King James Version

What Does Luke 6:20 Mean?

Luke 6:20 in the King James Version says “And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.”

Luke 6:20 · KJV

Context

18

And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

19

And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

20

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

21

Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

22

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus begins the Sermon on the Plain: 'Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.' This beatitude pronounces blessing on the 'poor' (Greek 'ptōchoi,' πτωχοί, destitute, beggars), not merely low-income but utterly dependent. Luke's version says 'ye poor' (you who are poor) rather than Matthew's 'poor in spirit,' emphasizing actual poverty but with spiritual implications—those who recognize complete dependence on God. The kingdom belongs to such people because they know they cannot earn it. Poverty strips away self-sufficiency, creating receptivity to grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestine had sharp wealth disparities. Roman occupation, taxation, and debt impoverished many Jews. Religious leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees, priests) were often wealthy, while common people struggled. Jesus' ministry attracted the poor (Luke 4:18), who had nothing to lose and everything to gain from the kingdom. The beatitude challenged cultural assumptions that wealth indicated God's favor and poverty His disfavor (a view Jesus repeatedly corrected). Kingdom membership depends on grace, not socioeconomic status, and often the poor more readily acknowledge their need for God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does poverty—whether economic or spiritual—create receptivity to the gospel that wealth and self-sufficiency often prevent?
  2. What does Jesus' pronouncement of blessing on the poor teach about the kingdom's values versus worldly values?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αὐτοῦ2 of 21

“he”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐπάρας3 of 21

“lifted up”

G1869

to raise up (literally or figuratively)

τοὺς4 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀφθαλμοὺς5 of 21

“eyes”

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

αὐτοῦ6 of 21

“he”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς7 of 21

“on”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς8 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητὰς9 of 21

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ10 of 21

“he”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἔλεγεν11 of 21

“and said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Μακάριοι12 of 21

“Blessed”

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

οἱ13 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πτωχοί14 of 21

“be ye poor”

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

ὅτι15 of 21

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὑμετέρα16 of 21

“yours”

G5212

yours, i.e., pertaining to you

ἐστὶν17 of 21

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἡ18 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλεία19 of 21

“the kingdom”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ20 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ21 of 21

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 6:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 6:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 6:20-24James 2:52 Corinthians 8:9Luke 12:32Matthew 25:34Matthew 5:2-12

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