What does Luke 18:20 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 18:20 is a statement made by Jesus in response to a rich ruler who inquires about inheriting eternal life.

This exchange is indicative of a common teaching moment in the Gospels where Jesus clarifies or reinterprets the Law.

The commandments Jesus cites are notably from the Ten Commandments, which are central to Jewish moral law, and He emphasizes moral and social duties towards others ("Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness") and towards one's immediate family ("Honour thy father and thy mother").

The literal reading of the verse is Jesus summarizing parts of the Decalogue as a basic framework for righteousness.

The deeper meaning, as found within the broader narrative, is challenging the rich ruler to reflect on the spirit of these commandments and their application in his life, beyond mere legalistic adherence.

Historical Context

Luke 18:20 must be seen in the context of 1st century Judea under Roman occupation.

It was a time when Jewish law and tradition strongly influenced daily life.

The Ten Commandments, from which these mentioned commandments are derived, date back to the Mosaic Law given to the people of Israel as part of the Old Covenant.

For the Jewish people, obeying the Law was fundamental to their identity and covenant with God.

The mention of these commandments by Jesus connects His teaching to the established law, while preparing to reveal a deeper, more challenging understanding of righteousness in His subsequent teachings.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse can be understood in different ways.

Traditional evangelical theology might view Jesus' response as highlighting the importance of the Law, but also suggest that these commandments, while good and necessary, are insufficient on their own for salvation - hence the need for grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Catholic theology would concur with the importance of the commandments but also emphasize the necessity of good works in cooperation with grace.

Liberation theology could interpret Jesus' reference to the commandments as a call to social justice, honoring God not just through personal morality but also by addressing systemic sins in society.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, the commandments Jesus references serve as a moral compass, guiding individuals to engage in ethical behavior towards others and to honor family bonds.

Practically, this means being faithful in relationships, respecting others' rights and property, speaking truthfully, and showing due reverence and care for one's parents.

These actions contribute to building a just and compassionate society.

Cross-References

• Exodus 20:12-16: "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Thou shalt not kill.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Thou shalt not steal.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour."

• Deuteronomy 5:16-20: Similar to Exodus, reiterates the same commandments in the Deuteronomic version of the Decalogue.
• Matthew 19:18-19: "He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

Language Study

The commandments cited use imperative verbs in Greek that are direct translations of the Hebrew imperatives found in the Ten Commandments:

• "μοιχεύσεις" (moicheusēis): Do not commit adultery.
• "φονεύσεις" (phoneusēis): Do not kill.
• "κλέψεις" (klepseis): Do not steal.
• "ψευδομαρτυρήσεις" (pseudomartyrēseis): Do not bear false witness.
• "τίμα" (tima): Honor (your father and your mother).

These Greek terms would have been understood by the audience as directly correlating to the commonly known Hebrew commandments.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader ancient Near East culture, several societies had law codes with similarities to the Ten Commandments, like the Code of Hammurabi. These also emphasized social and moral order but often included more severe and corporal punishments.

The concept of honoring one's parents was not unique to Judaism, but it was perhaps unique in combining both a social and religious imperative. In comparison to other religions or myths from the time, Jewish law stands out for its monotheistic integration of moral, social, and religious duties.

Scientific Perspectives

While the commandments in this verse are moral and ethical injunctions, modern psychological and sociological research can affirm the value of these principles.

Studies on moral development, such as those influenced by Kohlberg's stages of moral understanding, support the importance of internalized ethical standards like those Jesus cites.

Scientifically, creating stable social structures often includes the prohibition of behaviors that destabilize relationships and community trust, mirroring the prohibitions found in the commandments.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse and its context:

• William Barclay notes that Jesus begins with the commandments that deal with one's duty to other people, as it is in relationships where character is truly tested.
• John Calvin comments that the commandments show a perfection of righteousness in the law of God, and Jesus uses them to teach self-denial to the rich ruler.
• The “New American Commentary” points out that the commandments Jesus mentions are those most visible in society, suggesting perhaps that this ruler's question was more about societal righteousness than heart righteousness.
• N.

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Wright suggests that the passage is a challenge, a call to go beyond the formal keeping of the law to understanding its intent and to live in a way that reflects love for God and neighbor.