Luke 6:28 Meaning and Application Context
Luke 6:28, "bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you" (ESV), is part of Jesus' teaching on loving enemies, often referred to as the "Sermon on the Plain" in Luke's Gospel [1]. This passage immediately follows Jesus' pronouncements of blessings and woes, where he blesses the poor, hungry, weeping, and those hated for the Son of Man's sake, while pronouncing woes on the rich, full, laughing, and those spoken well of by all [4].
The command to "bless those who curse you" and "pray for those who mistreat you" is a radical call to counter-cultural behavior, extending love even to adversaries [1]. This teaching is paralleled in Matthew's Gospel, specifically in Matthew 5:44-48, where Jesus similarly instructs his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them [6]. The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge cross-references Luke 6:28 with numerous Old Testament passages that speak to themes of justice, retribution, and generosity, such as Exodus 21:24 ("eye for eye") and Proverbs 19:17 ("Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord") [2]. This juxtaposition highlights the profound shift Jesus introduces, moving beyond mere equitable justice to active benevolence towards those who cause harm.
The instruction to "bless" (εὐλογέω, eulogeō) and "pray" (προσεύχομαι, proseuchomai) for enemies implies an active, intentional engagement rather than passive endurance. It suggests a desire for their well-being, even when they are hostile. This aligns with the broader context of Jesus' teaching in Luke 6, which emphasizes giving without expecting return (Luke 6:30, 34-35) and showing mercy as God is merciful (Luke 6:36) [3]. The principle here is that one's actions, stemming from the heart, reveal their true character, as "what people take in and treasure determines what will emerge in their lives" [5].
This teaching challenges the natural human inclination towards retaliation and instead calls for a divine response to evil. It is not merely about refraining from harm, but actively seeking good for those who inflict it. This radical love is presented as a hallmark of discipleship, reflecting the character of God himself.
Sources
- Luke “bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. -- Luke 6:28”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Luke 6:38 cross-references: Exodus 21:24, Deuteronomy 15:10, Deuteronomy 19:16, Judges 1:7, 2 Samuel 19:36, Ezra 7:27, Esther 7:10, Esther 9:25, Job 31:16, Job 42:11, Psalms 18:25, Psalms 41:1, Psalms 79:12, Proverbs 3:9, Proverbs 10:22, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 22:9, Ecclesiastes 11:1, Isaiah 65:6, Matthew 7:2, Matthew 10:42, Mark 4:24, Luke 6:30, 2 Corinthians 8:14, 2 Corinthians 9:6, Philippians 4:17, James 2:13, Revelation 16:5”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Luke 6:30 cross-references: Exodus 22:26, Deuteronomy 15:7, Nehemiah 5:1, Psalms 41:1, Psalms 112:9, Proverbs 3:27, Proverbs 11:24, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 21:26, Proverbs 22:9, Ecclesiastes 8:16, Isaiah 58:7, Ezekiel 11:1, Matthew 5:42, Matthew 6:12, Matthew 18:27, Matthew 18:35, Luke 6:38, Luke 11:41, Luke 12:33, Luke 18:22, Acts 20:35, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 2 Corinthians 9:6, Ephesians 4:28”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 6:22: separate you--whether from their Church, by excommunication, or from their society; both hard to flesh and blood. for the Son of man's sake--Compare Mat 5:11, "for MY SAKE"; and immediately before, "for righteousness' sake" (Luk 6:10). Christ thus binds up the cause of righteousness in the world with the reception of Himself.”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 6:45: 6:45 What people take in and treasure determines what will emerge in their lives.”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 6:27: (See on Mat 5:44-48; Mat 7:12; and Mat 14:12-14.)”