Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 6:37

"And judge not, and ye shall not be judged: and condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: release, and ye shall be released:" — Luke 6:37 (ASV)

These verses further describe the kind of mercy expected of the Lord’s disciples. “Do not judge” (GK 3212) must not be understood as ruling out any ethical evaluation at all; rather, it is defined by the parallel “Do not condemn.” Just as God will give a suitable reward to the merciful (vv.32–36), so v.37 implies that he will bring appropriate judgment on the unmerciful. Those who are generous, Jesus goes on to say, will be abundantly repaid for their kindness.