Mark 10:20

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus listed commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother' (Μὴ μοιχεύσῃς, Μὴ φονεύσῃς, Μὴ κλέψῃς, Μὴ ψευδομαρτυρήσῃς, Μὴ ἀποστερήσῃς, Τίμα τὸν πατέρα σου καὶ τὴν μητέρα σου). Jesus cited commandments from the Decalogue's second table (human relationships), omitting first table (duties to God). The addition 'defraud not' isn't explicit in Exodus 20 but summarizes various laws about economic justice (Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Malachi 3:5). Jesus' selective citation sets up His later diagnosis—the man kept horizontal commandments but missed the first, greatest commandment: love God supremely (v. 21). External moral conformity doesn't equal heart righteousness. The list reveals law's function: exposing sin and driving to grace (Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:24).

Historical Context

The Ten Commandments were Judaism's moral foundation (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21). Rabbinic tradition organized them into duties toward God (1-4) and duties toward people (5-10). Jesus' citation omitted coveting (tenth commandment), perhaps saving it for deeper diagnosis (what the man lacked, v. 21). First-century Jewish piety emphasized Decalogue observance. Pharisees developed elaborate halakhic traditions to 'fence' the commandments, ensuring no violation. The rich man's confidence that he kept these from youth (v. 20) reflects cultural confidence in law-keeping. Paul similarly boasted of his law observance before conversion (Philippians 3:4-6). Jesus' interaction reveals that mere external conformity misses law's deeper demand for heart transformation and supreme love for God.

Questions for Reflection

• How does Jesus' selective citation of commandments set up revealing the man's deeper spiritual need beyond external morality?
• What does the rich man's confidence in keeping commandments reveal about self-deception regarding spiritual condition?