Luke 6:21
Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
Luke 6:21 (KJV)
Context
Luke 6:21 is the second and third of four beatitudes in Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, addressed to His disciples. The word “now” emphasizes the present age, contrasting present hardship with future reversal and satisfaction in God’s kingdom. Jesus pronounces blessing on those who hunger and weep, teaching the values and attitudes of the kingdom of God.
Meaning
Jesus’ first statement, “Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled,” carries both literal and spiritual meaning. Literally, it speaks to those who experience physical hunger and lack. Spiritually, it refers to those who have a deep hunger and thirst for righteousness and eternal life. Jesus often uses physical needs to illustrate spiritual truths. The promise “ye shall be filled” means being satisfied with righteousness and life, providing the nourishment the soul craves.
The second part, “Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh,” addresses those who weep under afflictions and pressures of life, and who mourn for sin—their own and others’. Jesus declares them blessed, not because weeping is good in itself, but because God promises to transform their mourning into joy. The laughter He speaks of is not mere amusement but the deep, abiding joy that comes from divine comfort and the reversal of sorrow in God’s kingdom. This does not mean every tear will be replaced by constant laughter in this life, but it points to the certain hope of God’s healing consolation.
Biblical connections
The structure of this verse—present suffering followed by future blessing—is central to its meaning. The “now” of the present age is temporary; the filling and laughter are the certain outcomes for those who hunger and weep in a way that reflects dependence on God. This pattern of reversal runs throughout Luke’s Gospel, where the lowly are exalted and the hungry are filled with good things (Luke 1:53).
Application
This verse teaches several valuable lessons for believers today:
Longing for God: We are encouraged to hunger for a deep relationship with God and a desire for righteousness. When we earnestly seek Him, He promises to satisfy our spiritual hunger.
Divine Provision: Just as God provides physical sustenance, He also provides spiritual nourishment. When we turn to Him, He fills us with His truth, love, and the presence of His Holy Spirit.
Comfort and Joy: Even in the midst of sorrow and pain, we can find comfort and joy in God’s presence. He is able to bring healing and transform our mourning into gladness.
The Upside-Down Kingdom: The Beatitudes challenge our worldly perspective by highlighting the values of God’s kingdom. Jesus reassures those in difficult circumstances that they are not forgotten, but rather they will experience God’s blessings.
Reflection
Jesus’ words invite us to examine our own hearts. Do we hunger for God and His righteousness more than for the things of this world? Do we weep over sin and the brokenness around us, trusting that God sees and will act? The blessing He pronounces is not a reward for suffering but a promise of divine reversal. Those who depend on God in their present hunger and weeping will be filled and will laugh, because His kingdom turns the world’s values upside down.
