Luke 6:30

KJV

Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask [them] not again.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} Give {G1325} to every man {G3956} that asketh {G154} of thee {G4571}; and {G2532} of {G575} him that taketh away {G142} thy goods {G4674} ask {G523} them not {G3361} again {G523}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"If someone asks you for something, give it to him; if someone takes what belongs to you, don't demand it back.

Berean Standard Bible

Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back.

American Standard Version

Give to every one that asketh thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:30 presents a radical and counter-cultural command from Jesus, instructing His followers to practice unconditional generosity and absolute non-retaliation. This verse challenges conventional human wisdom by demanding that believers give freely to anyone who asks and make no attempt to reclaim possessions that have been taken from them, thereby embodying a profound ethic of selfless love and trust in divine provision that defines the Kingdom of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' extensive teaching known as the [Sermon on the Plain](/luke/6-20-49 "Luke 6:20-49 - The Sermon on the Plain"). It immediately follows a series of challenging commands that form the core of Jesus' ethical teaching for His disciples, including the imperative to [love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you](/luke/6-27-28 "Luke 6:27-28 - Love Your Enemies"). Furthermore, [Luke 6:29](/luke/6-29 "Luke 6:29 - Turn the Other Cheek") directly precedes it, instructing believers to offer the other cheek when struck and not to withhold one's tunic when a cloak is taken. Thus, [Luke 6:30](/luke/6-30 "Luke 6:30 - Give and Do Not Demand Back") serves as a practical, concrete extension of this radical call to unconditional love, self-sacrifice, and non-resistance, pushing the boundaries of conventional human interaction and legal rights.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, societal norms, like those in many cultures, revolved around principles of reciprocity, justice, and the protection of private property. Legal systems existed to resolve disputes and ensure restitution for wrongs. Jesus' commands in [Luke 6:30](/luke/6-30 "Luke 6:30 - Give and Do Not Demand Back") would have been profoundly shocking and counter-intuitive to His listeners. They challenged the prevailing "eye for an eye" (lex talionis) principle, which, though intended to limit retribution, still permitted it. Furthermore, the concept of charity, while present, often carried expectations of social recognition or reciprocal benefit. Jesus' teaching here transcends these norms, calling for a generosity and non-retaliation that defies human logic and societal expectations, reflecting a divine standard rather than a human one.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 6:30](/luke/6-30 "Luke 6:30 - Give and Do Not Demand Back") contributes significantly to several major themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' broader teaching. It exemplifies **Radical Generosity**, urging disciples to give without expectation of return or consideration of the recipient's worthiness, mirroring God's own indiscriminate goodness, as seen in [Matthew 5:45](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God's Indiscriminate Goodness"). This generosity is rooted in a detachment from material possessions and a willingness to share freely. Secondly, the verse highlights **Non-Retaliation and Trust in God's Justice**. By commanding followers not to demand back what is taken, Jesus challenges the human impulse for retribution or self-vindication, instead fostering a profound trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and provision, echoing the principle found in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's"). Finally, this command is a cornerstone of **Kingdom Ethics**, demonstrating the counter-cultural values of God's reign. Disciples are called to live distinctively, exhibiting a love and generosity that transcends worldly principles and points to a higher, divine reality, as further elaborated in [Luke 6:35](/luke/6-35 "Luke 6:35 - Be Merciful as God is Merciful").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb signifies "to give" in a very broad sense, encompassing bestowing, granting, delivering, or offering. In this context, it implies an active, intentional act of generosity, not merely a passive allowance. Its broad application here underscores the comprehensive nature of the command to give.
* **Asketh (Greek, _aitéō'_):** This term refers to asking or requesting something, often with an implication of a plea or a desire for something to be granted. It suggests a direct request from one person to another, highlighting the immediate and personal nature of the call to generosity.
* **Ask them not again (Greek, _apaitéō'_):** This compound verb, formed from "away from" (apo) and "to ask" (aiteō), specifically means "to demand back" or "to require payment/restitution." Its use here is crucial, as it prohibits the act of reclaiming or seeking legal redress for what has been taken, emphasizing an absolute relinquishment of rights.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give to every man that asketh of thee":** This clause establishes a radical principle of unconditional generosity. The phrase "every man" (pâs) emphasizes universality, indicating that the giving should not be limited by the recipient's worthiness, social status, or any other human criteria. The act of giving is to be initiated by the request, but the response is to be without reservation, reflecting a heart detached from material possessions and overflowing with benevolence.
* **"and of him that taketh away thy goods ask [them] not again.":** This second clause extends the radical ethic to a principle of non-retaliation and non-reclamation. "Taketh away" implies an act of theft or unjust seizure. The command "ask them not again" explicitly forbids demanding back what has been taken, whether through legal means, social pressure, or personal confrontation. This part of the verse calls for a profound trust in God's sovereignty and a willingness to absorb personal loss for the sake of embodying kingdom values, prioritizing spiritual principles over material possessions or personal rights.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:30 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where Jesus uses an exaggerated statement (giving to *everyone* who asks, never reclaiming *anything* taken) to emphasize a core truth about radical generosity and non-retaliation. This is not necessarily a literal, legalistic rule for every single scenario, but rather a principle designed to shock listeners into a new way of thinking about possessions and personal rights. This hyperbole also creates a **Paradox**, as the command directly contradicts human instinct for self-preservation and justice, presenting a seemingly illogical path that, from a kingdom perspective, leads to deeper spiritual truth and freedom. Furthermore, the verse uses **Juxtaposition** by placing the command to give freely alongside the command not to reclaim what is taken, highlighting the two complementary facets of selfless love and detachment from worldly goods.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:30 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine love and the ethics of the Kingdom of God. It calls believers to emulate God's own character, who gives indiscriminately and does not demand back what is owed, but rather offers grace. This radical generosity and non-retaliation are not signs of weakness, but demonstrations of a spiritual strength rooted in trust in God's ultimate justice and provision. It reveals that true security and wealth are not found in material possessions or the assertion of personal rights, but in a selfless, Christ-like posture towards others, even those who wrong us. This verse challenges the very foundations of worldly systems of justice and reciprocity, inviting disciples into a way of living that reflects the abundance and grace of God's reign.

* [Matthew 5:42](/matthew/5-42 "Matthew 5:42 - Give to the one who asks")
* [Romans 12:17](/romans/12-17 "Romans 12:17 - Repay no one evil for evil")
* [1 Corinthians 6:7](/1_corinthians/6-7 "1 Corinthians 6:7 - Why not rather be wronged?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:30 is undeniably one of Jesus' most challenging commands, pushing us far beyond comfortable charity or conventional justice. It calls us to a radical reorientation of our hearts regarding possessions and personal rights. To "give to every man that asketh" means cultivating a spirit of open-handed generosity, recognizing that all we have is ultimately from God and is to be stewarded for His purposes, not hoarded for ourselves. This isn't about enabling exploitation, but about fostering a profound detachment from material things and a deep trust in God's provision. Similarly, not demanding back what is taken requires surrendering our natural desire for justice or retribution, choosing instead to trust in God's ultimate vindication and to prioritize love and peace over personal gain. Living this out means embracing vulnerability, demonstrating a counter-cultural witness, and allowing the Spirit to transform our natural inclinations into Christ-like compassion and selflessness, even when it feels costly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle most with open-handed generosity, either with my resources, time, or energy?**
* **How does the command "ask them not again" challenge my natural desire for justice or retribution when I feel wronged or suffer loss?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a heart more detached from material possessions and more trusting in God's provision?**
* **How might embracing the principles of Luke 6:30 allow me to more fully embody the love of Christ in my relationships and community?**

### FAQ
**Does Luke 6:30 mean I should literally give everything I own away, even if it leaves me destitute, or never report a theft to the police?**
Answer: While Jesus' commands in [Luke 6:30](/luke/6-30 "Luke 6:30 - Give and Do Not Demand Back") are radical, they are best understood as hyperbole designed to teach a profound principle rather than a rigid legalistic rule for every single circumstance. The primary intent is to cultivate a heart of selfless generosity, detachment from material possessions, and a spirit of non-retaliation and trust in God's sovereignty, rather than to encourage irresponsible behavior or enable exploitation. The spirit of the law is to prioritize love, compassion, and the values of the Kingdom over personal gain or rights. While individual applications will vary, the core message challenges us to be radically generous and to release our grip on what we consider "ours," trusting God for provision and justice. It does not negate the wisdom of prudence, the importance of stewardship, or the role of civil authorities in maintaining order and justice (cf. [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:30 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly lived out this radical call to unconditional giving and non-retaliation. Jesus "gave" Himself completely, not just His possessions, but His very life, for the sake of humanity, becoming poor so that through His poverty we might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). When His "goods"—His very life and dignity—were taken from Him through betrayal, false accusations, and crucifixion, He did not "ask them not again" but willingly laid down His life, offering no resistance and praying for His persecutors ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives His Executioners")). His ultimate act of giving on the cross, where He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly illustrates the principle of selfless sacrifice without demanding anything in return. His resurrection then vindicates this posture, demonstrating that true victory comes not through reclaiming what was lost, but through divine power and ultimate trust in God's plan. Thus, [Luke 6:30](/luke/6-30 "Luke 6:30 - Give and Do Not Demand Back") is not merely a command for us to obey, but a reflection of the very heart of Christ, inviting us to participate in His self-giving, redemptive mission ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")).

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

Deuteronomy 15:7

If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:

Deuteronomy 15:10

Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.

2 Corinthians 9:6

¶ But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:14

And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

Matthew 6:12

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

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.

Acts 20:35

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.