Luke 6:36

KJV

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be ye {G1096} therefore {G3767} merciful {G3629}, as {G2531} your {G5216} Father {G3962} also {G2532} is {G2076} merciful {G3629}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Show compassion, just as your Father shows compassion.

Berean Standard Bible

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

American Standard Version

Be ye merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:36 delivers a profound ethical imperative from Jesus, calling His followers to mirror the very character of God. This verse challenges believers to embody boundless compassion, forgiveness, and active benevolence, extending mercy not merely to those who are deserving, but universally, thereby reflecting the divine nature of their Heavenly Father in all their interactions and relationships.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' extensive teaching often referred to as the "Sermon on the Plain" [Luke 6:17-49](/luke/6-17-49 "Luke 6:17-49 - The Sermon on the Plain"), which serves as Luke's parallel to Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. Specifically, [Luke 6:36](/luke/6-36 "Luke 6:36 - Be Merciful") acts as the climactic summary and theological foundation for the radical ethical commands that precede it. Jesus has just instructed His disciples to [love their enemies](/luke/6-27 "Luke 6:27 - Love Your Enemies"), [bless those who curse them](/luke/6-28 "Luke 6:28 - Bless Those Who Curse You"), [turn the other cheek](/luke/6-29 "Luke 6:29 - Turn the Other Cheek"), and [give without expecting repayment](/luke/6-30-35 "Luke 6:30-35 - Give Without Expecting Return"). The command to "be merciful" provides the ultimate motivation and enabling power for these otherwise humanly impossible demands, grounding them in the very character of God. It sets a divine standard for human conduct that transcends mere reciprocity, leading into further instructions on non-judgment and generous giving in [Luke 6:37-38](/luke/6-37-38 "Luke 6:37-38 - Do Not Judge").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, ethical behavior was often predicated on reciprocity, honor, and shame. One extended kindness to those who could reciprocate or to uphold one's social standing. The concept of loving enemies or showing unconditional mercy was largely alien to prevailing philosophical thought. Within Jewish thought, mercy (often expressed by terms like *hesed* or *rachamim*) was a foundational attribute of God, frequently invoked in the Old Testament. However, even within Judaism, the application of mercy could be limited by communal boundaries or the concept of justice for offenses. Jesus' teaching in [Luke 6](/luke/6 "Luke Chapter 6") radically redefines mercy, pushing it beyond tribal or reciprocal boundaries to embrace even enemies and the undeserving. This call to imitate God's universal, unmerited mercy would have been profoundly counter-cultural, challenging the prevailing norms of both Jewish and Gentile societies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Imitation**, asserting that discipleship involves actively reflecting God's character. Just as a child bears the likeness of their parent, believers are called to embody the mercy of their Heavenly Father, paralleling the call in [Matthew 5:48](/matthew/5-48 "Matthew 5:48 - Be Perfect as Your Father") to be perfect. Second, it highlights **Mercy as Active Compassion**, defining it not as passive pity but as an active, benevolent disposition that manifests in practical kindness, forgiveness, and generosity, even towards those who have wronged us. This active mercy is the outworking of the [Golden Rule](/luke/6-31 "Luke 6:31 - The Golden Rule"). Third, the verse establishes a stark **Contrast to Worldly Standards**. Jesus explicitly contrasts this divine standard with the world's typical approach of loving only those who love them or lending only to those who can repay ([Luke 6:32-34](/luke/6-32-34 "Luke 6:32-34 - Love Your Enemies and Lend Without Expecting Return")). The call to be merciful to all, including enemies and sinners, elevates the standard of Christian conduct to a supernatural level, empowered by God's own nature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **merciful (Greek, _oiktírmōn'_):** (G3629) This term conveys a deep, visceral compassion, a feeling of pity or tenderness that moves one to action. It describes an active benevolence, a profound empathy that leads to a desire to alleviate suffering or extend grace. It is frequently used in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) to characterize God's tender and active compassion, highlighting that the mercy believers are called to emulate is not merely passive pity but a dynamic, self-giving disposition.
* **Father (Greek, _patḗr'_):** (G3962) Here, "Father" refers to God, emphasizing the intimate, familial relationship between God and His children. The call to be merciful "as your Father" implies that this attribute is inherent to God's nature and that, as His children, believers are expected to bear His family likeness. This relationship provides both the model and the motivation for their merciful conduct.
* **Be ye (Greek, _gínomai'_):** (G1096) This verb is in the imperative mood, indicating a direct command. It signifies "to become," "to come into being," or "to happen." In this context, it is not merely a passive state but an active call to *become* merciful, implying a transformation of character and a continuous process of growth into the likeness of God. It's a call to actively embody and manifest mercy in one's life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be ye therefore merciful":** This is a direct command (imperative mood) to Jesus' disciples. The word "therefore" (G3767, _oûn'_) links this command directly to the preceding radical teachings on loving enemies and giving without expectation. It signifies that because of these prior instructions, and in light of the divine standard, disciples are to actively cultivate and express mercy. This is not a suggestion but a fundamental ethical requirement for those who follow Jesus.
* **"as your Father also is merciful":** This clause provides the standard, the model, and the motivation for the command. The "as" (G2531, _kathṓs'_) indicates a comparison and an imitation. Believers are to be merciful *in the same way* or *to the same extent* that God the Father is merciful. This establishes a divine benchmark, suggesting that God's boundless, unconditional, and active mercy is the pattern for human conduct. The phrase "your Father" (G5216, _hymōn'_ and G3962, _patḗr'_) reinforces the familial relationship and the expectation that children will reflect their parent's character. The "is" (G2076, _estí'_) emphasizes God's enduring and inherent nature of mercy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly stated in the phrase "as your Father also is merciful." This comparison sets God's boundless mercy as the ultimate standard and pattern for human behavior, inviting imitation rather than mere emulation. The verse is also an **Imperative**, a direct command ("Be ye..."), highlighting the non-negotiable nature of this ethical call for disciples. Furthermore, it functions as a form of **Mimesis** or imitation, urging believers to imitate the divine character. This is not a superficial copying but a deep transformation of one's disposition to reflect God's very nature. The underlying **Contrast** between worldly standards of reciprocity and God's unconditional mercy, though not explicitly stated within this single verse, is powerfully implied by its context within [Luke 6](/luke/6 "Luke Chapter 6"), emphasizing the radical nature of Christian ethics.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:36 encapsulates a foundational theological truth: human mercy is not merely a moral virtue but a direct reflection of God's character. The command to be merciful "as your Father is merciful" reveals that mercy is an inherent attribute of God, central to His being and His dealings with humanity. Our capacity for mercy, therefore, flows directly from recognizing and receiving God's own boundless mercy towards us. This divine mercy is not earned but freely given, providing the template for how believers are to extend it to others—unconditionally, generously, and actively. It transforms mercy from a transactional exchange into a relational outpouring, rooted in the very nature of the God we worship and serve.

