Luke 6:34
And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus is pointing out that lending with the expectation of getting it back isn't truly generous; it's just a business transaction that even "sinners" engage in. The real heart of his teaching here is to challenge the idea that helping someone is only valuable if you get something out of it.
Jesus has just instructed his followers to love their enemies and do good to those who hate them, pushing beyond the common practice of only showing kindness to those who are kind in return. This verse highlights the transactional nature of human relationships, pointing out that lending with the expectation of getting back the same amount is what even "sinners" do for their own kind, offering no true credit or exceptional virtue.
Jesus points out a common practice: lending to people you expect to get paid back by. What's the big deal? And why does it matter to God?
Jesus is calling out a transactional approach to relationships, even in acts of kindness.
The 'Credit' of Self-Interest
When we only lend to those we're sure will repay us, it’s not really generosity. It’s an investment. We expect a return, a 'credit' in our own account, a favor owed. This is how the world operates – a system of mutual benefit and obligation.
Sinners Helping Sinners
Jesus highlights that even 'sinners' – people outside of God's covenant, focused on their own gain – practice this kind of lending. They lend to get the same amount back. It’s a business transaction, not an act of selfless love. By pointing this out, Jesus shows that this kind of behavior isn't a high spiritual achievement; it's just ordinary, self-serving behavior.
Jesus isn't just talking about money; he's talking about motives. What truly sets the disciples of God apart from everyone else?
Jesus contrasts the world's way with God's way. He calls His followers to a radical, uncalculating generosity that mirrors God Himself.
Beyond Mutual Gain
The core issue Jesus addresses is why we do good deeds. If our kindness is only a well-calculated investment, it lacks true spiritual value in God's eyes. It’s just a transaction, no different from what unbelievers do.
Reflecting God's Heart
Jesus calls us to a higher standard: to lend and give without expecting anything back. This isn't about being foolishly wasteful, but about embodying God's own character. God is kind to the unthankful and the evil. He causes His sun to rise on the good and the bad. Our generosity should reflect this same boundless, unconditional love, looking only to the need, not to our own potential return.
The context of Jesus' teaching here isn't about financial regulations or the practice of usury in the Roman world. Instead, it's a radical redefinition of love and generosity, calling His followers to an ethic that mirrors God's own unconditional goodness, rather than the self-serving transactions common even among 'sinners'.
c. 28 AD— this verse
Jesus Selects His Twelve Apostles
After an all-night prayer vigil, Jesus appoints His core group of disciples, likely from Capernaum, to carry His message and establish His church. This event sets the stage for His public ministry and teachings.
c. 28 AD
Sermon on the Plain
Jesus delivers a major block of teachings, including the Beatitudes and practical instructions for living a life that reflects God's kingdom. This sermon addresses core ethical and spiritual principles for His followers.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Teaches on Love and Generosity
Jesus challenges conventional wisdom by teaching radical love for enemies and selfless generosity, emphasizing that true charity goes beyond reciprocal relationships or personal gain.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus' teachings and miracles in Galilee draw large crowds, including those from various social strata, highlighting the inclusive nature of God's kingdom and the need for a transformed heart.
This passage from Matthew parallels Luke's teaching by urging followers to 'give to the one who asks,' highlighting a similar spirit of generosity that extends beyond expected returns.
Luke 6:35Immediately following this verse, Jesus commands to 'lend, expecting nothing in return,' which directly expounds on the principle of selfless giving introduced here and contrasts it with ordinary human transactions.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7This famous passage on love describes its attributes, including that it 'does not insist on its own way' and 'bears all things,' which aligns with the selfless, expectation-free generosity Jesus calls for.
Proverbs 19:17This verse states that 'whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD,' suggesting that acts of kindness toward those who cannot repay are seen by God as a loan to Him, emphasizing divine reward for selfless giving.
calvinLuke 6:34-35: "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."
- If you shall lend to those from whom you hope that you will receive, what kindness will it be in you? for sinners also lend to sinners, that they may receive the like. 35. Lend ye, expecting nothing again, and your reward shall be great.
Matthew 5:42. Give to him that asketh of thee. Though the words of Christ, which are related by Matthew, appe…
clarkeLuke 6:34: "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."
Of whom ye hope to receive - Or, whom ye expect to return it. "To make our neighbor purchase, in any way, the assistance which we give him, is to profit by his misery; and, by laying him under obligations which we expect him in some way or other to discharge, we increase his wretchedness under the pretense of relieving it."
Jesus is pointing out that lending with the expectation of getting it back isn't truly generous; it's just a business transaction that even "sinners" engage in. The real heart of his teaching here is to challenge the idea that helping someone is only valuable if you get something out of it.
Jesus has just instructed his followers to love their enemies and do good to those who hate them, pushing beyond the common practice of only showing kindness to those who are kind in return. This verse highlights the transactional nature of human relationships, pointing out that lending with the expectation of getting back the same amount is what even "sinners" do for their own kind, offering no true credit or exceptional virtue.
Jesus has just instructed his followers to love their enemies and do good to those who hate them, pushing beyond the common practice of only showing kindness to those who are kind in return. This verse highlights the transactional nature of human relationships, pointing out that lending with the expectation of getting back the same amount is what even "sinners" do for their own kind, offering no true credit or exceptional virtue.
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"And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount." — Jesus is pointing out that lending with the expectation of getting it back isn't truly generous; it's just a business transaction that even "sinners" engage in. The real heart of his teaching here is…
