King James Version

What Does Luke 10:25 Mean?

Luke 10:25 in the King James Version says “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

Luke 10:25 · KJV

Eternal Life

Context

23

And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately , Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:

24

For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

25

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

26

He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

27

And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The lawyer's question 'Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' (διδάσκαλε, τί ποιήσας ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσω;) reveals a works-based understanding of salvation. The participle 'poiēsas' (ποιήσας, having done) assumes earning eternal life through performance. Jesus redirects him to Scripture (v.26), then tells the Good Samaritan parable to expose self-righteousness and demonstrate that no one perfectly fulfills the law's demands. The question 'who is my neighbor?' (v.29) attempts to limit obligation and justify selective love, but Jesus' answer universalizes neighbor-love, making salvation by law-keeping impossible and pointing toward grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Lawyers (νομικοί, nomikoi) were experts in Mosaic law and oral tradition, part of the scribal class. They interpreted Torah and taught in synagogues. This lawyer 'stood up to test' (ἐκπειράζων, trying to trap) Jesus, seeking to discredit Him publicly. His question about eternal life reflects first-century Jewish debate over salvation requirements—Pharisees emphasized law observance, while Jesus taught grace through faith. The parable's setting on the Jericho road (a notoriously dangerous 17-mile descent from Jerusalem) would resonate with hearers familiar with banditry in that region.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the lawyer's works-based question reveal the human tendency to seek salvation through performance?
  2. What does Jesus' response teach about the law's purpose in exposing sin rather than providing salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδού,2 of 15

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

νομικός3 of 15

“lawyer”

G3544

according (or pertaining) to law, i.e., legal (ceremonially); as noun, an expert in the (mosaic) law

τις4 of 15

“a certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀνέστη5 of 15

“stood up”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

ἐκπειράζων6 of 15

“tempted”

G1598

to test thoroughly

αὐτὸν7 of 15

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Καὶ8 of 15

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λέγων,9 of 15

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Διδάσκαλε10 of 15

“Master”

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

τί11 of 15

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ποιήσας12 of 15

“shall I do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ζωὴν13 of 15

“life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

αἰώνιον14 of 15

“eternal”

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

κληρονομήσω15 of 15

“to inherit”

G2816

to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 10:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 10:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 22:34-39Luke 18:18Acts 16:30-31Matthew 19:16-19Galatians 3:18Luke 11:45-46

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