New Testament
Luke 6:26
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Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.
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Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
What Luke 6:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus warns that receiving universal praise can be a sign of being aligned with falsehood rather than truth. When everyone speaks well of someone, it may indicate that they are compromising their values or not challenging the status quo. This was the case with false prophets in the past, who were often celebrated by the people for delivering messages that were pleasing to hear, rather than messages that were true or challenging. Jesus is cautioning His followers to be wary of seeking approval from the crowd, as it can lead to a false sense of security and a departure from genuine faith. Instead, true followers of Christ may face criticism and rejection for standing firm in their beliefs, which is a more authentic reflection of their commitment to God. This verse serves as a reminder that popularity is not a measure of righteousness, and that true discipleship may involve hardship and opposition.
How to apply Luke 6:26 to your life
To apply this teaching, we should evaluate our motivations for seeking approval from others. Instead of striving for popularity, we should focus on living out our values and beliefs, even if it means facing criticism. True faith often requires standing firm in the truth, regardless of public opinion.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 6:26
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 6:26 mean?
Luke 6:26 warns that being universally praised can indicate alignment with falsehood. Jesus highlights that false prophets were often celebrated for delivering pleasing messages, suggesting that true followers may face criticism for their beliefs.
What is the meaning of 'woe' in Luke 6:26?
In Luke 6:26, 'woe' signifies a warning or lament about the dangers of seeking approval from everyone. It indicates that such praise may lead to a false sense of security and a departure from genuine faith.
How does Luke 6:26 relate to false prophets?
Luke 6:26 connects to false prophets by illustrating that they were often well-received for their pleasing messages. Jesus uses this comparison to warn His followers against seeking flattery and to encourage them to uphold truth, even if it leads to criticism.
What should I take away from Luke 6:26?
From Luke 6:26, the key takeaway is to evaluate your motivations for seeking approval. It encourages focusing on living your values authentically, even if it means facing opposition, rather than chasing popularity.
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