Luke 6:37

Luke 6:37, in plain English

Jesus said, 'Don't judge, and you won't be judged. Don't condemn, and you won't be condemned. Forgive, and you'll be forgiven.'

Why it's here

The way you treat others comes back to you. Not as karma, but as a reflection of the mercy (or lack of it) in your own heart.

Who's speaking

Jesus gives three clear, paired commands about how we relate to others.

Where it sits in the story

The measure you use for others is the measure God uses for you. If you want grace, give it. If you want mercy, show it. If you want forgiveness, practice it.

The scholarly reading

Three paired imperatives and promises: mē krinete/ou mē krithēte ("do not judge/you will not be judged"), mē katadikazete/ou mē katadikasthēte ("do not condemn/you will not be condemned"), apolýete/apolythēsesthe ("forgive/you will be forgiven"). The passive voice implies divine action.

Language and setting

The divine passives (passivum divinum) indicate that God's judgment, condemnation, and forgiveness correspond to how believers treat others. This creates a reflexive ethical principle.

Voice

Jesus delivers three paired commands about judgment, condemnation, and forgiveness.

Significance

The three pairs create a comprehensive ethical framework: believers' treatment of others establishes the terms by which God will treat them. Mercy given is mercy received.

35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

37Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

39Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?

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.