Luke 6:34

Context

Luke 6:34 is part of Jesus's "Sermon on the Plain," a foundational teaching found in the Gospel of Luke (chapters 6:17-49). This discourse parallels and expands upon themes found in Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. In the verses immediately preceding, Jesus challenges His followers to a radical ethic of love, urging them to love their enemies, do good to those who hate them, and give to everyone who asks. Verse 34 specifically addresses the common practice of lending with the expectation of repayment, contrasting it with the higher standard of selfless generosity that Jesus advocates. It sets the stage for the climactic call in Luke 6:35 to "lend, hoping for nothing again."

Key Themes and Messages

• Beyond Transactional Relationships: The verse highlights that lending with the sole purpose of receiving back what was given, or even more (like interest), is a common human practice, not a uniquely virtuous one. Jesus implies that true righteousness and divine favor are found in actions that transcend mere self-interest.
• The Nature of True Generosity: By stating that "sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again," Jesus draws a sharp distinction between worldly prudence and heavenly virtue. Worldly lending is often driven by the hope of gain or at least breaking even. Divine generosity, however, is characterized by unconditional giving and lending without expectation of earthly return or even gratitude.
• A Call to Higher Standards: This verse serves as a rhetorical question, "what thank have ye?", implying that such transactional lending earns no special commendation from God. It challenges believers to rise above the common practices of the world and embody a more profound, self-sacrificial love, echoing the Father's own boundless generosity.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "what thank have ye?" uses the Greek word charis (χάρις), which often translates to "grace" or "favor." In this context, it refers to the gratitude, credit, or commendation one might receive. Jesus's point is that if your actions are motivated by the expectation of return, you receive your "reward" (the repayment) from man, and there is no additional "grace" or divine commendation for such an act. This aligns with the broader teaching of seeking heavenly reward over earthly recognition.

Practical Application

Luke 6:34 challenges contemporary believers to examine their motives in all forms of giving and lending. It encourages us to move beyond a tit-for-tat mentality in relationships and financial dealings.

• Rethinking Generosity: Are our acts of kindness, financial support, or assistance truly selfless, or are they implicitly (or explicitly) conditional on receiving something back—whether it's gratitude, reputation, or direct repayment?
• Embracing Risk for God's Sake: Jesus calls for a willingness to lend or give even when the prospect of return is low or nonexistent, trusting that God sees and rewards such actions. This doesn't necessarily abolish prudent financial practices, but it elevates the principle of unconditional love above mere earthly profit or security.
• Distinguishing Christian Ethics: This verse helps define what makes Christian ethics distinctive from secular morality. While society values reciprocal fairness, Christ calls for radical, non-reciprocal love that reflects God's character. It's about demonstrating God's unconditional love to a world that often operates on conditions. For further insight into this radical call, consider how it relates to God's nature as love.