Luke 6:30

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

{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}.

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

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

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

Luke 6:30 is a challenging and radical command from Jesus, urging His followers to practice an extraordinary level of generosity and non-retaliation. It serves as a cornerstone for understanding the unique ethics of the Kingdom of God.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extensive teaching often referred to as the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-49), which parallels elements found in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's Gospel. It immediately follows Jesus' commands to love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and offer the other cheek (Luke 6:27-29). The instruction in verse 30 is a practical extension of this radical call to unconditional love and selfless action, setting a high standard for discipleship that goes against conventional human wisdom.

Key Themes

  • Radical Generosity: Jesus calls His followers to an extreme form of giving that extends beyond mere charity to an unconditional willingness to share. This generosity is not based on the recipient's worthiness or the expectation of return, but on the character of God, who "maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good" (Matthew 5:45). It implies a heart detached from possessions and open to meeting needs without reservation.
  • Non-Retaliation and Trust: The command "of him that taketh away thy goods ask [them] not again" challenges human nature's desire for justice, self-preservation, or retribution. It teaches a profound principle of non-retaliation and an unwavering trust in God's ultimate justice and provision, rather than relying on one's own ability to reclaim what is lost. This attitude reflects a spiritual security that transcends material loss.
  • Kingdom Ethics: This verse outlines a core aspect of kingdom living, where the values of God's reign supersede worldly principles. Disciples are called to live counter-culturally, demonstrating a love and generosity that points to a greater reality and a different way of life.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "asketh" is aiteō (αἰτέω), which generally means to request or ask for something, often implying a plea. The phrase "taketh away" comes from airō (αἴρω), signifying to lift, take up, or carry off. Most strikingly, "ask them not again" is from apaitēō (ἀπαιτέω), which means to demand back, reclaim, or require payment. This specific term highlights the deliberate choice to forgo legal or social means of recovering property, emphasizing the unconditional nature of Jesus' command.

Practical Application

This verse is not a rigid legalistic rule meant to encourage exploitation, but rather a profound principle of radical discipleship. It calls believers to cultivate a heart of selfless generosity, free from attachment to material possessions, and deeply trusting in God’s care and justice. It challenges us to reflect the unconditional love of God in our interactions, even when it seems counter-intuitive or costly. Living out this command means demonstrating a spirit that values people and divine principles over personal gain or rights, paving the way for a transformative witness in the world and embodying the true spirit of "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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