Luke 6:22

Luke 6:22, in plain English

Then He said, 'Blessed are you when people hate you, exclude you, insult you, and reject your name — all because of Me.'

Why it's here

Jesus doesn't promise an easy life. He promises that when you're mistreated for following Him, it's actually a sign that you're on the right path.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks about the blessing hidden in persecution for His name.

Where it sits in the story

Being rejected for your faith stings. But Jesus says it puts you in incredible company — the prophets who came before you were treated the same way. Your suffering for Him has meaning.

The scholarly reading

The fourth beatitude addresses persecution: being hated (misēsōsin), excluded (aphorisōsin), insulted (oneidisōsin), and having one's name rejected as evil (ekbalōsin) — all heneka tou huiou tou anthrōpou ("on account of the Son of Man").

Language and setting

This beatitude specifically addresses social ostracism for faith, a reality Luke's audience would have experienced as the early church faced increasing marginalization from both Jewish and Roman society.

Voice

Jesus addresses His followers about the persecution they will face for His sake.

Significance

Jesus redefines social rejection as a mark of blessing rather than shame. The persecution is specifically connected to allegiance to the Son of Man, making it a christological litmus test.

20Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

21Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

22Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man.

23Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way.

24But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.

Read all of Luke 6 — Blessed are the poor; woe to the rich. Jesus delivers his version of the great sermon and demands a love so radical it includes your enemies.