Luke 6:36Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful.
The setting
Northern Israel, ~28 AD. Jesus stands on a level place near the Sea of Galilee, teaching a mixed crowd of disciples and curious onlookers from as far as Tyre and Sidon.
The emotion here: passionate about forming disciples who would change the world
The original word
oiktirmon (οἰκτίρμων) — compassionate mercy that comes from deep feeling, gut-level empathy
Why it matters
Luke's version is called the 'Sermon on the Plain' while Matthew records the 'Sermon on the Mount' — likely two different occasions
Read with care
What most readers miss in Luke 6:36
This follows immediately after Jesus chose the twelve apostles — He's teaching them how to lead
Common misconceptionPeople think mercy means being a doormat or excusing sin. But mercy is strength choosing not to retaliate when you have the power to do so.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Luke 6:36
Bible Genome reading
Luke 6:36 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Luke 6:36 comes from the book of Luke, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Jesus. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 55% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the letter genre of biblical literature. Key themes include mercy, divine imitation. Notable phrases: be merciful; as your Father is merciful. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Luke 6:36 mean to you, today?
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