Devine Scripture

Luke 6:27

What does Luke 6:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 6:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 6:27 means

Jesus transitioned to a direct command for His hearers: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." This radical ethical instruction challenges conventional human behavior and legalistic interpretations of reciprocity. It calls believers to exhibit a transformative, divine love that extends beyond friendly relationships to encompass adversaries. This command is foundational to Kingdom ethics, reflecting the very character of God and setting apart His followers from the world's standards, urging them to respond to hostility with active goodwill.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But I say unto you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But I say unto you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I say to you who give ear to me, Have love for those who are against you, do good to those who have hate for you,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`But I say to you who are hearing, Love your enemies, do good to those hating you,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But I say to you that hear: Love your enemies. Do good to them that hate you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But to you that hear I say, Love your enemies; do good to those that hate you;

Context

Following the Beatitudes and Woes, this verse introduces Jesus' revolutionary ethical teachings, beginning with the challenging command to love one's enemies. This marks a significant shift from pronouncements of blessing and warning to specific instructions for Kingdom living. This radical command forms the bedrock for the subsequent actions Jesus details, requiring a transformative heart attitude.

v.26Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for in the same manner did their fathers to the false prophets.

v.27This passage

v.28bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 24:17

    Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, And let not thy heart be glad when he is overthrown;

  • Galatians 6:10

    So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

  • Job 31:29

    If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, Or lifted up myself when evil found him

  • Exodus 23:4

    If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

  • Mark 4:24

    And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete it shall be measured unto you; and more shall be given unto you.

  • Luke 6:35

    But love your enemies, and do them good, and lend, never despairing; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be sons of the Most High: for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.

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.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 6:27.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary