Devine Scripture

Luke 6:34

What does Luke 6:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 6:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 6:34 means

Jesus continued, asking what credit is due if His followers lend to those from whom they expect repayment, again stating that even "sinners" lend to receive back the same amount. This probes the motives behind generosity, pushing beyond self-interested transactions. Kingdom lending is not a shrewd investment but an act of pure benevolence, extended without expectation of return. This challenges disciples to embody selfless generosity, aligning their financial practices with the radical giving of God, who gives freely without thought of personal gain.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And if you let those have the use of your money, from whom you are hoping to get it back, what credit is it to you? even sinners do so to sinners, hoping to get back as much as they gave.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if ye lend <FI>to those<Fi> of whom ye hope to receive back, what grace have ye? for also the sinful lend to sinners--that they may receive again as much.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And if you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thanks are to you? For sinners also lend to sinners, for to receive as much.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And if ye lend to those from whom ye hope to receive, what thank is it to you? [for] even sinners lend to sinners that they may receive the like.

Context

This verse completes the series of rhetorical questions, now applying the principle of reciprocity to lending practices. It presses the disciples to consider their motives for generosity, contrasting worldly expectations with Kingdom principles. This final challenge regarding lending sets the stage for Jesus' summary command for radical love and mercy, culminating in the call to emulate God's character.

v.33And if ye do good to them that do good to you, what thank have ye? for even sinners do the same.

v.34This passage

v.35But 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.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 14:12

    And he said to him also that had bidden him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, nor thy kinsmen, nor rich neighbors; lest haply they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee.

  • Matthew 5:42

    Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

  • Deuteronomy 15:8

    but thou shalt surely open thy hand unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need in that which he wanteth.

  • 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.

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