Luke 6:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:20 initiates Jesus' radical redefinition of blessedness, commonly known as the "Sermon on the Plain." Addressing His newly chosen disciples and a large crowd, Jesus declares divine favor upon the poor, immediately linking their present state of deprivation with an assured inheritance in the Kingdom of God. This pronouncement establishes a foundational principle of God's reign, where societal values are inverted, and true blessedness is found not in worldly prosperity but in a posture of humble dependence and receptivity to God's sovereign rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 6:20 serves as the opening declaration of Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain" (Luke 6:17-49), a pivotal discourse that parallels Matthew's more extensive "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7). Immediately preceding this sermon, Jesus has spent the night in prayer and then chosen His twelve apostles from among His disciples (Luke 6:12-16). This indicates that the teachings that follow are foundational for those called to leadership and committed discipleship. The sermon is delivered to a diverse audience, including His disciples and a "great multitude" (Luke 6:17), underscoring its universal relevance while specifically addressing those who have chosen to follow Him. The blessings (Luke 6:20-23) are directly contrasted with corresponding woes (Luke 6:24-26), creating a stark juxtaposition that highlights the radical nature of kingdom values.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea and Galilee were characterized by significant socio-economic disparities, with a large peasant population often living in poverty under Roman occupation and local elite control. In Jewish thought, material prosperity was often seen as a sign of God's blessing and righteousness, while poverty could be associated with sin or divine disfavor. Jesus' declaration to the "poor" directly challenges this prevailing cultural and religious assumption. The setting on a "level place" (τόπος πεδινός, Luke 6:17) implies accessibility, contrasting with the elevated "mountain" in Matthew's account, suggesting Jesus' teachings are for everyone, especially the marginalized. This context emphasizes that Jesus' message was not abstract but deeply relevant to the lived realities of His audience, many of whom would have been genuinely poor and oppressed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several profound themes central to Luke's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it highlights **God's preferential option for the poor and marginalized**, a recurring motif in Luke, exemplified by Jesus' inaugural sermon in Nazareth where He proclaims good news to the poor (Luke 4:18). Secondly, it profoundly defines the **nature of true blessedness (μακάριοι)**, shifting it from external circumstances or material wealth to an internal spiritual state and one's relationship with God, regardless of earthly status. Finally, the verse immediately connects this blessedness to the **Kingdom of God**, emphasizing that this divine reign is not merely a future hope but is already present and accessible, particularly to those who embody the humility and dependence characteristic of the "poor." This theme of the Kingdom's present reality and future consummation is woven throughout Jesus' teachings, inviting His followers to live by its values now, even as they anticipate its full manifestation (see [Luke 17:20-21](/luke/17-20-21 "Luke 17:20-21 - The Kingdom of God is Among You")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** From G3107, denoting a state of profound spiritual happiness, well-being, or divine favor. It signifies a deep, enduring joy and flourishing that comes from God, independent of external circumstances. It's not merely good fortune but a divinely bestowed state of contentment and favor.
* **Poor (Greek, _ptōchós'_):** From G4434, literally meaning "beggars" or those who are utterly destitute, often cringing in their need. It strictly denotes absolute or public mendicancy, though it can also be used in a qualified or relative sense. In this context, while encompassing material poverty, it also implies a spiritual posture of humility and complete dependence on God, acknowledging one's utter lack and need for divine provision.
* **Kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** From G932, properly meaning "royalty," "rule," or "a realm." It refers to God's sovereign reign, His active rule and dominion, which is both a present reality inaugurated by Christ and a future consummation. It signifies full participation in God's redemptive plan and eternal inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said,"**: This opening phrase (using G2532 _kaí_ for "and," G1869 _epaírō_ for "lifted up," G3788 _ophthalmós_ for "eyes," G1519 _eis_ for "on," and G3101 _mathētḗs_ for "disciples," G3004 _légō_ for "said") sets the immediate audience and tone. Jesus intentionally directs His gaze and words towards His followers, signifying that these teachings are primarily for those who have committed to Him. It's an intimate address, yet delivered within earshot of a larger crowd, indicating its universal importance.
* **"Blessed [be ye] poor:"**: Here, Jesus pronounces a profound blessing (G3107 _makários_) upon the "poor" (G4434 _ptōchós_). This is a radical statement that inverts conventional wisdom. It's not merely a statement of pity but a declaration of divine favor and ultimate well-being. The "poor" are those who recognize their spiritual and often material destitution, acknowledging their dependence on God rather than self-sufficiency or worldly resources. This blessing is not for poverty itself, but for the humble, dependent posture that often accompanies it, making one receptive to God's grace.
* **"for yours is the kingdom of God."**: This clause (using G3754 _hóti_ for "for," G5212 _hyméteros_ for "yours," G2076 _estí_ for "is," G932 _basileía_ for "kingdom," and G2316 _theós_ for "God") provides the reason and ultimate promise for the blessedness of the poor. The Kingdom of God is their present possession and future inheritance. It signifies that God's sovereign rule and redemptive reign are uniquely available and belong to those who are humble, dependent, and marginalized. This is a profound assurance of their eternal security and participation in God's divine plan, contrasting sharply with earthly power and wealth.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:20 powerfully employs **Paradox** and **Inversion** to convey its profound message. The declaration that the "poor" are "blessed" directly contradicts the world's understanding of fortune and success, which typically equates blessedness with wealth and status. This **Inversion** of values is a hallmark of Jesus' teaching, challenging His audience to rethink what truly constitutes a flourishing life from a divine perspective. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy** or **Symbolism** in the phrase "kingdom of God," which represents not just a geographical realm but the active, sovereign rule of God, encompassing salvation, justice, and eternal life. The immediate possession, "yours is the kingdom of God," also carries a sense of **Hyperbole** or divine assurance, emphasizing the certainty and immediate spiritual reality of this inheritance for those who embrace this posture of dependence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:20 stands as a cornerstone for understanding God's heart for the marginalized and the counter-cultural nature of His kingdom. Theologically, it underscores the principle that true blessedness is not found in earthly accumulation or status, but in a posture of humility and dependence on God. This echoes a consistent biblical theme of God's identification with and advocacy for the poor and oppressed, often seen as those most open to His transforming grace. The promise of the "kingdom of God" signifies that God's sovereign reign is inaugurated precisely among those whom the world overlooks, affirming their dignity and inherent worth in His eyes. This verse challenges believers across all socio-economic strata to cultivate a "poor in spirit" attitude, recognizing their ultimate dependence on God and aligning their values with His.

