New Testament
Luke 6:35
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend without expecting anything in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind even to the ungrateful and the evil.
Compare translations
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
What Luke 6:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and to act kindly towards those who may not deserve it. He encourages us to do good deeds and lend to others without expecting anything in return. This radical love reflects the nature of God, who shows kindness even to those who are ungrateful or evil. By loving our enemies, we demonstrate that we are children of God, embodying His character of unconditional love and mercy. This teaching challenges societal norms, urging us to rise above our natural inclinations to retaliate or hold grudges. Instead, we are called to respond with generosity and compassion, which not only benefits others but also enriches our own lives spiritually. The promise of a great reward serves as motivation, reminding us that our actions have eternal significance and that God sees and values our efforts to love even the hardest of hearts.
How to apply Luke 6:35 to your life
To apply this teaching, actively seek ways to show kindness to those who may oppose or hurt you. This could be through acts of service, forgiveness, or simply offering a listening ear. Reflect on God's kindness towards you and extend that grace to others.
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 6:35
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 6:35
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 6:35 mean?
Luke 6:35 teaches that we should love our enemies and do good to them without expecting anything in return. This reflects God's nature, as He shows kindness even to those who are ungrateful or evil.
What is the meaning of 'love your enemies' in Luke 6:35?
'Love your enemies' means to show kindness and compassion to those who may oppose or harm you. It encourages us to act selflessly and generously, mirroring God's unconditional love.
How can I apply Luke 6:35 in my life?
To apply Luke 6:35, look for opportunities to show kindness to those who may have wronged you. This can include forgiving them, helping them, or simply being understanding and compassionate.
What does 'lend without expecting anything in return' mean in Luke 6:35?
'Lend without expecting anything in return' means to give help or resources freely, without the desire for repayment or recognition. It encourages a spirit of generosity and selflessness.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.