Luke Chapter 10 · Verse 25
And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νομικός
lawyer
G3544
νομικός
lawyer
Strong's:
G3544
Word #:
3 of 15
according (or pertaining) to law, i.e., legal (ceremonially); as noun, an expert in the (mosaic) law
ἀνέστη
stood up
G450
ἀνέστη
stood up
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
5 of 15
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
11 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιήσας
shall I do
G4160
ποιήσας
shall I do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
12 of 15
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Historical Context
Lawyers (νομικοί, nomikoi) were experts in Mosaic law and oral tradition, part of the scribal class. They interpreted Torah and taught in synagogues. This lawyer 'stood up to test' (ἐκπειράζων, trying to trap) Jesus, seeking to discredit Him publicly. His question about eternal life reflects first-century Jewish debate over salvation requirements—Pharisees emphasized law observance, while Jesus taught grace through faith. The parable's setting on the Jericho road (a notoriously dangerous 17-mile descent from Jerusalem) would resonate with hearers familiar with banditry in that region.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the lawyer's works-based question reveal the human tendency to seek salvation through performance?
- What does Jesus' response teach about the law's purpose in exposing sin rather than providing salvation?
Analysis & Commentary
The lawyer's question 'Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' (διδάσκαλε, τί ποιήσας ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσω;) reveals a works-based understanding of salvation. The participle 'poiēsas' (ποιήσας, having done) assumes earning eternal life through performance. Jesus redirects him to Scripture (v.26), then tells the Good Samaritan parable to expose self-righteousness and demonstrate that no one perfectly fulfills the law's demands. The question 'who is my neighbor?' (v.29) attempts to limit obligation and justify selective love, but Jesus' answer universalizes neighbor-love, making salvation by law-keeping impossible and pointing toward grace.