Luke 6:34 Meaning and Explanation
“And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Lending only where repayment is expected deserves no credit, for sinners lend to sinners to get the same back.
What Does Luke 6:34 Mean?
The third question reaches the purse: if you lend only to those from whom you hope to receive, what thank have you? Sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. Lending against assured repayment is investment; Jesus is describing something else.
The law of Moses already commanded open-handed lending to a poor brother (Deuteronomy 15:7-8); Jesus widens the circle until it has no edge at all. To lend without securing a return is to release a claim — to give the way God gives, who pours out rain and breath on those who never acknowledge him. Mercy keeps no ledgers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 6:34
What does Luke 6:34 mean?
Lending only where repayment is expected deserves no credit, for sinners lend to sinners to get the same back.