Luke 6:28
What does Luke 6:28 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 6:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 6:28 means
Jesus continued His instruction to "bless those who curse you" and "pray for those who spitefully use you." These commands provide practical ways to demonstrate enemy-love, countering malicious words with blessings and hostile actions with intercessory prayer. This active response of goodwill, rather than retaliation, reflects the character of God, who blesses and extends grace even to those who oppose Him. It highlights a supernatural love that seeks the good of even the most antagonistic individuals, demonstrating a radical departure from human nature.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give blessing to those who give you curses, say prayers for those who are cruel to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862bless those cursing you, and pray for those accusing you falsely;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Bless them that curse you and pray for them that calumniate you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890bless those that curse you; pray for those who use you despitefully.
Context
Building on the command to love enemies, this verse provides specific, actionable ways to express that love through blessing and prayer. It moves from the general principle to concrete applications, illustrating the practical demands of Kingdom ethics. This immediately follows the initial command for enemy-love, showing how such a radical love is exercised in daily life.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- James 3:10
out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
- 1 Peter 3:9
not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
- Luke 23:34
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.
- Matthew 5:44
but I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you;
- Acts 7:60
And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
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