What does Luke 6:21 mean?

Jesus continues His list of blessings with those who are hungry. Again, Matthew records a spiritualized version: "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6). Luke's version allows for both concepts. If someone is poor (Luke 6:20), they're probably hungry. If they're persecuted (Luke 6:22), they may have difficulties earning money and thus hunger for justice.

Jesus adds a time element: "now." Although His followers may be hungry now, they will not always be so. At the marriage supper of the Lamb, His followers will gather for a great feast (Revelation 19:7–8). They will see justice when the unrighteous are judged (Revelation 20:11–15). Atheists tend to accuse Christians of escapism when we find comfort in a future paradise. The Bible teaches that knowing we will be with God for eternity brings proper perspective to our present lives and the sacrifices and suffering we endure (Romans 8:13).

Jesus also promises that those who weep now will laugh; in this context, the "laughter" is an expression of joy and happiness. Weeping is a natural response to both hunger and persecution (Luke 6:22). In eternity, God "will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). In the Song of the Ascents, the people sing, "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!" (Psalm 126:5).

The corresponding woe is straightforward: those who are full now will hunger and those who laugh now will mourn and weep. Those who desire human praise more than identification in Christ may have easier lives on earth but will suffer in eternity (Luke 6:25–26).