Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 6:23

"Rejoice in that day, and leap [for joy]: for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for in the same manner did their fathers unto the prophets." — Luke 6:23 (ASV)

Luke’s version of the blessings (or “Beatitudes”) is shorter than Matthew’s and is different in some particulars; he also includes a negative form in the woes. Both blessings and woes are familiar forms in the OT (e.g., Psalms 1; Isaiah 5:8–23). The entire theme of reversal of fortune has already been encountered in Lk 1:51–55. It is also implicit in the attention Luke gives to social and religious outcasts throughout his gospel.

“Blessed” (vv.20–22; GK 3421), as elsewhere in the NT, refers to the religious joy that one receives from sharing in the salvation of the kingdom. The poor are those who are utterly dependent on God. They are the special recipients of the “good news” Jesus came to preach (4:18). Often the economically destitute sense their need of God more than others. To inherit the kingdom of God is the antithesis of poverty. Note the emphatic sense of assurance that the present tense gives: “yours is” (emphasis mine). Jesus suggests there are some aspects of the coming kingdom of God that are already present. In other words, the poor can rejoice even in the midst of their destitution because they are already able to partake of some of the kingdom blessings.

“Hunger” is presented in its reality without spiritualization (v.21; cf. Matthew 5:6).

Those who “weep” may be those who carry the burden not only of personal grief but of a hurting society. Both parts of v.21 stress the contrast between the situation “now” and the future blessing.

The idea of laughter is vividly carried forward in the next section on persecution (vv.22–26). Persecution is described in some detail, and “rejoice” and “leap for joy” stand out all the more (v.23). Note the progression from hate (v.22) to exclusion to insult to defamation of their name. Those who share the rejection of the “Son of Man” relive the experience of the prophets (cf. comments on 20:9–12).The promise of “reward in heaven” (v.23) does not suggest that the disciples are to work for some future gain but that there will be personal vindication for those who wait on God and appropriate recognition and blessing from the Lord.