Luke 6:31-36

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Luke 6:31 tn This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), referring to both males and females.
2. Luke 6:31 sn Jesus’ teaching as reflected in the phrase treat others in the same way you would want them to treat you, known generally as the Golden Rule, is not completely unique in the ancient world, but it is stated here in its most emphatic, selfless form. It is stated negatively in Tobit 4:15, and can also be found in the Talmud in a story about the great rabbi Hillel, who is said to have told a Gentile who asked to be taught the Torah, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor; that is the whole Torah, while the rest is the commentary thereof; go and learn it” (b. Shabbat 31a).
3. Luke 6:32 tn Grk “And if.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. This is a first class condition, but the next two conditional clauses are third class conditions, so that stylistic variation is probably at work.
4. Luke 6:32 sn Here the term sinners may refer to people who had no concern for observing the details of the Mosaic law; these were often treated as social outcasts. See L&N 88.295.
5. Luke 6:32 sn Jesus’ point in the statement even sinners love those who love them is that disciples are to go further than sinners do. The examples replay vv. 29-30.
6. Luke 6:33 tc ‡ Three key mss (P⁷⁵ א* B) have “for” here, but it is unlikely that it was present originally. The addition of conjunctions, especially to the beginning of a clause, are typically suspect because they fit the pattern of Koine tendencies toward greater explicitness. NA²⁸ has the word in brackets, indicating doubts as to its authenticity.
7. Luke 6:33 tc Most mss (A D L Θ Ξ Ψ ƒ¹³ 33 M lat) include γάρ (gar, “for”) following καί (kai, here translated “even”), but a few significant mss (א B W 700 892* 1241) lack the conjunction. The inclusion of the conjunction seems to be motivated by clarity and should probably be considered inauthentic.
8. Luke 6:33 sn See the note on the word sinners in v. 32.
9. Luke 6:34 tn Grk “to receive,” but in context the repayment of the amount lent is implied. Jesus was noting that utilitarian motives are the way of the world.
10. Luke 6:34 sn See the note on the word sinners in v. 32.
11. Luke 6:34 tn Grk “to receive as much again.”
12. Luke 6:35 tn Or “in return.”
13. Luke 6:35 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the outcome or result. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started in the translation at this point.
14. Luke 6:35 sn The character of these actions reflects the grace and kindness of God, bearing witness to a “line of descent” or relationship of the individual to God (sons of the Most High). There is to be a unique kind of ethic at work with disciples. Jesus refers specifically to sons here because in the ancient world sons had special privileges which were rarely accorded to daughters. However, Jesus is most likely addressing both men and women in this context, so women too would receive these same privileges.
15. Luke 6:35 sn That is, “sons of God.”
16. Luke 6:35 tn Or “to the ungrateful and immoral.” The word “people” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.
17. Luke 6:36 sn Merciful is a characteristic of God often noted in the OT: Exod 34:6; Deut 4:31; Joel 2:31; Jonah 4:2; 2 Sam 24:14. This remark also echoes the more common OT statements like Lev 19:2 or Deut 18:13: “you must be holy as I am holy.”