* [Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit")
* [James 2:5](/james/2-5 "James 2:5 - God chooses the poor to be rich in faith")
* [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to preach good tidings to the meek")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:20 calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities and understanding of what it means to be truly blessed. In a world that often equates success with material wealth, power, and self-sufficiency, Jesus' words are a powerful corrective. They invite us to embrace a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that our greatest treasure is found not in what we possess, but in our relationship with God and our participation in His kingdom. For those who are materially poor, this verse offers profound dignity and hope, affirming their special place in God's heart and assuring them of an eternal inheritance. For those with earthly abundance, it serves as a crucial reminder to guard against 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 hearts with God's, extending compassion and justice to the marginalized, and living as citizens of a kingdom where humility is strength and dependence on God is true wealth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' definition of "blessed" challenge your personal understanding of success and well-being?**
* **In what ways can a person who is not materially poor still embody the "poor" spirit Jesus describes?**
* **What practical steps can you take to align your life more closely with the values of the Kingdom of God as presented in this verse?**

### FAQ
**Does "poor" in Luke 6:20 refer only to financial destitution?**

Answer: While the Greek word _ptōchós_ (G4434) literally refers to those who are utterly destitute or beggars, its meaning in biblical context, particularly within Jesus' teachings, often extends beyond mere material poverty. In Luke's Gospel, Jesus frequently identifies with and ministered to the materially poor (e.g., [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' mission to the poor")). However, the "poor" also encompasses those who are humble, marginalized, and recognize their complete dependence on God, rather than relying on their own resources or status. This includes those who are spiritually humble and receptive to the Gospel, as opposed to the proud and self-sufficient. Matthew's parallel passage, [Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit"), explicitly clarifies this by adding "in spirit," suggesting that the blessedness is for those who acknowledge their spiritual neediness before God. Thus, while material poverty is certainly included, the blessing primarily applies to a spiritual posture of dependence and humility.

**What is the "kingdom of God" that is promised to the poor?**

Answer: The "kingdom of God" (G932 _basileía_ G2316 _theós_) refers to God's sovereign reign and active rule, not merely a physical territory. It is a central theme in Jesus' teaching, signifying the sphere where God's will is perfectly done. In Luke 6:20, the promise "yours is the kingdom of God" indicates that this divine reign is both a present reality and a future hope. It is present in the sense that Jesus, through His ministry, inaugurated God's rule, and those who follow Him participate in it now (see [Luke 17:20-21](/luke/17-20-21 "Luke 17:20-21 - The Kingdom of God is within you")). It is also future, referring to the full consummation of God's reign when Christ returns and establishes His eternal kingdom (as described in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord")). For the "poor," this means they are the primary recipients and inheritors of God's redemptive plan, enjoying His blessings and participating in His eternal purposes both now and in the age to come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the "blessed poor," not only identifying with the materially destitute but also demonstrating perfect humility and dependence on His Father. Jesus, though "rich, yet for your sakes he became poor" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ became poor for our sakes")), emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by reaching out to the marginalized, the sick, the outcast, and the spiritually needy, proclaiming good news to them ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated the Kingdom of God, making it accessible to all who, like the "poor" He blessed, recognize their spiritual bankruptcy and depend solely on Him for salvation. He is the King of this Kingdom, and by His sacrifice, He secured the inheritance for all who believe, ensuring that "yours is the kingdom of God" is a living reality for His followers, who are now "heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him" ([James 2:5](/james/2-5 "James 2:5 - Heirs of the Kingdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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,