King James Version

What Does Luke 6:25 Mean?

Luke 6:25 in the King James Version says “Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.”

Luke 6:25 · KJV

Context

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.

25

Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

26

Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

27

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Read Luke 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Woe unto you that are full for ye shall hunger Woe unto you that laugh now for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe ouai judgment. Full empeplēsmenoi satisfied sated. Shall hunger peinasete lack. Laugh gelōntes make merry. Now nyn present. Shall mourn penthēsete grieve. Weep klausete cry. Two more woes. Full now hungry later. Laughing now mourning later. Eschatological reversal. Those satisfied comfortable in this life without God will face eternal hunger thirst. Those who laugh now frivolous unconcerned about God will mourn weep judgment. Temporal comfort can lead eternal loss. Reformed theology emphasizes preparing for eternity not living for temporal ease.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Context continued beatitudes woes. Those satisfied now with worldly comforts ignoring God face reversal. Rich man story Luke 16 illustrates. He feasted daily luxuriously ignored beggar Lazarus. Death brought reversal. Parable rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) similar. Accumulated wealth ignored God died faced judgment. Laughing now refers to frivolous unconcerned life. Ecclesiastes vanity of pursuing pleasure. True joy is in God not fleeting pleasures. Modern culture pursues comfort pleasure entertainment. But eternity looms. Early church warned against love of world (1 John 2:15-17). Temporary satisfaction versus eternal fulfillment. Need eternal perspective.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does warning of eschatological reversal challenge pursuit of comfort pleasure satisfaction in this life?
  2. What is difference between godly contentment joy versus worldly satisfaction that leads to future hunger?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
οὐαί1 of 15

“Woe”

G3759

woe

ὑμῖν,2 of 15

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

οἱ3 of 15
G3588

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

ἐμπεπλησμένοι4 of 15

“that are full”

G1705

to fill in (up), i.e., (by implication) to satisfy (literally or figuratively)

ὅτι5 of 15

“! for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πεινάσετε6 of 15

“ye shall hunger”

G3983

to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave

οὐαί7 of 15

“Woe”

G3759

woe

ὑμῖν,8 of 15

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

οἱ9 of 15
G3588

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

γελῶντες10 of 15

“that laugh”

G1070

to laugh (as a sign of joy or satisfaction)

νῦν11 of 15

“now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ὅτι12 of 15

“! for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πενθήσετε13 of 15

“ye shall mourn”

G3996

to grieve (the feeling or the act)

καὶ14 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

κλαύσετε15 of 15

“weep”

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

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 6:25 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 6:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 65:13James 4:9Proverbs 14:13Luke 16:14-15Luke 8:53Amos 8:10

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