“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights a progression of rejection: from general hatred to exclusion, then slander, and finally the complete branding of their name as evil. This isn't just about being disliked; it’s about being systematically ostracized and demonized because of their association with Jesus, the Son of Man.
“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just appointed his twelve disciples, and now he's launching into a sermon that contrasts worldly blessings with divine ones. He begins by identifying those who are truly blessed in God's eyes, including those who face hatred and rejection from others specifically because of their connection to him, the Son of Man.
Jesus flips our idea of blessing on its head. What does it mean to be blessed when the world is treating you terribly?
Jesus, in Luke 6:22, presents a radical redefinition of blessing. We often associate blessings with comfort, ease, and approval. But Jesus says true blessing is found in the midst of hardship and rejection, specifically when people hate, exclude, reproach, and slander you.
This isn't a blessing for suffering itself, but for suffering for a particular reason. The world's hatred isn't inherently good, but when it's directed at you because you follow the Son of Man, it becomes a sign of your belonging to God's kingdom, not the world's.
This teaching is a stark contrast to worldly values. While society praises popularity and acceptance, Jesus blesses those who face opposition for their faith. It challenges us to re-evaluate where we seek validation and what we consider a truly blessed life.
If the world's hatred can be a sign of blessing, why does it happen? What is it about 'the Son of Man' that provokes such opposition?
The phrase 'on account of the Son of Man' is the crucial key here. The opposition isn't random; it's a direct consequence of identifying with Jesus.
Jesus frequently used the title 'Son of Man' for himself. It points to his humanity – his solidarity with our race – but also to his divine authority and role as the ultimate representative man, through whom all humanity finds its unity and future.
When you align yourself with this 'Son of Man,' you inherently stand against the world's values, its systems, and its understanding of righteousness. The world, comfortable in its own ways, perceives this alignment as a threat, an accusation, and something to be rejected.
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This rejection isn't about your personal flaws; it's about the 'worthy name' (Acts 5:41) you bear as a follower of Christ. Your very identity as a disciple of the Son of Man makes you an outsider to a world that does not recognize or accept him.
Jesus doesn't just mention 'hate.' He details specific ways this opposition manifests. What does 'casting out your name as evil' really mean?
Luke highlights a progression in persecution: hate, exclusion, reproach, and the final act of casting out your name as evil. This escalation paints a grim picture of what Jesus' followers could expect.
'Separating you from their company' speaks of social and religious ostracization, like being kicked out of the synagogue (as noted in John 9:34). 'Reproach' is direct slander and insult. But 'casting out your name as evil' is perhaps the most insidious.
This means your identity as a follower of Christ was not just ignored or insulted, but actively smeared. Your name, your reputation, the very label of 'Christian' or 'disciple,' was considered akin to a curse word. This was more than disapproval; it was character assassination, branding you as a dangerous or wicked person.
This level of opposition aimed to delegitimize and isolate believers entirely, making it impossible for them to live peaceably within society. It was a total rejection of their faith and their association with Jesus.
Understand the original words
huiou tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A designation for Jesus Christ, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, identifying Him as the divine, messianic figure who possesses universal authority and will judge the world.
The 'blessings' Jesus pronounces here are not about ease and comfort, but about finding deep joy and divine favor even when facing the world's hatred and rejection, a reality deeply felt by his earliest followers as they were increasingly ostracized by their own communities.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus Chooses His Twelve Apostles
After a night of prayer, Jesus selects the twelve apostles from his broader group of disciples. This event sets the stage for the ministry they will undertake, which will inevitably lead to opposition from the world.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Opposition
As Jesus' teachings and miracles gain attention, the religious authorities become increasingly hostile. This period sees escalating conflict and the beginning of the rejection Jesus and his followers will face.
c. AD 30-33
Exclusion from the Synagogue
Followers of Jesus begin to experience formal exclusion from Jewish synagogues. This exclusion, ranging from temporary (30 days) to permanent, meant loss of community and religious fellowship.
c. AD 33
The Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is condemned and crucified, largely due to the opposition of the religious leaders. This ultimate rejection of the 'Son of Man' foreshadows the persecution his followers will endure.
c. AD 33 - AD 60s
Early Church Persecution
Following Jesus' ascension, his followers, now called Christians, face intense persecution. They are slandered, hated, and often excommunicated by both Jewish communities and pagan society.
This passage speaks directly to suffering reproach 'for the name of Christ,' echoing Luke's emphasis on enduring hardship 'for the Son of Man's sake.'
John 17:14Jesus' prayer highlights that his disciples 'are not of the world,' which directly explains why the world will hate them, aligning with the beatitude in Luke 6:22.
Matthew 5:11This parallel passage from Matthew's Gospel uses almost identical language, emphasizing that believers are blessed when persecuted 'for My sake,' reinforcing the core message of enduring hardship for Christ.
Acts 7:56Stephen, facing intense hatred and persecution, sees 'Jesus standing at the right hand of God' and declares, 'I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God,' directly connecting the Son of Man title with moments of extreme trial.
2 Timothy 3:12This verse serves as a stark warning that 'all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,' providing a theological framework for why the hatred and exclusion mentioned in Luke 6:22 are an expected reality for believers.
clarkeLuke 6:22: "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake."
They shall separate you - Meaning, They will excommunicate you, αφορισωσιν ὑμας, or separate you from their communion. Luke having spoken of their separating or excommunicating them, continues the same idea, in saying that they would cast out their name likewise, as a thing evil in itself. By your name is m…
jfbLuke 6:12-49: "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Lu 6:12-49. The Twelve Apostles Chosen—Gathering Multitudes—Glorious Healing.12, 13. went out—probably from Capernaum.all night in prayer … and when … day, he called, &c.—The work with which the next day began shows what had been the burden of this night's devotions. As He directed His disciples to pray for "laborers" just before sending themselves forth (see on…
The verse highlights a progression of rejection: from general hatred to exclusion, then slander, and finally the complete branding of their name as evil. This isn't just about being disliked; it’s about being systematically ostracized and demonized because of their association with Jesus, the Son of Man.
Jesus has just appointed his twelve disciples, and now he's launching into a sermon that contrasts worldly blessings with divine ones. He begins by identifying those who are truly blessed in God's eyes, including those who face hatred and rejection from others specifically because of their connection to him, the Son of Man.
Jesus has just appointed his twelve disciples, and now he's launching into a sermon that contrasts worldly blessings with divine ones. He begins by identifying those who are truly blessed in God's eyes, including those who face hatred and rejection from others specifically because of their connection to him, the Son of Man.
"“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!" — The verse highlights a progression of rejection: from general hatred to exclusion, then slander, and finally the complete branding of their name as evil. This isn't just about being disliked; it’s ab…
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Last reviewed October 2026