What Does Luke 6:31 Mean?
Luke 6:31 meaning: what does the golden rule really require of Christians in daily relationships
King James Version
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Clear Bible Translation
Modern EnglishTreat others the way you want them to treat you.
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.

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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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
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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