* [Psalm 103:8](/psalm/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful")
* [Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind and Forgiving")
* [Matthew 5:7](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the Merciful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:36 challenges believers to live a life characterized by profound compassion and radical forgiveness, moving beyond superficial kindness to a deep, transformative mercy that mirrors God's own heart. This means actively choosing to forgive those who wrong us, releasing grudges, and refusing to seek revenge, even when justified by worldly standards. It calls for practical kindness and generosity, especially towards those in need or those who cannot repay us, embodying the selfless giving that God demonstrates. Cultivating a non-judgmental spirit, understanding that we too are in constant need of divine mercy, is crucial. Our capacity to extend such costly mercy flows not from our own strength or inherent goodness, but from the overwhelming reality of God's immense mercy towards us in Christ. Recognizing our own dependence on this divine mercy empowers and compels us to extend it to others, transforming our hearts and actions to align with the very nature of our merciful Heavenly Father.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I struggle to extend mercy, and how might I cultivate a more merciful spirit in those areas?**
* **How does understanding God's boundless mercy towards me empower and motivate me to be merciful to others, especially those who may not "deserve" it?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to demonstrate active compassion and forgiveness in my relationships, both within and outside the church?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "mercy" and "justice" in this context?**

Answer: While justice involves giving people what they are due, whether reward or punishment, mercy involves withholding deserved punishment or extending unmerited favor. In [Luke 6:36](/luke/6-36 "Luke 6:36 - Be Merciful"), Jesus calls us to go beyond strict justice. God is both just and merciful, but His mercy often triumphs over judgment ([James 2:13](/james/2-13 "James 2:13 - Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment")). When we are merciful, we are not denying that someone may have done wrong (justice), but we are choosing to respond with compassion and forgiveness, reflecting God's character, who, though just, extends grace to sinners. This doesn't mean ignoring wrongdoing, but approaching it with a heart of compassion and a desire for restoration, rather than retribution.

**Does being merciful mean I should never hold anyone accountable for their actions?**

Answer: No, being merciful does not negate accountability. Rather, it shapes *how* accountability is pursued. The call to be merciful is primarily about our disposition and response, particularly in our hearts and attitudes. It means approaching situations with compassion, seeking reconciliation and restoration where possible, and being willing to forgive. It does not mean condoning sin or avoiding necessary consequences, especially in roles of leadership or authority. However, even when consequences are necessary, a merciful heart will seek to administer them with grace, humility, and a desire for the other person's good, rather than with vindictiveness or self-righteousness, as seen in [Luke 6:37](/luke/6-37 "Luke 6:37 - Do Not Judge").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:36 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the living demonstration of God's perfect mercy, the very image of the merciful Father. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently modeled boundless compassion, healing the sick ([Luke 7:21](/luke/7-21 "Luke 7:21 - Jesus' Miracles")), forgiving sinners ([Luke 7:47-50](/luke/7-47-50 "Luke 7:47-50 - The Forgiven Woman")), and extending grace to the marginalized and outcast. His parables, such as the [Good Samaritan](/luke/10-30-37 "Luke 10:30-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan") and the [Prodigal Son](/luke/15-11-32 "Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son"), vividly illustrate the Father's overflowing mercy and our call to emulate it. Ultimately, the cross is the supreme act of divine mercy, where God, in Christ, absorbed the just penalty for humanity's sin, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to a rebellious world ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). Through His sacrificial death, Jesus not only reveals the Father's mercy but also enables us, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to become truly merciful, transforming our hearts to reflect the very character of God, who is rich in mercy ([Ephesians 2:4](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4 - God Who is Rich in Mercy")).

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

Ephesians 5:1

¶ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

1 Peter 1:15

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

1 Peter 1:16

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Ephesians 4:31

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: