King James Version

What Does Luke 6:22 Mean?

Luke 6:22 in the King James Version says “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, an... — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 6:22 · KJV


Context

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.

23

Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

24

But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus declares: '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.' This beatitude promises blessing for persecution endured for Christ. The progression—hatred, separation, reproach, slander—describes escalating opposition. The phrase 'for the Son of man's sake' (Greek 'heneka tou huiou tou anthrōpou,' ἕνεκα τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου) indicates the cause—suffering because of association with Jesus. Persecution is blessing, not curse, when endured for Christ. This radically inverts worldly values.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christians faced exactly this progression—hated by family, excommunicated from synagogues, slandered as atheists and cannibals, martyred. Jesus' promise sustained them—persecution validated their faith and guaranteed future reward (v. 23). Roman persecution intensified after Nero (AD 64), making this teaching vital for survival. Church history shows persecution strengthening rather than destroying faith. Modern believers in hostile cultures experience the same progression. Suffering for Christ's name proves genuine discipleship and shares in Christ's sufferings.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' pronouncement of blessing on the persecuted challenge natural human desire for acceptance and comfort?
  2. What does suffering 'for the Son of man's sake' teach about persecution's nature and the proper response to opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
μακάριοί1 of 25

Blessed

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

ἐστε2 of 25

are ye

G2075

ye are

ὅταν3 of 25

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

μισήσωσιν4 of 25

shall hate

G3404

to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less

ὑμᾶς5 of 25

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

οἱ6 of 25
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου·7 of 25

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

καὶ8 of 25

and

G2532

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

ὅταν9 of 25

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ἀφορίσωσιν10 of 25

they shall separate

G873

to set off by boundary, i.e., (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc

ὑμᾶς11 of 25

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καὶ12 of 25

and

G2532

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

ὀνειδίσωσιν13 of 25

shall reproach

G3679

to defame, i.e., rail at, chide, taunt

καὶ14 of 25

and

G2532

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

ἐκβάλωσιν15 of 25

cast out

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

τὸ16 of 25
G3588

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

ὄνομα17 of 25

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

ὑμῶν18 of 25

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὡς19 of 25

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

πονηρὸν20 of 25

evil

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

ἕνεκα21 of 25

sake

G1752

on account of

τοῦ22 of 25
G3588

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

υἱοῦ23 of 25

for the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ24 of 25
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου·25 of 25

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being


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 6:22 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 6:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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