Luke 10:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 10:28
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
Chapter Context
Luke 10 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, holiness, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-42: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 10:28
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
Analysis
And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. Jesus affirms the lawyer's correct summary of the law: love God completely (Deuteronomy 6:5) and neighbor as self (Leviticus 19:18). The phrase orthōs apekrithēs (ὀρθῶς ἀπεκρίθης, "you have answered right") acknowledges theological accuracy. The lawyer knows Scripture intellectually—but knowledge isn't salvation.
The command touto poiei (τοῦτο ποίει, "this do") uses the present imperative, indicating continuous, habitual action: keep on doing this perfectly, always, without fail. The promise and thou shalt live (kai zēsē, καὶ ζήσῃ) echoes Leviticus 18:5, "which if a man do, he shall live in them." Here's the devastating reality: the law's promise of life is genuine—perfect obedience would yield eternal life. But who has loved God with all heart, soul, strength, and mind? Who has loved neighbors as themselves consistently?
Jesus doesn't say, "Try your best" or "Do reasonably well." He demands perfection because the law demands perfection (Matthew 5:48). This drives the lawyer—and every honest person—to recognize their failure and need for grace. Paul later explains this dynamic: the law was never meant to save but to reveal sin and drive us to Christ (Romans 3:20, 7:7-13, Galatians 3:24). The lawyer's next question ("Who is my neighbor?") reveals he's already looking for loopholes—proving he doesn't love perfectly and can't save himself.
Historical Context
This exchange occurred during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem. The lawyer's question about eternal life reflected contemporary Jewish debates about salvation requirements. Rabbinic tradition debated which commands were weightiest, how many one must keep, and whether faith or works secured salvation. Jesus' response follows rabbinic pedagogical method—answering questions with questions—but leads to devastating self-revelation: the lawyer knows what to do but can't do it perfectly enough to merit eternal life.
Reflection
- How does Jesus' command to 'do this' expose the impossibility of self-salvation through law-keeping?
- Why is the lawyer's subsequent question ('Who is my neighbor?') evidence that he's already failed to love as the law requires?
- What is the relationship between the law's genuine promise of life and the gospel's gift of life through faith in Christ?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 7:43, Leviticus 18:5, Nehemiah 9:29, Ezekiel 20:11, Matthew 19:17, Romans 3:19