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    Love & Forgiveness

    Luke 6:27-28 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."
    — Luke 6:27-28 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    The most counter-cultural command Jesus ever gave. Love enemies. Do good to haters. Bless cursers. Pray for abusers. Every natural instinct screams against this.

    Historical Context

    Jesus spoke to people under Roman occupation — people with real enemies who exploited and oppressed them. 'Love your enemies' was not theoretical.

    Original Language Insights

    'Love' (agapate) — present imperative, 'keep on loving continually.'

    'Do good' (kalos poieite) — actively serve, not just refrain from retaliation.

    'Bless' (eulogeite) — speak well of, invoke God's favor.

    'Pray for' (proseuchesthe huper) — intercede. The deepest act of love.

    Theological Significance

    This reveals the gospel's heart: God loved us while we were His enemies (Romans 5:10). Enemy-love is the supreme test — it cannot be faked or done in human strength.

    Practical Application

    Name your enemies and begin praying for their well-being. Do something good for someone who wronged you. When cursed, bless.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Romans 12:20-21

    "If thine enemy hunger, feed him."

    Paul applies Jesus' command with specific examples.

    Romans 5:10

    "When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God."

    God modeled enemy-love through Christ.

    Prayer Response

    Lord Jesus, You loved Your enemies — including me. Give me supernatural power to love mine. Transform my natural revenge into Your supernatural love. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does loving enemies mean no boundaries?

    No. Jesus had boundaries. Love doesn't require doormat behavior — it means choosing their good while maintaining wise boundaries.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Luke 6 verse by verse:

    After · Luke 6:31Exact verse

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

    Theme: The Golden Rule

    After · Luke 6:36Exact verse

    Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

    Theme: Mercy & Character

    After · Luke 6:37Exact verse

    Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

    Theme: Forgiveness

    Nearest commentary in Luke

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Luke 5:31Nearest chapter

    And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

    Theme: The Great Physician

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Luke 5:32Nearest chapter

    I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

    Theme: Jesus' Mission to Sinners

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Luke 5:33Nearest chapter

    And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

    Theme: When the Bridegroom Is Present

    Read Luke 5Commentary: Luke 5:31
    Read Luke 6 (full)Nearest commentary: Luke 6:31
    Read Luke 7No commentary yet
    Previous commentary: Luke 5:33Next commentary: Luke 6:31

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Does the Bible Say About Loving Your Enemies?

    Jesus commanded believers to love their enemies, pray for persecutors, and overcome evil with good.

    Read answer

    What Does 'Love Your Enemies' Mean?

    Jesus commanded believers to love those who hate them, pray for persecutors, and do good to those who mistreat them — reflecting God's character, who 'maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good.'

    Read answer

    Why Does the Bible Say to Love Your Enemies?

    Jesus commands enemy-love because it reflects God's own character — He sends rain on the just and unjust — and it overcomes evil with good.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Self-Defense?

    The Bible supports the right to protect oneself and family while commanding love for enemies and trusting God as ultimate defender.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Cursing or Wishing Harm on Others?

    Jesus commanded believers to bless those who curse them and pray for their persecutors — replacing cursing with blessing.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Being a Good Father?

    Fathers are called to love, instruct, discipline, and model faith for their children — reflecting God the Father's relationship with His children.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Luke 1:37 – Meaning & Devotional

    "For with God nothing shall be impossible."

    Luke 6:31 – Meaning & Devotional

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

    Luke 6:31 – Meaning & Devotional

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

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Healing
    New Testament

    Cleansing of the Ten Lepers

    Jesus cleansed ten lepers on the way to Jerusalem; only one — a Samaritan — returned to give thanks.

    Read the miracle
    Provision
    New Testament

    The Miraculous Catch of Fish

    After a fruitless night, Peter let down the nets at Jesus' word and caught so many fish the nets began to break.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    New Testament

    The Ascension of Jesus

    After forty days of post-resurrection appearances, Jesus is taken up into heaven on a cloud.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of Malchus' Ear

    Jesus restores the severed ear of the high priest's servant at His arrest in Gethsemane.

    Read the miracle

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    Prayer

    Prayer for Enemies

    Obeying Christ's command to love and pray for enemies.

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Loving Your Enemies

    10 curated KJV verses

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    Matthew 22:37-39Luke 12:15

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