Devine Scripture

Luke 6:33

What does Luke 6:33 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 6:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 6:33 means

Jesus further challenged His disciples, asking what credit they deserve if they only do good to those who do good to them, noting that even "sinners" do the same. This reinforces the idea that true Kingdom righteousness surpasses mere reciprocal goodness. It's easy and natural to respond positively to kindness. But followers of Christ are called to a higher standard of proactive goodwill, extending kindness and benefit even to those who do not deserve it or cannot return it, mirroring God's own character, which blesses without precondition.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And if ye do good to them that do good to you, what thank have ye? for even sinners do the same.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And if ye do good to them that do good to you, what thank have ye? for even sinners do the same.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is it to you? for even sinners do the same.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if ye do good to those doing good to you, what grace have ye? for also the sinful do the same;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And if you do good to them who do good to you, what thanks are to you? For sinners also do this.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And if ye do good to those that do good to you, what thank is it to you? for even sinners do the same.

Context

Continuing the same line of questioning as the previous verse, Jesus extends the challenge from loving reciprocally to doing good reciprocally. It further illustrates that commonplace human decency is insufficient for Kingdom ethics. This reinforces the need for a radical, God-like love, distinguishing the actions of disciples from the actions of those motivated solely by worldly principles.

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

v.33This passage

v.34And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? even sinners lend to sinners, to receive again as much.

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 6:33.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary