King James Version

What Does Luke 6:33 Mean?

Luke 6:33 in the King James Version says “And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 6:33 · KJV

Context

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.

35

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Read Luke 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If ye do good to them which do good to you what thank have ye for sinners also do even same. Do good agathopoiēte benefit help. To them which tous agathopoiountas those doing good. Same pattern as v. 32. Doing good to those who reciprocate is natural. No special credit. Even sinners do this. Golden Rule do unto others as they do unto you. Christian ethic is do unto others as you would have them do regardless their treatment. Unilateral not reciprocal. Grace not merit. Reformed theology emphasizes grace-based ethics. Treat others based on God grace to us not their treatment of us.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Good deeds to those who reciprocate is natural morality. Secular humanism can do this. Christian distinctiveness is unilateral love good deeds regardless response. Good Samaritan loved enemy despiser. Joseph forgave brothers who sold him. Stephen forgave those stoning him. Jesus forgave crucifiers. This is supernatural requires grace. Medieval church indulgences tried to earn merits. Reformation grace alone. Works are fruit of grace not earning favor. Modern church social justice without gospel can become mere humanism. Must be gospel-driven grace-enabled supern atural love.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does command to do good unilaterally challenge natural reciprocal morality?
  2. What role does gospel grace play in enabling supernatural doing good to all?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

ἐὰν2 of 17

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ἀγαθοποιοῦντας3 of 17

“to them which do good”

G15

to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)

τοὺς4 of 17
G3588

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

ἀγαθοποιοῦντας5 of 17

“to them which do good”

G15

to be a well-doer (as a favor or a duty)

ὑμᾶς6 of 17

“to you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ποία7 of 17

“what”

G4169

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

ὑμῖν8 of 17

“ye”

G5213

to (with or by) you

χάρις9 of 17

“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 17

“have”

G2076

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

καὶ11 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

γὰρ12 of 17

“for”

G1063

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

οἱ13 of 17
G3588

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

ἁμαρτωλοὶ14 of 17

“sinners”

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner

τὸ15 of 17
G3588

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

αὐτὸ16 of 17

“the same”

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

ποιοῦσιν17 of 17

“also do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

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 6:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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