Luke 6:21

KJV

Blessed [are ye] that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed [are ye] that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {G3107} are ye that hunger {G3983} now {G3568}: for {G3754} ye shall be filled {G5526}. Blessed {G3107} are ye that weep {G2799} now {G3568}: for {G3754} ye shall laugh {G1070}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"How blessed are you who are hungry! for you will be filled. "How blessed are you who are crying now! for you will laugh.

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

American Standard Version

Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:21, part of Jesus's radical Sermon on the Plain, pronounces a profound blessing upon those who currently experience hunger and sorrow, promising them future satisfaction and joy. This declaration fundamentally redefines conventional notions of happiness and prosperity, asserting a divine reversal of worldly fortunes and values, where present suffering endured with faith leads to ultimate, eschatological blessedness in God's Kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus's "Sermon on the Plain" ([Luke 6:17-49](/luke/6-17-49 "Luke 6:17-49 - The Sermon on the Plain")), which closely parallels Matthew's "Sermon on the Mount." Immediately preceding [Luke 6:21](/luke/6-21 "Luke 6:21 - Blessed are the Hungry and Weeping") is the blessing for the poor ([Luke 6:20](/luke/6-20 "Luke 6:20 - Blessed are the Poor")), establishing a pattern of blessing those who are marginalized or suffering in the present. Following these blessings, Jesus pronounces a series of "woes" upon those who are rich, full, laughing, and well-regarded in the present ([Luke 6:24-26](/luke/6-24-26 "Luke 6:24-26 - Woes to the Rich")), creating a stark contrast and emphasizing the theme of divine reversal. This structure highlights Jesus's radical revaluation of what it means to be truly blessed or cursed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus's audience on the plain included a great multitude of people from various regions, including disciples, Jews, and Gentiles ([Luke 6:17](/luke/6-17 "Luke 6:17 - Jesus Teaches on the Plain")). Many in this crowd would have been poor, hungry, and oppressed under Roman rule and the prevailing social structures. Hunger was a common reality for the lower classes, and weeping often accompanied the hardships of life, including illness, poverty, and mourning. In a society where prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine favor, Jesus's pronouncements would have been counter-cultural, offering hope and validation to those who were suffering and challenging the assumptions of the privileged. His words resonated deeply with the prophetic tradition of God's care for the afflicted and the coming of a new age where justice would prevail.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 6:21](/luke/6-21 "Luke 6:21 - Blessed are the Hungry and Weeping") powerfully contributes to several key themes in Luke's Gospel. The most prominent is **Divine Reversal**, where God's Kingdom values turn the world's expectations upside down. Those who are disadvantaged in the present are promised future exaltation and blessing, a theme echoed in Mary's Magnificat ([Luke 1:52-53](/luke/1-52-53 "Luke 1:52-53 - Mary's Magnificat")) and the parable of Lazarus and the rich man ([Luke 16:19-31](/luke/16-19-31 "Luke 16:19-31 - The Rich Man and Lazarus")). Another theme is **True Blessedness**, which is redefined not by material wealth or worldly comfort, but by one's spiritual state and relationship with God, often characterized by humble dependence and a longing for righteousness. This spiritual hunger is a prerequisite for being "filled" by God ([Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness")). Finally, the verse highlights **Eschatological Hope**, pointing to a future fulfillment in God's Kingdom where all sorrow will be transformed into everlasting joy ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** This term, G3107, signifies a state of supreme happiness, fortunate, or well off, often implying a favor bestowed by God. It denotes an inner spiritual contentment and objective state of being in God's favor, independent of outward circumstances. It is not merely a subjective feeling but a divinely declared status.
* **Hunger (Greek, _peináō'_):** G3983, derived from a root suggesting "pinching toil," means to famish, either literally or figuratively. While it can refer to physical hunger, in this spiritual context, it extends to a deep craving or intense longing for spiritual nourishment, righteousness, or the coming of God's kingdom.
* **Weep (Greek, _klaíō'_):** G2799 describes a strong, audible expression of grief or sorrow, to sob or wail aloud. This is a profound, visceral emotional response, indicating deep distress, mourning, or lamentation, perhaps over personal suffering, the brokenness of the world, or even sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [are ye] that hunger now:"** Jesus declares a state of divine favor and profound happiness upon those who are currently experiencing a deep lack or longing. This "hunger" encompasses both physical deprivation and a spiritual yearning for God's justice and presence. The "now" emphasizes the present reality of their condition, setting up a contrast with the future promise.
* **"for ye shall be filled."** This clause presents the divine promise and reason for their blessedness. The hunger experienced "now" will be met with complete and abundant satisfaction. "Filled" (Greek, _chortázō'_) implies being abundantly supplied, even gorged, with what is needed, suggesting a comprehensive fulfillment of all their deepest longings, both physical and spiritual, in God's future kingdom.
* **"Blessed [are ye] that weep now:"** Again, Jesus pronounces divine favor upon those who are presently in a state of profound sorrow, mourning, or lamentation. This "weeping" signifies deep emotional pain and distress, acknowledging their current suffering.
* **"for ye shall laugh."** This final clause offers the counter-promise: their present sorrow will be transformed into unbridled, profound joy and relief. The "laugh" (Greek, _geláō'_) signifies a joyous, satisfied expression, indicating the complete reversal of their current sorrow into ultimate delight and comfort in God's presence.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:21 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Antithesis** is central, creating a sharp contrast between the present state of suffering ("hunger now," "weep now") and the future state of blessedness ("shall be filled," "shall laugh"). This stark opposition underscores the radical nature of God's kingdom values, which invert worldly expectations. **Parallelism** is evident in the repeated structure "Blessed are ye that... now: for ye shall...," which reinforces the two distinct but related declarations of blessing and their corresponding promises. This rhythmic repetition makes the message memorable and impactful. Furthermore, the verse embodies **Divine Reversal**, a thematic device where the expected order of things is overturned by God's intervention. What the world considers unfortunate (hunger, weeping) is declared blessed by God, promising a future where the last will be first, and the humble exalted. This reversal is not merely a literary flourish but a core theological statement about God's justice and compassion for the marginalized.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:21 articulates a foundational theological principle of the Kingdom of God: a radical reordering of values and a promise of ultimate justice and comfort for those who suffer in the present. This divine reversal challenges human assumptions about prosperity and blessedness, asserting that true favor rests not with worldly success but with a humble, dependent posture before God, often accompanied by hardship. It points to an eschatological hope, where God will ultimately rectify all injustices and wipe away every tear, fulfilling the deepest longings of His people. This promise encourages perseverance in faith, assuring believers that their present trials are temporary and will culminate in eternal joy and satisfaction in God's presence.

