Luke 6 31

Luke 6:31 kjv

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

Luke 6:31 nkjv

And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

Luke 6:31 niv

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Luke 6:31 esv

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

Luke 6:31 nlt

Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

Luke 6 verses

Luke 6 31 Meaning

This verse, often called the Golden Rule, presents a fundamental ethical principle: Christians should actively treat others in the same considerate, generous, and loving way they desire to be treated themselves. It is a proactive and positive injunction, going beyond mere non-retaliation to advocate for initiatory good will and service towards all people, embodying the radical love exemplified by Christ.

Luke 6 31 Context

Luke 6:31 is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Plain, which runs from Luke 6:20-49. This sermon, similar to Matthew's Sermon on the Mount, outlines the foundational principles of kingdom living. Immediately preceding verse 31, Jesus delivers challenging instructions to "love your enemies," "turn the other cheek," and "give to everyone who asks" (Lk 6:27-30). This particular verse, therefore, serves as a summary and practical guide for enacting these radical commands. It frames the preceding exhortations to selfless generosity within a simple, universally understandable maxim. It then leads into further instructions on not judging and giving, which align with this principle of benevolent treatment of others (Lk 6:37-38). Historically and culturally, the Jewish ethical framework often included concepts of treating others well, exemplified by the "negative" Golden Rule (e.g., Rabbi Hillel: "What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man; that is the whole Law; the rest is mere commentary"). Jesus’ teaching here is distinctive in its proactive and positive command, elevating the ethical standard to one of initiating good rather than merely avoiding harm, a polemic against the limitations of prevalent reciprocity often limited to one’s own community or those who could reciprocate.

Luke 6 31 Word analysis

• And just as (Καὶ καθὼς - Kai kathōs):
  • Kai is a conjunctive particle, often translated "and," connecting this principle directly to the preceding challenging commands about loving enemies.
  • Kathōs is an adverb meaning "just as," "according as," or "in proportion as." It signifies a precise comparison or correspondence, implying that the measure of what you do should directly match the measure of what you desire. This emphasizes the standard of your own expectation.
• you want (θέλετε - thelete):
  • From thelō, meaning "to will," "to wish," "to desire." This highlights human volition and desire.
  • It points to the inner intention and personal preference as the standard. It asks believers to look inward and consider their own deepest needs, desires, and how they wish others would interact with them. This is not about self-serving desires, but a genuine self-reflection on what constitutes good treatment.
• men (οἱ ἄνθρωποι - hoi anthrōpoi):
  • The definite article hoi ("the") combined with anthrōpoi ("people," "men," referring to humanity in general).
  • This term indicates a universal application. It is not limited to friends, family, fellow believers, or those who are "deserving." It encompasses all people, including those specifically mentioned in the immediate context: enemies, those who hate, curse, or abuse.
• to do to you (ποιῶσιν ὑμῖν - poiōsin hymin):
  • Poiōsin from poieō, meaning "to do," "to make," "to act." This emphasizes active engagement and concrete actions.
  • Hymin is the dative plural of hymeis, meaning "to you." The desire is for good deeds directed towards oneself.
• you also do (καὶ ὑμεῖς ποιεῖτε - kai hymeis poieite):
  • Kai ("also") underscores the reciprocity.
  • Hymeis ("you," plural) is emphatic, shifting the focus from the desired reception to the demanded action by the disciples.
  • Poieite (present active imperative of poieō) signifies a direct command for continuous, habitual action. This is not a suggestion, but a fundamental ethical imperative.
• to them (αὐτοῖς - autois):
  • Dative plural pronoun, referring back to "men" (anthrōpoi). This clarifies who the action is directed towards – the very "men" whose actions one desires for oneself.
• likewise (ὁμοίως - homoiōs):
  • An adverb meaning "similarly," "in like manner," "equally." It reiterates the equivalence between the desire and the action.
  • This reinforces the "as you want" clause, ensuring the manner and measure of one's actions align with the manner and measure of one's desired treatment. It implies symmetry in the spirit and quality of the actions.
• Phrase analysis: "And just as you want men to do to you": This establishes the internal, personal standard for action. It’s a self-reflection on how one genuinely desires to be treated—with kindness, respect, honesty, patience, generosity, and mercy. This shifts the focus from external rules to an internal ethical compass, shaped by one's own sense of human dignity and need. It implicitly assumes a healthy understanding of what constitutes good and ethical treatment.
• Phrase analysis: "you also do to them likewise": This is the proactive, positive command. It means that the standard established by one's own desires should not remain hypothetical but must be actively applied to others. "Likewise" strongly emphasizes the precise replication of the desired conduct, both in spirit and in deed, implying a generous measure. It calls for initiation of good rather than reaction to what others have done or may do.

Luke 6 31 Bonus section

This Golden Rule statement in Luke, by emphasizing "you also do," stresses personal responsibility and initiative. While other philosophical or religious traditions may present negative forms of this rule ("do not do to others what you would not want done to yourself"), Jesus' positive formulation is distinct. It transforms an ethic of avoidance into an ethic of active engagement and benevolence. The standard for behavior is not what is merely permissible, or what one should refrain from, but what constitutes the highest ideal of treatment for oneself. This elevates the moral expectation, requiring forethought, compassion, and an outgoing disposition rather than simply self-restraint. The teaching inherently connects to Jesus' summary of the Law and the Prophets in Mt 7:12, suggesting that this single principle encapsulates the very essence of righteous human interaction as desired by God. The phrase "you want" implies a divine call to examine and transform our own hearts, ensuring our desires for ourselves align with godly righteousness, and then to generously apply that same standard outwards to the world.

Luke 6 31 Commentary

Luke 6:31 is the positive affirmation of the Golden Rule, a core principle of Jesus' ethical teaching that elevates the standard of interpersonal conduct within the Kingdom of God. It calls believers to move beyond negative prohibitions ("do not harm") and self-interested reciprocity ("tit-for-tat") to a proactive and universal ethic of benevolence. This rule is a call to align one's actions with one's desires for good, extending this self-evident standard to all of humanity, not just those within one's social or religious circle. Its profundity lies in its simplicity and universal applicability, cutting through complex moral dilemmas by asking one to consider a deeply personal and accessible benchmark: "How do I wish to be treated?" This then becomes the blueprint for how one should treat others. This principle reflects the very character of God, who "is kind to the ungrateful and evil" (Lk 6:35), offering love and good to all without preconditions. Living this rule demands empathy, humility, and a self-sacrificial love, forming the bedrock for all relational commandments in the New Covenant.Examples: Actively listening to others as you would wish to be heard; offering practical help to someone struggling, just as you would desire assistance in your need; forgiving wrongs when you yourself seek forgiveness; patiently instructing someone new to a task, reflecting how you wish to be trained; or providing encouragement and comfort to those grieving.