Luke 6:28

KJV

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Bless {G2127} them that curse {G2672} you {G5213}, and {G2532} pray {G4336} for {G5228} them which despitefully use {G1908} you {G5209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Berean Standard Bible

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

American Standard Version

bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:28 presents a radical and counter-cultural command from Jesus, calling His followers to respond to hostility not with retaliation, but with supernatural love and intercession. This verse encapsulates a core principle of Kingdom ethics, challenging believers to actively bless those who curse them and pray for those who maliciously mistreat them, thereby reflecting the character of God Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' profound "Sermon on the Plain" (Luke 6:17-49), which parallels Matthew's Sermon on the Mount but emphasizes social and economic justice more distinctly. Immediately preceding this command, Jesus lays the foundational principle: "[Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you](/luke/6-27 "Luke 6:27 - Command to Love Enemies")" (Luke 6:27). Luke 6:28 then provides two specific, active expressions of this enemy-love. The entire section from [Luke 6:27-36](/luke/6-27-36 "Luke 6:27-36 - Love for Enemies and Golden Rule") outlines the radical demands of discipleship, contrasting worldly responses with divine standards of grace, generosity, and non-retaliation, culminating in the call to be merciful, just as God is merciful.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:28 directly challenged the prevailing "lex talionis" (law of retaliation) of "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth" (cf. [Exodus 21:24](/exodus/21-24 "Exodus 21:24 - Eye for an Eye")). While the Old Testament law aimed to limit vengeance and ensure proportionate justice, it was often interpreted in a way that justified personal retribution. Furthermore, in a society marked by social stratification, political oppression under Roman rule, and inter-group tensions, animosity and cycles of vengeance were common. Jesus' command to bless and pray for enemies was revolutionary, demanding a complete reorientation of human nature and societal norms, moving beyond mere legalistic compliance to a transformative ethic rooted in divine love.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 6:28 contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It is a powerful articulation of **Radical Love**, demonstrating that Christian love (agape) is not merely an emotion but a deliberate, sacrificial act extended even to adversaries, as seen in Jesus' own life and teachings throughout [the Gospels](/matthew "The Gospel of Matthew") and [the New Testament](/romans "The Book of Romans"). The verse also underscores the theme of **Non-Retaliation**, explicitly rejecting the natural human impulse to return evil for evil, instead advocating for a supernatural response of grace. This active benevolence, expressed through blessing and prayer, highlights **Divine Reflection**, as believers are called to imitate God's impartial goodness, who "[makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God's Impartial Grace")" (Matthew 5:45). Ultimately, this command points to the **Transformative Power of the Kingdom of God**, where human relationships are redeemed and governed by principles that transcend earthly justice systems.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bless (Greek, _eulogéō_):** From a compound of εὖ (eu, "good") and λόγος (logos, "word"), meaning "to speak well of." This term implies more than just a verbal commendation; it involves invoking divine favor, wishing prosperity, or bestowing a benediction upon someone. In this context, it is the active opposite of cursing, requiring an intentional act of goodwill and positive declaration toward those who are hostile.
* **Curse (Greek, _kataráomai_):** The middle voice of κατάρα (katara, "a curse"), meaning "to execrate" or "to doom." This word signifies invoking evil upon someone, speaking ill of them, or condemning them. Jesus' command directly confronts this natural human tendency to retaliate with malediction when faced with hostility.
* **Despitefully use (Greek, _epēreázō_):** From a comparative of ἐπί (epi, "upon") and a word related to threats, this verb means "to insult, slander, treat abusively, or falsely accuse." It denotes active, malicious mistreatment, harassment, or verbal abuse. Jesus addresses not just passive dislike but active, harmful aggression.
* **Pray (Greek, _proseúchomai_):** From πρός (pros, "to") and εὔχομαι (euchomai, "to wish, to pray"), meaning "to pray to God, supplicate, or worship." Here, it specifically means to intercede before God on behalf of those who are causing harm, demonstrating a profound act of spiritual benevolence and a reliance on divine intervention rather than human vengeance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Bless them that curse you":** This initial command sets the radical tone. To "bless" (eulogeō) someone who "curses" (kataraomai) you is a direct inversion of natural human behavior. It demands a proactive, intentional act of speaking good, wishing well, and even invoking God's favor upon those who wish you ill or speak evil against you. This is not passive acceptance but an active, benevolent response that seeks the well-being of the adversary.
* **"and pray for them which despitefully use you":** This second clause reinforces and deepens the command. "Despitefully use" (epēreázō) refers to malicious, abusive, or slanderous treatment. To "pray" (proseuchomai) for such individuals means to intercede on their behalf before God. This act is profoundly transformative, as it requires a heart that desires God's intervention and grace for the abuser, fostering forgiveness and breaking the cycle of bitterness within the one praying. It acknowledges that true change and healing, both for the victim and the perpetrator, ultimately come from God.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:28 employs several powerful literary devices. **Antithesis** is central, juxtaposing "blessing" with "cursing" and "praying" with "despiteful use." This sharp contrast highlights the counter-intuitive and supernatural nature of Jesus' command, forcing the listener to confront the radical difference between worldly responses and Kingdom ethics. The verse also utilizes **Imperative Mood**, as "Bless" and "pray" are direct commands, emphasizing the non-negotiable and active nature of the required response. Furthermore, there is an element of **Paradox**, as the actions commanded (blessing, praying) are the opposite of what is naturally expected or deserved by those who curse and abuse. This paradox underscores the divine, rather than human, origin and enablement of such a demanding ethic.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:28 is a profound expression of "agape" love, the unconditional, self-sacrificial love that characterizes God Himself. It reveals that Christian love is not merely an emotion but a deliberate act of the will, extended even to those who are undeserving or hostile. This command challenges believers to transcend the human impulse for retribution and instead embody the divine character of mercy and grace. By blessing and praying for enemies, followers of Christ participate in God's redemptive work, demonstrating a transformative power that can break cycles of hatred and violence. It underscores the truth that true spiritual victory is found not in overcoming enemies through force, but through love that seeks their ultimate good, even if they remain hostile. This radical ethic is a hallmark of the Kingdom of God, distinguishing its citizens by their capacity to reflect God's own boundless compassion.

