Luke 6:22

KJV

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {G3107} are ye {G2075}, when {G3752} men {G444} shall hate {G3404} you {G5209}, and {G2532} when {G3752} they shall separate {G873} you {G5209} from their company, and {G2532} shall reproach {G3679} you, and {G2532} cast out {G1544} your {G5216} name {G3686} as {G5613} evil {G4190}, for the Son {G5207} of man's {G444} sake {G1752}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"How blessed you are whenever people hate you and ostracize you and insult you and denounce you as a criminal on account of the Son of Man.

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man.

American Standard Version

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:22 presents a profound and counter-intuitive declaration from Jesus's Sermon on the Plain, proclaiming divine blessedness upon those who endure hatred, social exclusion, verbal abuse, and slander for their allegiance to Him. This verse serves as a foundational teaching on the paradoxical nature of the Kingdom of God, where suffering for righteousness is not a misfortune but a pathway to profound spiritual favor and an affirmation of true discipleship. It challenges conventional notions of happiness and success, redirecting the focus from worldly approval to divine commendation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal component of Jesus's "Sermon on the Plain" in [Luke 6](/luke/6 "Luke 6 - The Sermon on the Plain"), which parallels Matthew's Sermon on the Mount but offers distinct emphases. Following the selection of the twelve apostles in [Luke 6:12-16](/luke/6-12-16 "Luke 6:12-16 - The Choosing of the Twelve Apostles") and the gathering of a large crowd seeking healing and teaching in [Luke 6:17-19](/luke/6-17-19 "Luke 6:17-19 - Jesus Heals and Teaches"), Jesus addresses His disciples directly. Luke's Beatitudes ([Luke 6:20-26](/luke/6-20-26 "Luke 6:20-26 - The Beatitudes and Woes")) are presented as direct, personal pronouncements ("Blessed are you...") and are immediately followed by a series of "woes" that reverse the blessings, creating a stark contrast between the values of the Kingdom of God and those of the world. Luke's version is often seen as more socio-economically focused, emphasizing the reversal of fortunes for the poor, hungry, and sorrowful, and conversely, the rich, full, and laughing. Verse 22 specifically addresses the social persecution that disciples will face, setting the stage for Jesus's subsequent teachings on loving enemies and radical generosity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, social cohesion and community standing were paramount. Religious and social identity were often intertwined, and deviation from established norms or allegiance to a new, potentially subversive, teacher like Jesus could lead to severe consequences. Ostracism from the synagogue, social shunning, and public defamation were potent forms of punishment, often more devastating than physical harm. Following Jesus meant aligning with a movement that challenged the religious establishment and Roman authority, making His followers vulnerable to suspicion, ridicule, and outright hostility. The phrase "separate you from their company" could refer to excommunication from the synagogue, a significant blow to one's social and religious life. The "casting out of one's name as evil" speaks to the public defamation of character, associating followers of Jesus with moral depravity or political sedition. Jesus's words here prepare His disciples for the inevitable opposition they would face, not as an anomaly, but as an expected and even blessed part of their commitment to Him. This teaching would have resonated deeply with early Christians who experienced widespread persecution, as seen in the book of [Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts").

* **Key Themes:** Luke 6:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Paradoxical Blessing**, where suffering for Christ's sake is redefined as a source of divine favor rather than misfortune. This challenges the world's wisdom, which equates blessing with comfort and prosperity. It underscores the **Cost of Discipleship**, highlighting that genuine allegiance to Jesus often entails social rejection, verbal abuse, and even hatred, as Jesus Himself experienced ([Luke 6:27-36](/luke/6-27-36 "Luke 6:27-36 - Love Your Enemies")). The verse also emphasizes **Identification with Christ**, as the suffering endured is explicitly "for the Son of man's sake." This means that when believers are persecuted for their faith, they are sharing in the experience of their Lord, who was also hated and rejected ([John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World Hates You")). Finally, while not explicitly stated in this verse, the immediate context of [Luke 6:23](/luke/6-23 "Luke 6:23 - Great Reward in Heaven") introduces the theme of **Future Reward**, assuring believers that their earthly suffering for Christ will result in a "great reward in heaven," providing an eternal perspective that transcends temporal hardships.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** From G3107, this term signifies a state of being supremely blest, fortunate, or well-off. It denotes a deep, abiding spiritual well-being and divine favor that is independent of external circumstances or worldly prosperity. It is not merely "happy" in a fleeting sense, but rather a state of inner contentment and divine approval, a characteristic of those who are in right relationship with God.
* **Separate (Greek, _aphorízō'_):** From G873, meaning "to set off by boundary," this word implies exclusion, ostracism, or being put out of a community. In the context of first-century Judea, this could range from social shunning to formal excommunication from religious gatherings like the synagogue, which would have profound social and spiritual implications for an individual.
* **Evil (Greek, _ponērós'_):** From G4190, this term describes something as hurtful, wicked, or morally culpable. When one's name is "cast out as evil," it means their reputation, character, and everything they stand for are publicly associated with wickedness, disgrace, or malevolence, often with the intent to defame and discredit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed are ye":** This is Jesus's emphatic declaration of divine favor. It's a pronouncement of spiritual well-being and God's approval upon the listeners, setting a paradoxical tone for the conditions that follow.
* **"when men shall hate you":** The first specific condition for this blessedness. It refers to experiencing intense animosity and detestation from others, not for personal failings, but specifically because of one's association with Christ.
* **"and when they shall separate you [from their company]":** This describes social ostracism and exclusion. It implies being cut off from one's community, family, or social circles, reflecting a deliberate act of isolation by others.
* **"and shall reproach [you]":** This refers to verbal abuse, insult, or public shaming. It means to be reviled, slandered, or have one's character attacked with malicious intent.
* **"and cast out your name as evil":** This is a powerful image of defamation. It means to utterly discredit someone by associating their very identity and reputation with wickedness or disgrace, effectively destroying their public standing.
* **"for the Son of man's sake":** This crucial phrase provides the singular, overarching reason for the blessedness in suffering. The persecution is not random or for personal wrongdoing, but explicitly because of one's allegiance to Jesus, identifying with His person and mission. It underscores that suffering for Christ transforms the experience from a mere misfortune into a divinely recognized act of loyalty.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:22 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Paradox**, as Jesus declares blessing upon those experiencing what the world considers misfortune (hatred, separation, reproach, slander). This creates a stark contrast that challenges conventional wisdom and highlights the inverted values of the Kingdom of God. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the very acts intended to diminish and harm the disciples are reframed by Jesus as signs of divine favor and a cause for rejoicing. The cumulative list of persecutions ("hate you," "separate you," "reproach you," "cast out your name as evil") employs **Climax** or **Gradation**, building in intensity from internal emotion (hatred) to social exclusion, verbal abuse, and finally, the complete public defamation of one's identity. The phrase "Son of man's sake" functions as a **Motif** that links the disciples' suffering directly to Jesus's own experience and identity, creating a profound sense of **Identification**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:22 lays bare a core theological truth: genuine discipleship often entails suffering, and this suffering, when endured for Christ's sake, is not a sign of God's disfavor but rather a mark of divine blessing. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God's chosen people frequently face opposition for their faithfulness. It reorients the believer's perspective from seeking worldly comfort and approval to embracing the counter-cultural path of Christ, finding joy and spiritual richness in the midst of adversity. The verse emphasizes that our identity and worth are not defined by human opinion or social acceptance, but by our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This suffering is not meaningless; it is purposeful, aligning believers with Christ's own path of rejection and ultimately, His triumph.

