King James Version

What Does Luke 6:32 Mean?

Luke 6:32 in the King James Version says “For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

Luke 6:32 · KJV


Context

30

Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

31

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

32

For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

33

And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

34

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If ye love them which love you what thank have ye for sinners also love those that love them. If ei conditional. Love agapate sacrificial love. Them which love tous agapōntas those loving. What thank charis grace credit. Have ye humin for you. Sinners hamartōloi moral failures. Also kai even. Love those that love reciprocal affection natural. Challenge to exceed natural love. Love for enemies next (v. 27). Love that loves back is not extraordinary. Even pagans do this. Christian love exceeds reciprocity. Love because God loved. Reformed theology emphasizes grace enables supernatural love. Natural man cannot love enemies. Regenerated heart empowered by Spirit can.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Reciprocal love is natural pagans atheists do this. Love family friends those who benefit you. Christian distinctiveness is enemy love (v. 27). This supernatural requires grace. Old covenant love neighbor hate enemy. Jesus new command love enemies. Only possible through Holy Spirit. Fruit of Spirit is love (Gal 5:22). Early church loved enemies prayed for persecutors. Martyrs forgave executioners. Medieval Crusades often forgot this. Reformation recovered enemy love. Modern church struggles loving across political lines. Need recover supernatural enemy love distinguishes Christians.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is reciprocal love insufficient to demonstrate Christian distinctiveness?
  2. How can believers love enemies when natural inclination is hatred?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

For

G2532

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

εἰ2 of 18

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἀγαπῶσιν3 of 18

love

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τοὺς4 of 18
G3588

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

ἀγαπῶσιν5 of 18

love

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ὑμᾶς6 of 18

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ποία7 of 18

what

G4169

individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one

ὑμῖν8 of 18

ye

G5213

to (with or by) you

χάρις9 of 18

thank

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

ἐστίν10 of 18

have

G2076

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

καὶ11 of 18

For

G2532

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

γὰρ12 of 18

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

οἱ13 of 18
G3588

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

ἁμαρτωλοὶ14 of 18

sinners

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner

τοὺς15 of 18
G3588

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

ἀγαπῶσιν16 of 18

love

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

αὐτοὺς17 of 18

them

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

ἀγαπῶσιν18 of 18

love

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)


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 6:32 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 6:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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