Luke 18:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus points the ruler to the commandments he has known all his life — the ones that govern duty to neighbor.
What Does Luke 18:20 Mean?
Jesus quotes five of the ten commandments: adultery, murder, theft, false witness, honoring father and mother. Notice the selection — all of them deal with how we treat people. The commands about having no other gods, the ones that search out the heart's first allegiance, wait unspoken in the background.
The answer honors the law as God's true word; eternal life does not bypass obedience. But the selection is also a physician's diagnostic. The ruler will pass every test on this list — and Jesus will then touch the single allegiance the list never named. God's commandments are a mirror, and Jesus is holding it up with great care, in love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 18:20
What does Luke 18:20 mean?
Jesus points the ruler to the commandments he has known all his life — the ones that govern duty to neighbor.