What does Luke 6:27-28 mean?
"But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." - Luke 6:27-28

Luke 6:27-28 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads: "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."
This particular verse comes from the Gospel of Luke, which is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament of the Bible. As with many teachings of Jesus, these verses are part of the Sermon on the Plain, where Jesus delivers a series of teachings and instructions to his disciples and the crowd gathered to listen to him.
The context of these verses is important to understanding their meaning. In the verses leading up to Luke 6:27-28, Jesus has been teaching about the love and compassion that his followers are to show to others. He has just finished speaking about how we are to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us. This is known as the "Golden Rule," and it is central to Jesus' teachings of love and forgiveness.
In Luke 6:27-28, Jesus specifically addresses those who are listening and exhorts them to love their enemies and do good to those who hate them. This is a radical and challenging teaching, as it goes against human nature and logic. It requires a profound shift in mindset and behavior, as it calls for responding to those who mistreat us with love and kindness rather than retaliation or resentment.
The themes present in these verses are love, forgiveness, and the transformative power of grace. Jesus is calling his followers to embody a love that is both radical and transformative. By loving our enemies and doing good to those who hate us, we are acting in a way that reflects the unconditional love and grace that God has shown us. This challenges the human tendency to hold grudges and seek revenge, instead calling for a response rooted in love and compassion.
The significance of these verses is amplified by the examples that Jesus uses. He doesn't just speak in general terms; he provides specific actions for his followers to take: blessing those who curse them and praying for those who mistreat them. These actions are not just passive responses but active demonstrations of love and forgiveness. They are tangible ways that his followers can live out the teachings of Jesus in their everyday lives.
The symbolism in these verses is profound. In a world that often values power and retaliation, Jesus' teachings stand out as a radical alternative. The call to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us is a symbol of the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God. It challenges the world's conventional wisdom and points to a different way of living and relating to others.
Overall, Luke 6:27-28 is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love and forgiveness. It challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes and actions towards those who oppose or mistreat us, and to respond with love and grace. It is a call to embody the love of Christ in our interactions with others, even when it is difficult or counter-cultural. Ultimately, these verses point to the profound impact of living out the teachings of Jesus in our everyday lives, and the potential for love and forgiveness to bring about healing and reconciliation in a broken world.
Have questions about Luke 6:27-28?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Luke 6:27-28 Artwork
"But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." - Luke 6:27-28
Luke 6:27-28 - "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."
"But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." - Luke 6:27-28
luke 6: 27
Luke 6: 27-38
Luke 6:27-38
Luke 13:28-27
Luke 13:28-27
Luke 13:28-27
Luke 6:27 - "¶ But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,"
Luke 6:28 - "Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."
"¶ But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you," - Luke 6:27
"Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." - Luke 6:28
"Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." - Luke 6:28
"Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." - Luke 6:28
Proverbs 17:27-28
Proverbs 17:27-28
Exodus 23:27-28
Proverbs 17:27-28
Luke 20:28
Luke 19:28
luke 1:27
Luke 10:27
luke 13:28-37
Luke 9:28-45
luke 13:28-37
Matthew 27:28 - "And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe."
Ezekiel 27:28 - "The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of thy pilots."
Job 28:27 - "Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out."
Luke 5:28 - "And he left all, rose up, and followed him."