Luke 6:37

KJV

¶ Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

KJV (with Strong's)

{G2532} Judge {G2919} not {G3361}, and {G2532} ye shall {G2919} not {G3364} be judged {G2919}: condemn {G2613} not {G3361}, and {G2532} ye shall {G2613} not {G3364} be condemned {G2613}: forgive {G630}, and {G2532} ye shall be forgiven {G630}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Don't judge, and you won't be judged. Don't condemn, and you won't be condemned. "Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

American Standard Version

And judge not, and ye shall not be judged: and condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: release, and ye shall be released:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:37 encapsulates a foundational ethical teaching from Jesus, delivered as part of His "Sermon on the Plain." This verse issues a tripartite command for discipleship: to refrain from judgmentalism, to abstain from condemnation, and to practice forgiveness. It powerfully asserts a principle of divine reciprocity, indicating that the measure of grace and mercy we extend to others will be the measure by which we ourselves are judged and forgiven by God. This teaching calls believers to cultivate a heart of compassion, humility, and restorative grace, reflecting the very character of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 6:37 is strategically placed within Jesus's extended discourse often referred to as the Sermon on the Plain, which begins in [Luke 6:20](/luke/6-20 "Luke 6:20 - The Beatitudes and Woes"). This verse immediately follows Jesus's radical instructions on loving enemies, doing good to those who hate you, and turning the other cheek ([Luke 6:27-36](/luke/6-27-36 "Luke 6:27-36 - Love Your Enemies")). It serves as a direct application of the principle of generous and unconditional love. Following [Luke 6:37](/luke/6-37 "Luke 6:37 - Judge Not, Condemn Not, Forgive"), Jesus continues with parables that further illustrate the dangers of hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes, such as the parable of the blind leading the blind ([Luke 6:39](/luke/6-39 "Luke 6:39 - The Blind Leading the Blind")) and the famous illustration of the speck and the log in the eye ([Luke 6:41-42](/luke/6-41-42 "Luke 6:41-42 - The Speck and the Log")). Thus, [Luke 6:37](/luke/6-37 "Luke 6:37 - Judge Not, Condemn Not, Forgive") acts as a pivotal ethical imperative, bridging the call to radical love with warnings against self-righteous judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, the Law (Torah) was central, and its interpretation and application were often a matter of intense debate among various religious groups like the Pharisees and Sadducees. There was a strong emphasis on legal adherence and, at times, a tendency towards strict judgment of those perceived to be outside the Law or not living up to its standards. Jesus's teaching in [Luke 6:37](/luke/6-37 "Luke 6:37 - Judge Not, Condemn Not, Forgive") directly challenges this prevailing culture of legalistic judgment, particularly when it stemmed from a place of self-righteousness or hypocrisy. His audience would have been familiar with the concept of divine justice and retribution, but Jesus reorients it, emphasizing mercy and forgiveness as prerequisites for receiving them. The Sermon on the Plain, delivered to a diverse crowd of disciples and a great multitude ([Luke 6:17](/luke/6-17 "Luke 6:17 - Jesus Heals and Teaches")), aimed to establish a new ethic for the Kingdom of God, one that transcended mere external adherence to rules and called for a transformation of the heart.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus's broader teaching. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Kingdom Ethics**, presenting a counter-cultural morality that prioritizes grace over condemnation and mercy over rigid legalism. This is a core aspect of what it means to live as a citizen of God's Kingdom. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Reciprocity**, a principle frequently articulated by Jesus, where human actions toward others directly influence God's actions toward them (e.g., [Matthew 7:2](/matthew/7-2 "Matthew 7:2 - The Measure You Use")). This theme emphasizes the seriousness of our moral choices and their eternal implications. Thirdly, the verse powerfully advocates for **Radical Forgiveness**, not merely as an option but as a command essential for spiritual well-being and a reflection of God's own character. This aligns with the emphasis on compassion and mercy found throughout Jesus's ministry, particularly in His interactions with sinners and outcasts ([Luke 7:36-50](/luke/7-36-50 "Luke 7:36-50 - The Woman Who Anointed Jesus")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judge (Greek, _krínō'_):** From G2919, this word properly means "to distinguish," but in this context, it carries the sense of deciding, trying, condemning, or punishing. It refers not to discerning right from wrong, but to forming a critical, often negative, opinion or passing a definitive sentence on another person's character or actions, particularly in a harsh or self-righteous manner.
* **Condemn (Greek, _katadikázō'_):** From G2613, this term is stronger than _krínō_. It means "to adjudge against," or "to pronounce guilty." It implies a formal verdict of guilt or a pronouncement of punishment, moving beyond mere judgment to a definitive declaration of culpability.
* **Forgive (Greek, _apolýō'_):** From G630, this word literally means "to free fully," "to relieve," "to release," or "to set at liberty." In the context of forgiveness, it signifies releasing someone from a perceived wrong, debt, or offense, thereby setting both the forgiver and the forgiven free from the burden of resentment or guilt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged:"** This initial command is a prohibition against a critical, censorious, or self-righteous spirit that presumes to pass ultimate judgment on others. It is not a call to abandon discernment or accountability, but rather to refrain from a condemning attitude that often stems from hypocrisy or a lack of understanding of one's own failings. The reciprocal promise, "ye shall not be judged," indicates that God will apply the same standard of mercy and non-judgment to us that we apply to others.
* **"condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned:"** This second, stronger prohibition intensifies the first. To "condemn" is to pronounce a definitive verdict of guilt, often with an implied desire for punishment. Jesus forbids this ultimate act of human judgment, reserving such authority for God alone. The corresponding promise, "ye shall not be condemned," assures that those who refrain from condemning others will themselves be spared divine condemnation.
* **"forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"** This positive command shifts from prohibition to action, highlighting the active virtue of forgiveness. To "forgive" means to release, pardon, or set free from the burden of an offense. This act of grace mirrors God's own nature and is presented as a prerequisite for receiving divine forgiveness. It underscores the profound link between our horizontal relationships (with others) and our vertical relationship (with God).

