Luke 6:34

KJV

And if ye lend [to them] of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1437} ye lend {G1155} to them of {G3844} whom {G3739} ye hope {G1679}{G1679} to receive {G618}, what {G4169} thank {G5485} have {G2076} ye {G5213}? for {G1063} sinners {G268} also {G2532} lend {G1155} to sinners {G268}, to {G2443} receive {G618} as much {G2470} again {G618}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What credit is it to you if you lend only to those who you expect will pay you back? Even sinners lend to each other, expecting to be repaid in full.

Berean Standard Bible

And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.

American Standard Version

And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? even sinners lend to sinners, to receive again as much.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:34, embedded within Jesus's radical Sermon on the Plain, challenges the conventional human practice of lending with the expectation of receiving repayment. By highlighting that even "sinners" engage in such transactional exchanges, Jesus prompts His followers to consider what true, divine commendation entails, urging them to transcend mere reciprocity and embrace a higher standard of unconditional generosity that mirrors God's own boundless love. This verse serves as a pivotal rhetorical question, setting the stage for the climactic call to lend without hope of return, thereby distinguishing Christian ethics from worldly prudence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 6:34 is an integral part of Jesus's "Sermon on the Plain" (Luke 6:17-49), a foundational discourse on discipleship that parallels and often deepens themes found in Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus lays out a series of counter-cultural commands, urging His disciples to [love their enemies](/luke/6-27 "Luke 6:27 - Love Your Enemies"), [do good to those who hate them](/luke/6-27 "Luke 6:27 - Do Good to Those Who Hate You"), and [give to everyone who asks without demanding it back](/luke/6-30 "Luke 6:30 - Give Without Expectation"). Verse 34 specifically addresses the common practice of lending with the expectation of repayment, serving as a rhetorical bridge to the climactic call in [Luke 6:35](/luke/6-35 "Luke 6:35 - Lend, Hoping for Nothing Again") to "lend, hoping for nothing again." It underscores the idea that a truly transformed heart, reflecting God's nature, will operate on principles fundamentally different from the world's.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, lending was a common practice, often serving as a form of social safety net or a means of commercial transaction. While the Mosaic Law prohibited charging interest to fellow Israelites (e.g., [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - No Interest on Loans to the Poor")), the expectation of the principal's return was universal. Among non-Jews or in commercial contexts, interest was common. Jesus's audience would have been familiar with both charitable loans to the poor and commercial loans between merchants. The phrase "sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again" points to the prevalent, self-interested nature of human transactions—even those considered morally neutral or beneficial—where the primary motivation is always the expectation of reciprocity or gain. This cultural backdrop highlights the radical nature of Jesus's demand for generosity that transcends such conventional wisdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and Jesus's teaching. First, it emphasizes **radical discipleship**, calling believers to a standard of conduct that far surpasses conventional morality or even the righteousness of the Pharisees. Second, it highlights the **distinctiveness of Christian ethics**, demonstrating that the Kingdom of God operates on principles fundamentally different from the world's. While worldly systems are based on reciprocity and self-interest, Jesus calls for actions motivated by selfless love. Third, it underscores the theme of **imitation of God**, as Jesus's subsequent teaching in [Luke 6:35-36](/luke/6-35-36 "Luke 6:35-36 - Be Merciful, As Your Father Is Merciful") explicitly links this radical generosity to the character of God, who is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Finally, the verse challenges the notion of **transactional relationships**, whether with God or with others, urging a move towards unconditional love and grace as the foundation for all interactions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lend (Greek, _daneízō'_):** This verb, derived from a word meaning "loan," specifically refers to the act of lending money or goods, often with the expectation of repayment, and sometimes with interest. In this context, Jesus challenges the underlying motive of such lending when it's solely driven by the hope of receiving back, contrasting it with a higher, selfless form of generosity.
* **hope (Greek, _elpízō'_):** This word signifies to "expect" or "confide." Here, it refers to the expectation of receiving back what was lent. Jesus points out that this hope for repayment is a natural, human motivation, but it does not elevate the act to a level that earns divine commendation or "thank." It's a pragmatic hope, not a faith-filled one.
* **thank (Greek, _cháris'_):** Often translated as "grace" or "favor," in this specific context, _cháris_ refers to the credit, commendation, or gratitude one might receive. Jesus's rhetorical question, "what thank have ye?", implies that lending with the expectation of repayment earns no special divine favor or spiritual credit, as it is a common practice even among those who do not follow God. The "thank" or reward is already received in the form of the expected repayment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if ye lend [to them] of whom ye hope to receive":** This clause sets up the scenario Jesus is addressing. It describes a common and seemingly prudent practice: extending a loan with the clear expectation and intention of getting it back. The phrase "of whom ye hope to receive" highlights the underlying motivation for the loan—it's not purely altruistic, but rather a calculated risk or a mutually beneficial transaction based on anticipated reciprocity.
* **"what thank have ye?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question. The Greek word for "thank" (cháris) here implies credit, commendation, or divine favor. Jesus is essentially asking, "What special merit or spiritual reward do you gain from God if your actions are motivated by self-interest and the expectation of return?" The implied answer is "none." Such an action, while perhaps socially acceptable or even beneficial, does not reflect a higher, God-like virtue.
* **"for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.":** This explanatory clause provides the reason for the rhetorical question. Jesus points out that even "sinners"—those who do not adhere to God's law or possess a transformed heart—engage in the very same practice. Their lending is driven by the same hope of repayment, ensuring they "receive as much again." By equating the disciples' actions with those of "sinners" in this regard, Jesus sharply distinguishes between a worldly ethic of reciprocity and the radical, self-sacrificial ethic of the Kingdom of God.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:34 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "what thank have ye?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to provoke thought and emphasize the lack of spiritual merit in a transactional approach to generosity. It forces the listener to confront their motives. This is immediately followed by a stark **Contrast** (also known as **Antithesis**), as Jesus juxtaposes the disciples' expected behavior with that of "sinners." By stating that "sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again," Jesus highlights the commonality of self-interested lending, thereby underscoring the need for His followers to transcend such worldly norms. There is also an element of **Irony** in Jesus's statement; what might be considered prudent or even benevolent in human terms is revealed as spiritually unremarkable when compared to God's boundless, unconditional generosity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:34 serves as a critical theological bridge, connecting the practical ethics of discipleship to the very character of God. It challenges the human tendency towards conditional giving and reciprocal relationships, pushing believers beyond a tit-for-tat mentality. Theologically, this verse underscores the nature of true righteousness, which is not merely adherence to external rules or participation in socially acceptable behaviors, but a radical transformation of the heart that mirrors God's own unconditional love and grace. When our giving is motivated by the expectation of return, whether financial, social, or reputational, it aligns us with the world's transactional systems rather than God's overflowing generosity. This divine standard calls us to give and lend not for what we hope to gain, but out of an overflow of love, trusting in God's provision and reward.

