Luke 18:18
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 13
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
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 13
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 #:
9 of 13
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 #:
10 of 13
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
Acts 16:30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?Acts 2:37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?Luke 6:46And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?Ezekiel 33:31And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.Malachi 1:6A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?
Historical Context
The rich young ruler (Matthew 19:20-22 adds details) had wealth, youth, and religious authority—everything first-century Judaism valued. His question 'What shall I do?' reflects Pharisaic theology: righteousness through Torah observance. Judaism taught that perfect commandment-keeping earned eternal life (Leviticus 18:5). Jesus will expose this theology's fatal flaw: no one can keep God's law perfectly. The attempt to earn salvation reveals inability and drives toward grace-based reception.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the ruler's question reveal about his understanding of salvation—earning versus receiving?
- How does the contradiction 'what must I do to inherit' expose works-based religion's fundamental flaw?
- In what ways might you approach God with a 'what must I do' mentality rather than humble reception?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?—a archōn tis (ἄρχων τις), 'certain ruler,' approaches Jesus addressing Him as didaskale agathe (διδάσκαλε ἀγαθέ), 'good teacher.' His question reveals tragic misunderstanding: ti poiēsas zōēn aiōnion klēronomēsō (τί ποιήσας ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσω)—'what having done, shall I inherit eternal life?'
The question contains internal contradiction: inheritance isn't earned by doing but received as gift. Like the Pharisee, he thinks in terms of performance: 'What must I DO?' Jesus just taught that the kingdom must be received as a child receives—through humble dependence, not adult achievement. This ruler exemplifies the opposite: confident in his ability to perform whatever's required, unaware that eternal life is gift, not wages.