Matthew 19:18 Meaning and Explanation
“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,”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Asked which commandments, Jesus lists several from the law concerning one's neighbor.
What Does Matthew 19:18 Mean?
The young man asks, "Which?" and Jesus names commandments from the law: do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness. These are duties toward one's neighbor, drawn from the commandments given at Sinai, familiar to every faithful Israelite.
By citing these well-known commands, Jesus brings the conversation to common, testable ground. He does not invent a new standard but points to God's revealed will. The commandments listed all concern how we treat others, preparing the way for the searching question of where the young man's heart truly lies. Christ meets the seeker with words he has known since childhood, then begins to lead him beyond mere outward keeping toward the love these laws were always meant to express.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 19:18
What does Matthew 19:18 mean?
Asked which commandments, Jesus lists several from the law concerning one's neighbor.