* [Matthew 5:46-48](/matthew/5-46-48 "Matthew 5:46-48 - Love Your Enemies and Pray for Those Who Persecute You")
* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the Poor")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:34 profoundly challenges contemporary believers to scrutinize the motives behind all their acts of generosity, whether financial, relational, or in service. It calls us to move beyond a transactional mindset, where kindness or assistance is implicitly or explicitly conditional on receiving something in return—be it gratitude, reputation, or direct repayment. This verse encourages a radical re-evaluation of our giving, urging us to ask if our generosity truly reflects God's character, which gives without expectation of return, even to the undeserving. Embracing this teaching means cultivating a heart that is willing to give and lend even when the prospect of earthly return is low or nonexistent, trusting that God sees and rewards such actions. It doesn't necessarily abolish prudent financial practices, but it elevates the principle of unconditional love above mere earthly profit or security, demonstrating a distinctive Christian ethic that stands apart from the world's reciprocal norms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to operate with a "tit-for-tat" mentality, expecting something in return for my generosity?**
* **How does the world's emphasis on reciprocity and self-interest influence my giving and lending habits?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more unconditional and selfless approach to generosity, mirroring God's character?**
* **How might my willingness to give without expectation of return be a powerful witness to the distinctiveness of Christian love in my community?**

### FAQ

**Does Jesus's teaching here prohibit all forms of interest or prudent lending in modern finance?**

Answer: Jesus's primary concern in [Luke 6:34](/luke/6-34 "Luke 6:34 - Lending Without Expectation") is not a blanket prohibition on all interest or commercial lending, but rather the *motive* behind lending, especially in contexts of charity or personal relationships. The passage critiques lending that is *solely* driven by the hope of receiving back, equating it with the common practice of "sinners" who operate on a purely transactional basis. It challenges the expectation of "thank" or divine commendation for actions that are merely self-serving. While the Old Testament prohibited interest on loans to the poor (e.g., [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - No Interest on Loans to the Poor")), Jesus's teaching here pushes beyond legalistic adherence to a transformed heart that seeks to give unconditionally, particularly to those in need, without demanding repayment or expecting a reward. It encourages a spirit of radical generosity that prioritizes the needs of others over personal gain, rather than condemning all commercial transactions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:34, with its radical call to lend without hope of return, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He perfectly embodies the unconditional generosity that this verse demands. Jesus did not merely teach about giving without expectation; He lived it out fully, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. [God so loved the world that He gave His only Son](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), not because He hoped to receive anything in return, but out of His boundless, self-giving nature. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us While We Were Still Sinners")), demonstrating a love that is entirely unmerited and non-reciprocal. His life was a continuous act of giving—healing, teaching, serving, and ultimately, laying down His life—without any expectation of receiving back from those He served. The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes Christ's profound generosity, noting that [though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Generosity"). Therefore, when believers are called to lend hoping for nothing again, they are not merely following a difficult command, but are empowered by the Spirit to imitate the very heart of Christ, whose sacrificial love is the foundation of our salvation and the pattern for our lives.

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 5:42

Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Luke 14:12

Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor [thy] rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

Luke 14:14

And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Luke 6:35

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

Deuteronomy 15:8

But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, [in that] which he wanteth.

Deuteronomy 15:11

For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.