Luke 6:20

¶ And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed [be ye] poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

And {G2532} he {G846} lifted up {G1869} his {G846} eyes {G3788} on {G1519} his {G846} disciples {G3101}, and said {G3004}, Blessed {G3107} be ye poor {G4434}: for {G3754} yours {G5212} is {G2076} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}.

He looked at his talmidim and said: "How blessed are you poor! for the Kingdom of God is yours.

Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessedare ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

Luke 6:20 introduces the first of Jesus' blessings in what is often called the "Sermon on the Plain," delivered to his disciples. This declaration sets a foundational principle for understanding the values of God's kingdom, which often stand in stark contrast to the world's standards.

Context

This verse is part of a significant discourse by Jesus, paralleling the more extensive "Sermon on the Mount" found in Matthew's Gospel (see Matthew 5:3). In Luke's account, Jesus directly addresses his disciples after choosing the twelve apostles. The setting is a level place, emphasizing accessibility to a wider audience, though the direct address is to his followers. This sermon immediately follows the selection of the apostles, indicating that these teachings are crucial for those committed to following Christ.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Favor for the Poor: The most striking theme is the blessing pronounced upon the "poor." This doesn't exclusively refer to financial destitution but also encompasses those who are humble, dependent on God, and perhaps marginalized by society. It challenges the worldly notion that wealth and status are indicators of divine favor.
  • The Kingdom of God: The ultimate promise for the poor is "yours is the kingdom of God." This refers to God's sovereign reign, both present in the hearts of believers and future in its full consummation. It signifies full participation in God's redemptive plan and eternal inheritance. The kingdom is both within and yet to come.
  • Reversal of Worldly Values: Jesus introduces a radical reversal of conventional wisdom. What the world often despises (poverty, humility), God highly values. This theme is further elaborated in the subsequent woes (Luke 6:24-26), where earthly prosperity is contrasted with spiritual emptiness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "blessed" is makarioi, which denotes a state of profound spiritual happiness, well-being, or divine favor, independent of outward circumstances. It's not merely good fortune but a deep, enduring joy that comes from God. The term for "poor" is ptōchoi, which literally means "beggars" or those who are utterly destitute. While Matthew's parallel specifies "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3), Luke's simpler "poor" is often understood to include both material poverty and the spiritual humility that recognizes complete dependence on God, often seen as a characteristic of those who are receptive to the Gospel message, as highlighted in Jesus' mission statement in Luke 4:18.

Practical Application

Luke 6:20 calls believers to re-evaluate what truly constitutes blessing and wealth. It encourages humility, dependence on God, and a focus on spiritual riches over material possessions. For those who are materially poor, it offers immense hope and dignity, affirming their special place in God's heart and kingdom. For those with earthly abundance, it serves as a powerful reminder to avoid spiritual pride and to use resources in ways that reflect kingdom values, remembering that true blessedness comes from God's favor and not from earthly possessions. It challenges us to align our priorities with God's, understanding that the greatest treasure is found in the kingdom of God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 6:20

    ¶ And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed [be ye] poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

  • Luke 6:24

    But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

  • James 2:5

    Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

  • 2 Corinthians 8:9

    For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

  • Luke 12:32

    Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

  • Matthew 25:34

    Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

  • Matthew 5:2

    And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

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