Where can I find Luke 6:31?

Luke 6:31 is found in Luke, chapter 6, verse 31.

What Does Luke 6:31 Mean?

Q: What is the main theme of Luke 6:31?

The primary theme of Luke 6:31 is reciprocal love. How revolutionary would it sound to hear a teacher tell crowds that they should actively treat others exactly as they hope to be treated themselves? Jesus wasn't merely prohibiting harmful behavior—he was commanding proactive kindness. The Greek construction emphasizes ongoing action: keep doing good to others in the same measure you desire goodness for yourself.

Luke 6:31 meaning: what does the golden rule really require of Christians in daily relationships

Reciprocal lovegolden rule · do unto others · reciprocity · proactive kindness

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King James Version

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

Clear Bible Translation

Modern English

Treat others the way you want them to treat you.

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Historical and Literary Context

Luke records Jesus teaching this principle to a mixed crowd of disciples and curious onlookers sometime during his Galilean ministry, likely around 28-30 AD.

How revolutionary would it sound to hear a teacher tell crowds that they should actively treat others exactly as they hope to be treated themselves? Jesus wasn't merely prohibiting harmful behavior—he was commanding proactive kindness. The Greek construction emphasizes ongoing action: keep doing good to others in the same measure you desire goodness for yourself. This golden standard flips human nature on its head, requiring us to move first rather than wait for others to earn our care.

Jesus delivers this principle during his Sermon on the Plain, immediately after instructing his followers to love their enemies and lend without expecting return. Luke positions this golden rule as the climax of a series of radical social teachings that challenged conventional wisdom about relationships and reciprocity. The surrounding verses deal with blessing persecutors and giving generously, creating a crescendo of counter-cultural ethics.

Read the full chapter: Luke 6 →

Living This Out

Every interaction becomes an opportunity to practice this standard—from how we respond to difficult coworkers to the patience we show slow cashiers. Rather than defaulting to self-protection or keeping score, we can ask what kind of treatment would restore our dignity and energy, then offer that same quality of engagement to others.

Book Summary

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.

The angel Gabriel is also sent to a city of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary who is engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. Gabriel tells Mary she is highly favored and will conceive and bear a son to be called Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. His kingdom will have no end. Mary asks how this can be, since she has not been with a man. Gabriel tells her the Holy Ghost will come upon her and the power of the Highest will overshadow her. He also tells her that Elisabeth, her cousin, has conceived a son in her old age. Mary visits Elisabeth, and when Elisabeth hears Mary's greeting, the baby leaps in her womb. Elisabeth is filled with the Holy Ghost and calls Mary blessed. Mary speaks words of praise, saying her soul magnifies the Lord. She stays with Elisabeth about three months and then returns home. Elisabeth gives birth to a son, and on the eighth day the family wants to name him Zacharias, but Elisabeth says his name is John. They ask Zacharias, and he writes that his name is John. Immediately his mouth is opened, and he speaks, praising God. He prophesies about the coming salvation and about his son, who will go before the Lord to prepare his ways. Luke 2: The Birth of Jesus and His Childhood Caesar Augustus issues a decree that all the world should be taxed, and everyone goes to their own city to be registered. Joseph goes from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David, because he is of the house and lineage of David. He goes with Mary, who is expecting a child. While they are there, she gives birth to her firstborn son, wraps him in swaddling clothes, and lays him in a manger because there is no room for them in the inn.

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Thematic Connections

Leviticus 19:18 →Connects reciprocal love with love
Matthew 11:28 →Connects reciprocal love with divine rest
1 Corinthians 13:4 →Connects reciprocal love with divine love
Galatians 5:22 →Connects reciprocal love with sanctification

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Key Questions Answered

What is the main theme of Luke 6:31?: The primary theme is reciprocal love. Related themes include enemy love and radical ethics and kingdom values.
Why is Luke 6:31 significant?: Every interaction becomes an opportunity to practice this standard—from how we respond to difficult coworkers to the patience we show slow cashiers. Rather than defaulting to self-protection or keeping score, we can ask what kind of treatment would restore our dignity and energy, then offer that same quality of engagement to others.
Where can I find Luke 6:31?: Luke, chapter 6, verse 31. Read Luke 6 →

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