Luke 6:21
What does Luke 6:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 6:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 6:21 means
Jesus continued, "Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh." These beatitudes promise future comfort and satisfaction for those enduring present suffering and sorrow, whether physically hungry or emotionally grieving due to their faith. They offer a profound hope that God will ultimately reverse the present trials of His faithful. This teaches that true blessedness is not found in earthly comfort but in the future reward and joy promised within God's Kingdom.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Happy are you who are in need of food now: for you will be made full. Happy are you who are weeping now; for you will be glad.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Happy those hungering now--because ye shall be filled. `Happy those weeping now--because ye shall laugh.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Blessed are ye that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for you shall laugh.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Blessed ye that hunger now, for ye shall be filled. Blessed ye that weep now, for ye shall laugh.
Context
This verse extends Jesus' initial beatitude, further detailing the blessings promised to those who currently experience hardship and sorrow. It continues to outline the counter-cultural values of God's Kingdom. This promise of future reversal provides hope and encouragement to the suffering, reinforcing the eternal perspective of discipleship before Jesus moves into warnings and further ethical instructions.
v.20And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessedare ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
v.21This passage
v.22Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 30:11
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; Thou hast loosed my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
- Genesis 21:6
And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh; every one that heareth will laugh with me.
- Psalms 42:1
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, So panteth my soul after thee, O God.
- Isaiah 65:13
Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry; behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty; behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be put to shame;
- 2 Corinthians 7:10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
- 2 Corinthians 6:10
as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 6
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 6.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Compassion
The Bible reveals God’s deep compassion for humanity and calls believers to extend similar mercy and understanding to others, reflecting His love.
Topic
Bible Verses About Loving Enemies
The Bible calls believers to a radical love that extends even to those who mistreat or oppose them
Topic
Bible Verses About Generosity
The Bible encourages us to be generous with our time, talents, and resources as an act of worship and love.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.