Luke 6:30

Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

Luke 6:30 (KJV)

Context

Luke 6:30 is part of the Sermon on the Plain, where Jesus teaches His disciples and the gathered multitude about the ethics of God’s kingdom. In this verse, He addresses generosity and selflessness, commanding two related actions: give to everyone who asks, and do not demand back goods that are taken from you.

Meaning

The Greek verbs in this verse are present imperatives, indicating ongoing, habitual action. “Give” (didou) is a continuous command, and “ask not again” (mē apaitei) forbids the persistent practice of demanding restitution. Jesus is not prescribing a single act but a lifestyle of open-handedness and non-retaliation. This challenges the natural instinct to seek repayment or revenge, calling believers instead to a disposition of patience, compassion, and readiness to endure loss for the sake of the kingdom.

The command is not a blanket endorsement of foolish or irresponsible giving. As Augustine noted, we are to give what we can honestly and justly give. Other biblical principles such as stewardship, discernment, and wisdom should guide our giving, considering the needs of others and evaluating how best to help.

Biblical connections

This teaching parallels Matthew 5:42, where Jesus gives a similar command about giving to those who ask. Both passages call for radical generosity and non-resistance to evil. The immediate context in Luke includes verses 32-36, which urge loving enemies, doing good, and lending without expecting return, culminating in the command to be merciful as the Father is merciful.

Application

While this verse specifically addresses material goods, its underlying principle extends to kindness, love, forgiveness, and time. Believers are called to adopt a mindset of giving rather than hoarding or seeking personal gain. This does not mean giving thoughtlessly; wisdom and discernment remain important, as Scripture also teaches caring for one’s own household (1 Timothy 5:8) and working to support oneself (2 Thessalonians 3:10). The primary thrust, however, is clear: believers are to be open-handed and non-retaliatory, trusting God’s provision and reward.

Ultimately, Jesus Himself is the greatest example of selfless giving. He laid down His life for humanity, offering salvation and forgiveness to all who believe in Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example and demonstrate His love by being generous and sacrificial toward others.

Reflection

Luke 6:30 encourages us to cultivate a spirit of generosity, giving freely to those in need and not seeking personal gain in return. It reminds us of God’s economy of blessing and the importance of emulating the selfless nature of Jesus Christ.