Devine Scripture

Luke 6:31

What does Luke 6:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 6:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 6:31 means

Jesus articulated the "Golden Rule": "As you would that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise." This principle summarizes the essence of Kingdom ethics concerning interpersonal relationships. It calls believers to act proactively towards others with the same love, respect, and consideration they desire for themselves. It serves as a practical, empathetic guide for living out the command to love, encapsulating a positive reciprocal standard for all human interactions, moving beyond merely avoiding harm to actively seeking the good of others.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and as ye wish that men may do to you, do ye also to them in like manner;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them in like manner.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And as ye wish that men should do to you, do ye also to them in like manner.

Context

After detailing specific radical commands, this verse provides a concise, universal principle known as the Golden Rule, summarizing Jesus' ethical framework for human interaction. It offers a practical guide for applying the preceding radical commands in daily life. This foundational statement acts as a benchmark, against which the subsequent discussions of loving only those who love you will be measured, emphasizing a higher standard.

v.30Give to every one that asketh thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

v.31This passage

v.32And if ye love them that love you, what thank have ye? for even sinners love those that love them.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 7:12

    All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets.

  • James 2:8

    Howbeit if ye fulfil the royal law, according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well:

  • Galatians 5:14

    For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

  • Matthew 22:39

    And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

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