* [Psalm 37:19](/psalm/37-19 "Psalm 37:19 - They shall not be ashamed in the evil time")
* [Isaiah 61:2-3](/isaiah/61-2-3 "Isaiah 61:2-3 - Comfort for those who mourn")
* [Revelation 7:16-17](/revelation/7-16-17 "Revelation 7:16-17 - No more hunger or thirst")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:21 offers profound encouragement and a radical call to re-evaluate our priorities as followers of Christ. For those currently facing adversity, sorrow, or spiritual dryness, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God sees your suffering and promises future consolation and satisfaction. Your present pain is not the end of your story; rather, it can be a pathway to deeper dependence on God and a greater appreciation for His coming kingdom. This passage challenges us to seek spiritual riches and righteousness over worldly comforts and temporary pleasures, understanding that true joy and fulfillment come from God alone. It encourages us to persevere in faith, trusting in God's perfect timing and ultimate justice, knowing that the "now" of hardship will give way to the "then" of abundant joy. Furthermore, understanding this divine reversal should cultivate profound empathy and compassion within us for those who are marginalized, suffering, or in need, recognizing that God's favor rests upon them in a unique way, and calling us to minister to those who mourn and hunger, both physically and spiritually.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently experience "hunger" or "weeping"? How does Jesus's promise in this verse speak to your present circumstances?**
* **How does this verse challenge your conventional understanding of what it means to be "blessed" or "happy"?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper spiritual hunger for God and His righteousness?**
* **How might embracing the promise of future joy in this verse impact your perseverance through present difficulties?**

### FAQ
**Does "hunger" in Luke 6:21 refer only to physical hunger?**

Answer: While the term "hunger" (Greek, _peináō'_) can certainly encompass physical deprivation, in the context of Jesus's teachings, it extends beyond mere physical need. It often signifies a deep spiritual longing or craving for God, for righteousness, or for the coming of His Kingdom. Jesus frequently used physical metaphors to describe spiritual realities, as seen in His teaching about Himself as the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Therefore, while it includes the physically hungry, it primarily speaks to those with a profound spiritual yearning that only God can satisfy.

**What is the significance of the "now" and the future tense ("shall be filled," "shall laugh") in this verse?**

Answer: The "now" (Greek, _nŷn'_) emphasizes the present reality of suffering, deprivation, and sorrow experienced by the blessed. This highlights the counter-cultural nature of Jesus's declaration, as these conditions are typically seen as unfortunate. The future tense, "ye shall be filled" and "ye shall laugh," points to an eschatological fulfillment—a promise that will be fully realized in God's coming Kingdom. It assures believers that their present suffering is temporary and will ultimately be transformed into complete satisfaction and joy in eternity, underscoring the theme of divine reversal and ultimate justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:21 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who embodies the paradox of suffering and glory, and in His redemptive work. He is the one who hungered in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:2](/matthew/4-2 "Matthew 4:2 - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness")) and wept over Jerusalem ([Luke 19:41](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")) and at the tomb of Lazarus ([John 11:35](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Weeps")). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by humility, self-denial, and suffering, culminating in His crucifixion, where He bore the ultimate sorrow and deprivation for humanity's sin. Yet, through His resurrection, Jesus was "filled" with glory and "laughed" in triumph over sin and death, becoming the source of all true satisfaction and joy. He invites those who hunger and thirst for righteousness to come to Him and be filled ([Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness")), and promises comfort to those who mourn ([Matthew 5:4](/matthew/5-4 "Matthew 5:4 - Blessed are those who mourn")). Thus, the blessings promised in [Luke 6:21](/luke/6-21 "Luke 6:21 - Blessed are the Hungry and Weeping") are realized through participation in Christ's suffering and His ultimate victory, leading to an eternal inheritance of joy and fullness in His presence ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God will wipe away every tear")).

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

Matthew 5:6

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

John 6:35

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

James 1:12

Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Luke 1:53

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Matthew 5:4

Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.