment; instead, he is warning against a condemning attitude, not wise evaluation.
• The verse emphasizes the principle of reciprocity—how we treat others sets the pattern for how we will be treated, especially in matters of mercy and forgiveness.
• This teaching connects to the broader message of Luke 6, where Jesus calls his followers to a radically generous and compassionate way of living, contrasting with the usual human tendency to judge or retaliate.