New Testament
Luke 6:36
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus teaches the importance of mercy, urging His followers to emulate the mercy of God the Father.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches the importance of mercy, urging His followers to emulate the mercy of God the Father. Mercy involves showing compassion and kindness to others, especially those who may not deserve it. Just as God forgives and shows love to humanity despite their flaws, believers are called to extend that same grace to others. This principle of mercy is foundational in Christian teachings, emphasizing that our actions should reflect God's character. By being merciful, we not only align ourselves with God's nature but also foster a community of love and forgiveness. This verse challenges us to look beyond our judgments and to respond to others with empathy and understanding, recognizing that everyone is in need of grace. Ultimately, it reminds us that mercy is not just an act but a way of life that reflects our relationship with God.
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How to apply Luke 6:36 to your life
To apply this teaching, actively seek opportunities to show mercy in your daily life. This could mean forgiving someone who has wronged you, helping those in need, or simply being kind to others. Reflect on how God has shown you mercy and let that inspire your actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 6:36 mean?
Luke 6:36 emphasizes the importance of showing mercy to others, encouraging believers to reflect God's character by being compassionate and forgiving, just as God is merciful to humanity.
What is the meaning of mercy in Luke 6:36?
In Luke 6:36, mercy refers to the act of showing kindness and compassion to others, especially those who may not deserve it, mirroring the unconditional love and forgiveness that God extends to us.
How can I show mercy according to Luke 6:36?
You can show mercy by forgiving those who have wronged you, helping those in need, and treating others with kindness and understanding, reflecting the mercy God has shown you.
Why is mercy important in Luke 6:36?
Mercy is important in Luke 6:36 because it highlights a core aspect of God's nature and encourages believers to embody that quality, promoting a culture of empathy and grace in their relationships.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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