* [Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10-12 "Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessed are the Persecuted")
* [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12-16 "1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering for Christ")
* [Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Philippians 1:29 - Suffering for Christ is a Privilege")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:22 offers profound encouragement and a radical reorientation of values for believers in every generation. In a world that often prioritizes popularity, acceptance, and comfort, Jesus's words challenge us to embrace a different standard of blessedness. This verse calls us to examine our motives: if we face opposition, is it truly "for the Son of man's sake," or for our own misbehavior or uncharitable actions? When we are reviled or excluded for upholding biblical truth, for living out our faith, or simply for identifying with Christ, this verse assures us that we are walking in the footsteps of our Lord and are supremely blessed in God's eyes. It invites us to cultivate a heavenly perspective, understanding that earthly reproach is fleeting, but divine approval and eternal reward are everlasting. Instead of despairing or retaliating, we are called to persevere with joy, knowing that our suffering is purposeful and a testament to our genuine connection to Christ. This passage reminds us that true blessedness is found not in avoiding hardship, but in enduring it faithfully for the sake of the Gospel, trusting in God's ultimate vindication.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to compromise my faith to avoid social rejection or ridicule?**
* **How does the promise of "blessedness" in suffering change my perspective on adversity for Christ's sake?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate joy and perseverance when facing opposition for my faith?**
* **How can I ensure that any opposition I face is genuinely "for the Son of man's sake" and not due to my own shortcomings?**

### FAQ

**What does "Son of man's sake" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "for the Son of man's sake" (Greek: `héneka tou huiou tou anthrōpou`) is crucial. It means that the hatred, separation, reproach, and slander endured by the disciples are directly and exclusively because of their allegiance to Jesus, who frequently referred to Himself as the "Son of Man." This title emphasizes both His humanity and His unique, often eschatological, divine authority and mission, connecting Him to the figure in [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with the Clouds"). Therefore, suffering "for the Son of man's sake" means suffering because one is identified with Jesus, His teachings, His values, and His Kingdom. It signifies that the persecution is not random or due to personal fault, but a direct consequence of one's loyalty to Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:22 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus, the "Son of Man," is the quintessential example of one who was hated, separated from His own people, reproached, and had His name cast out as evil. From the very beginning of His ministry, He faced opposition from religious authorities, culminating in His unjust trial and crucifixion, where He was reviled and mocked ([Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39-44 "Matthew 27:39-44 - The Mocking of Jesus")). He was rejected by His own ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")), separated from the community, and ultimately had His name associated with criminality and blasphemy. Yet, it was precisely through this path of suffering and rejection that He accomplished salvation for humanity. Therefore, when believers suffer "for the Son of man's sake," they are not merely imitating Christ, but participating in His redemptive experience, sharing in His sufferings ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")) and identifying with the very one who conquered sin and death through such a path. This shared suffering is a profound privilege, a sign of authentic discipleship, and a guarantee of future glory and vindication with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ Through Suffering")). The blessedness promised in Luke 6:22 is a reflection of the ultimate blessedness found in union with the crucified and resurrected Christ.

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 5:10

Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Matthew 10:22

And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

1 Peter 4:12

¶ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

1 Peter 4:16

Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

1 Peter 3:14

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

1 Thessalonians 2:14

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews: