King James Version

What Does Luke 6:36 Mean?

Luke 6:36 in the King James Version says “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Luke 6:36 · KJV


Context

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.

36

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

37

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

38

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus commands: 'Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.' The word 'merciful' (Greek 'oiktirmones,' οἰκτίρμονες) means compassionate, showing pity. The standard is divine—'as your Father is merciful.' We're to mirror God's character, showing the same kind of compassion He shows. This isn't advice but command—'be ye'—and the motivation is family identity—'as your Father.' Children resemble parents; God's children should reflect His merciful character. Mercy flows from experiencing mercy—those forgiven much show much compassion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This parallels Matthew 5:48's 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.' Luke emphasizes mercy, Matthew emphasizes perfection, but both call believers to reflect God's character. Jewish law commanded neighbor-love but often limited mercy to fellow Jews. Jesus expands mercy to include enemies (v. 27-36). Early Christian mercy toward opponents and care for society's outcasts amazed pagans and fueled church growth. Mercy distinguishes Christian ethics from mere moralism—we show mercy because we've received mercy, we forgive because we're forgiven.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the command to be merciful 'as your Father is merciful' connect our treatment of others to God's treatment of us?
  2. What does showing mercy even to enemies reveal about the nature of Christian character and ethics?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Γίνεσθε1 of 10

Be ye

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

οὖν2 of 10

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

οἰκτίρμων3 of 10

merciful

G3629

compassionate

καθὼς4 of 10

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ5 of 10

also

G2532

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

6 of 10
G3588

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

πατὴρ7 of 10

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὑμῶν8 of 10

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

οἰκτίρμων9 of 10

merciful

G3629

compassionate

ἐστίν10 of 10

is

G2076

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


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 6:36 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 6:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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