Luke 18:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 18:20
20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
Chapter Context
Luke 18 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, wisdom, love. 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 21-43: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 18:20
20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
Analysis
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother—Jesus quotes the Decalogue, specifically the second table (duties toward others) from Exodus 20. Tas entolas oidas (τὰς ἐντολὰς οἶδας)—'you know the commandments'—assumes the ruler's Torah education.
Jesus lists commandments six through nine (adultery, murder, theft, false witness) and jumps to five (honor parents), omitting ten (coveting). He focuses on external behaviors the ruler can claim to have kept. This is pedagogical strategy: Jesus will expose that commandment-keeping doesn't produce righteousness but reveals heart idolatry (coveting wealth). The law's purpose isn't justification but conviction—showing inability to save oneself (Romans 3:20, Galatians 3:24).
Historical Context
Pharisaic Judaism taught that perfect commandment observance earned eternal life. The ruler represents this theology's best case—someone who sincerely believes he's kept the law from youth. Jesus doesn't initially dispute this claim (v. 21) but will demonstrate that external conformity masks internal idolatry. Paul later testified to similar pre-conversion confidence: 'touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless' (Philippians 3:6), yet counted it all loss compared to Christ.
Reflection
- Why does Jesus focus on the second table (duties to others) rather than the first table (duties to God)?
- What does Jesus's strategy of citing commandments the ruler claims to keep reveal about the law's purpose?
- How can external commandment-keeping coexist with internal heart idolatry?
Cross-References
- Word: Romans 13:9, Ephesians 6:2