* [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies (Sermon on the Mount)")
* [Romans 12:14](/romans/12-14 "Romans 12:14 - Bless Those Who Persecute")
* [1 Peter 3:9](/1_peter/3-9 "1 Peter 3:9 - Do Not Return Evil for Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:28 stands as one of the most challenging yet profoundly transformative commands in the Christian life. Applying this verse requires a radical reorientation of our natural human responses to hurt and injustice. It means consciously choosing to respond with grace when our flesh cries out for vengeance, to speak words of blessing when our inclination is to curse, and to intercede in prayer when our instinct is to harbor bitterness. This is not a call to condone evil or tolerate abuse, but rather a summons to engage in spiritual warfare against the spirit of animosity itself, relying on the Holy Spirit to empower a love that transcends our own capacity. Embracing this command cultivates a heart of forgiveness, breaks cycles of hatred, and allows believers to become agents of reconciliation and divine light in a dark world, reflecting the very character of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is my natural, immediate reaction when I feel cursed or despitefully used by someone?**
* **How does the command to "bless" and "pray for" my enemies challenge my understanding of justice and forgiveness?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to actively bless or pray for someone who has wronged me?**
* **How does my willingness (or unwillingness) to obey this command reflect my dependence on the Holy Spirit versus my own strength?**
* **In what ways might my obedience to this verse contribute to breaking cycles of animosity in my relationships or community?**

### FAQ
**Does "bless them that curse you" mean I should allow myself to be continually harmed or abused?**

Answer: No, Jesus' command to bless and pray for those who curse or despitefully use you is not an endorsement of remaining in abusive or harmful situations. It primarily addresses the internal disposition of the heart and the spiritual response to hostility, rather than dictating passive acceptance of ongoing harm. While it calls for a supernatural response of love and forgiveness, it does not negate the need for wisdom, setting healthy boundaries, seeking protection, or pursuing justice when appropriate. The focus is on preventing bitterness and vengeance from taking root in the believer's heart, and on demonstrating a Christ-like response that seeks the ultimate good of all, even if that good involves the perpetrator facing consequences for their actions. The command is about our spiritual posture and active benevolence, not about enabling sin or neglecting personal safety.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:28 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He did not merely teach this radical ethic; He lived it perfectly. On the cross, while being brutally crucified and reviled, Jesus prayed, "[Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness on the Cross")" (Luke 23:34), offering a profound example of blessing and praying for those who despitefully used Him. His entire ministry was characterized by doing good to those who hated Him and loving His enemies, culminating in His sacrificial death for humanity, who were His enemies in their sin (cf. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love While We Were Still Sinners")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ broke the power of sin and hatred, making it possible for believers to be reconciled to God and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to live out this counter-cultural command. The ability to bless those who curse us and pray for those who despitefully use us is not a human achievement but a divine enablement, a fruit of the new nature received in Christ, allowing us to "[be imitators of God, as beloved children](/ephesians/5-1 "Ephesians 5:1 - Imitators of God")" (Ephesians 5:1), reflecting the very heart of the One who loved us when we were His adversaries.

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

1 Peter 3:9

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

1 Corinthians 4:12

And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

Romans 12:14

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

James 3:10

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Luke 23:34

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Luke 6:27

¶ But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;