New Testament
Luke 6:34
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If you only lend to people you expect to pay you back, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.
Compare translations
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.
What Luke 6:34 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus challenges the common practice of lending money only to those who can repay it. He points out that even those who do not follow God, referred to as 'sinners,' engage in this behavior. The implication is that true generosity goes beyond expecting something in return. Jesus encourages His followers to lend without the expectation of repayment, reflecting a heart of love and selflessness. This teaching emphasizes the importance of giving and helping others, regardless of their ability to repay. It calls for a higher standard of kindness and compassion, urging believers to act out of love rather than self-interest. By doing so, they reflect God's character and love for humanity, which is unconditional and generous. This verse serves as a reminder that our actions should be motivated by a desire to bless others, not by the hope of receiving something back.
How to apply Luke 6:34 to your life
To apply this teaching, consider ways to help others without expecting anything in return. This could be through acts of kindness, volunteering, or lending support to those in need. Focus on giving freely and joyfully, reflecting God's love in your actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 6:34
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 6:34
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 6:34 mean?
Luke 6:34 means that lending money or helping others with the expectation of getting something back is not true generosity. Jesus highlights that even those who do not follow God lend with the hope of repayment, suggesting that true kindness involves giving without expecting anything in return.
What is the meaning of lending in Luke 6:34?
In Luke 6:34, lending refers to the act of giving financial help or support to others. Jesus teaches that lending should be done selflessly, without the expectation of repayment, as a reflection of genuine love and compassion.
How can I apply Luke 6:34 in my life?
You can apply Luke 6:34 by looking for opportunities to help others without expecting anything in return. This might include volunteering your time, offering support to those in need, or simply being kind to others without seeking rewards.
What themes are present in Luke 6:34?
The themes present in Luke 6:34 include generosity, selflessness, love, compassion, and true kindness. These themes emphasize the importance of giving and helping others out of love, rather than for personal gain.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.