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:37 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism** and **Synthetic Parallelism**. The structure "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned:" demonstrates antithetical parallelism, where the negative action (judging/condemning) is directly contrasted with its negative consequence (being judged/condemned). This is immediately followed by "forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:", which is an example of synthetic parallelism, where the second clause builds upon or completes the thought of the first, showing a positive action leading to a positive outcome. This repetitive, balanced structure emphasizes the principle of **Divine Reciprocity**, making the cause-and-effect relationship clear and memorable. The use of **Imperative Mood** ("Judge not," "condemn not," "forgive") conveys the commands as absolute and non-negotiable. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **Chiasm** (A-B-B'-A' structure) in its underlying principle: our action (A: non-judgment/non-condemnation) leads to God's action (B: no judgment/no condemnation), and our action (B': forgiveness) leads to God's action (A': forgiveness). This chiastic structure subtly reinforces the interconnectedness of human and divine mercy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:37 is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, deeply rooted in the character of God and the nature of His Kingdom. It reveals a God who is merciful and forgiving, and who desires His children to reflect these attributes. The principle of reciprocity embedded in the verse underscores that our posture towards others is not merely a social nicety but a spiritual barometer of our relationship with God. When we choose to judge and condemn, we align ourselves with a spirit contrary to God's grace, effectively cutting ourselves off from the very mercy we desperately need. Conversely, when we extend forgiveness, we participate in the divine act of reconciliation, opening ourselves to the boundless forgiveness offered by God. This teaching challenges believers to move beyond superficial morality to a radical transformation of the heart, where love, mercy, and grace define their interactions.

* [Matthew 7:1-2](/matthew/7-1-2 "Matthew 7:1-2 - Do Not Judge")
* [James 2:13](/james/2-13 "James 2:13 - Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment")
* [Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Bear With Each Other and Forgive")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:37 presents a profound challenge to our natural inclinations. In a world quick to criticize, label, and condemn, Jesus calls us to a radically different way of living—one marked by humility, empathy, and grace. This teaching compels us to look inward before looking outward, recognizing our own need for mercy before we assess others. It is a call to cultivate a heart that seeks to understand rather than to accuse, to restore rather than to tear down. Practicing non-judgment and forgiveness is not about condoning sin or ignoring injustice, but about relinquishing our right to act as ultimate arbiters of another's fate, a role reserved for God alone. Furthermore, the act of forgiveness, while challenging, is profoundly liberating. It frees us from the bitterness and resentment that can poison our souls, allowing us to experience the peace and freedom that come from releasing others and ourselves from the chains of past wrongs. By living out this verse, we become conduits of God's grace, reflecting His merciful character to a world desperately in need of it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most prone to judging or condemning others, and what might be the root cause of this tendency?**
* **How does my willingness (or unwillingness) to forgive others impact my own spiritual well-being and my relationship with God?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to extend grace and non-judgment to someone I typically find myself criticizing?**

### FAQ

**Does "Judge not" mean Christians should never discern right from wrong or hold people accountable?**

Answer: No, "Judge not" in [Luke 6:37](/luke/6-37 "Luke 6:37 - Judge Not, Condemn Not, Forgive") does not prohibit discernment or accountability. Instead, it forbids a critical, self-righteous, and condemning attitude that presumes to pass ultimate judgment on another person's heart or eternal destiny, a role reserved for God. Jesus Himself taught discernment, warning against false prophets ([Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - By Their Fruits You Will Know Them")) and calling for righteous judgment ([John 7:24](/john/7-24 "John 7:24 - Judge with Righteous Judgment")). The Apostle Paul also instructed believers to judge within the church regarding moral issues ([1 Corinthians 5:12-13](/1_corinthians/5-12-13 "1 Corinthians 5:12-13 - Judge Those Inside the Church")). Therefore, the command is against a hypocritical, harsh, or condemning spirit, not against the necessary exercise of spiritual discernment or the practice of loving accountability within the community of faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:37 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the one who, though perfectly righteous, did not come to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son to Save the World")). Jesus consistently demonstrated a non-judgmental and forgiving spirit towards sinners, extending grace to those rejected by society, such as the woman caught in adultery ([John 8:1-11](/john/8-1-11 "John 8:1-11 - The Woman Caught in Adultery")) and the tax collector Zacchaeus ([Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Zacchaeus")). On the cross, He offered the ultimate act of forgiveness, praying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness")). Christ's life and sacrificial death reveal the very heart of God's non-condemning and forgiving nature. Through His atoning work, humanity, though deserving of condemnation, can receive full pardon and be declared righteous ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "Romans 5:8-9 - Justified by His Blood")). Thus, our ability to "judge not, condemn not, and forgive" is not merely a moral imperative but a Spirit-empowered response, flowing from the immense mercy and forgiveness we have first received in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior ([Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Forgive One Another")).

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 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

James 5:9

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Matthew 7:1

¶ Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Matthew 7:5

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Mark 11:25

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

1 Corinthians 13:4

¶ Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

1 Corinthians 13:7

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.