Luke 18:18

KJV

¶ And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} a certain {G5100} ruler {G758} asked {G1905} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Good {G18} Master {G1320}, what {G5101} shall I do {G4160} to inherit {G2816} eternal {G166} life {G2222}?

Complete Jewish Bible

One of the leaders asked him, “Good rabbi, what should I do to obtain eternal life?”

Berean Standard Bible

Then a certain ruler asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

American Standard Version

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:18 introduces a pivotal encounter between Jesus and a prominent, wealthy individual, commonly known as the rich young ruler. This verse captures the ruler's earnest, yet fundamentally misdirected, question regarding the pathway to eternal life, setting the stage for Jesus' profound teaching on the nature of salvation, the demands of discipleship, and the inherent human struggle with material possessions and self-righteousness in the pursuit of God's Kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This encounter immediately follows Jesus' teaching on the necessity of receiving the Kingdom of God with the humble, dependent faith of a child, as articulated in [Luke 18:17](/luke/18-17 "Luke 18:17 - Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child"). The ruler's question, "what shall I do to inherit eternal life?", directly contrasts with Jesus' preceding emphasis on passive reception rather than active earning. This juxtaposition highlights a central tension in the Gospel: human attempts at self-justification versus divine grace. The narrative continues to explore the ruler's inability to fully embrace Jesus' radical call, leading to his sorrowful departure and Jesus' subsequent teaching on the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God, as seen in [Luke 18:23-27](/luke/18-23-27 "Luke 18:23-27 - The Rich Man's Struggle and God's Power"). Parallel accounts of this significant interaction are also found in [Matthew 19:16-22](/matthew/19-16-22 "Matthew 19:16-22 - The Rich Young Man in Matthew") and [Mark 10:17-22](/mark/10-17-22 "Mark 10:17-22 - The Rich Young Man in Mark"), underscoring its thematic importance across the Synoptic Gospels.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The individual is identified as an "archon" (ruler), indicating a position of authority and influence, likely a member of the Sanhedrin or a local synagogue leader, suggesting he was a respected and observant Jew. In the Jewish tradition of the time, "inheriting eternal life" was often understood as the reward for strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and the commandments. The question "what shall I do?" reflects a common rabbinic framework where righteousness was achieved through diligent obedience and good works. Wealth was often viewed as a sign of God's blessing, making the ruler's subsequent struggle with Jesus' command to sell his possessions particularly challenging within his cultural paradigm. His address to Jesus as "Good Master" (Good Teacher) also reveals a cultural respect for religious instructors, yet Jesus' response to this title in [Luke 18:19](/luke/18-19 "Luke 18:19 - Jesus' Response to 'Good Master'") subtly challenges the ruler's understanding of goodness itself, pointing to God as the ultimate standard.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several profound themes central to the Gospel of Luke and Christian theology. The most prominent is **The Quest for Eternal Life**, reflecting humanity's innate longing for ultimate meaning and salvation, though often approached through a works-based mentality. The ruler's question immediately sets up the theme of **Human Effort vs. Divine Grace**, contrasting the desire to "do" something to earn salvation with Jesus' revelation that true entry into the Kingdom is a gift received through humble faith and radical discipleship. Furthermore, the interaction highlights **Jesus' Authority and Identity**, as He not only answers the ruler's question but also probes the implications of the title "Good Master," subtly hinting at His own divine nature and the unique source of true goodness. Finally, the subsequent narrative will delve into the theme of **The Danger of Riches**, demonstrating how material wealth can become an obstacle to wholehearted devotion to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Greek, _agathós'_):** This primary word signifies "good" in any sense, often used as a noun to mean benefit or good things. When the ruler addresses Jesus as "Good Master," he is using a term of high respect, acknowledging Jesus' moral excellence and teaching. However, Jesus' immediate response in [Luke 18:19](/luke/18-19 "Luke 18:19 - Why do you call me good?") challenges the ruler to consider the absolute nature of goodness, implying that only God is inherently good in the ultimate sense. This forces the ruler to ponder whether he truly understands the implications of his address.
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** Derived from the verb "to teach," this term denotes an instructor, doctor, or teacher. The ruler recognizes Jesus as a respected religious authority, a teacher who could impart wisdom on the path to eternal life. This title reflects the ruler's perception of Jesus as a human sage or rabbi, capable of providing instruction, rather than necessarily acknowledging His divine authority or messianic identity.
* **inherit (Greek, _klēronoméō'_):** This verb means "to be an heir to" or "to obtain by inheritance," literally or figuratively. It suggests receiving a legacy, a birthright, or a portion that is given rather than earned through labor. The ruler's use of this term, coupled with his question "what shall I do?", reveals a tension: he speaks of receiving an inheritance, yet he seeks to earn it through his own actions, highlighting a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of eternal life as a divine gift.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a certain ruler asked him, saying,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the setting and the primary character. The "ruler" (ἄρχων, _archōn_) signifies a person of significant social standing and authority, likely a respected leader in the Jewish community. His initiative in approaching Jesus indicates a genuine spiritual earnestness and a recognition of Jesus' growing reputation as a teacher. The phrase "asked him, saying" sets up a direct dialogue, a common pedagogical method employed by Jesus.
* **"Good Master,"**: This address is a respectful and honorific title. "Good" (ἀγαθέ, _agathe_) acknowledges Jesus' moral character and perceived wisdom, while "Master" (διδάσκαλε, _didaskale_) identifies Jesus as a teacher or rabbi. This respectful salutation, however, becomes a point of theological inquiry for Jesus, who uses it to prompt the ruler to consider the ultimate source of goodness.
* **"what shall I do"**: This phrase reveals the ruler's underlying assumption about obtaining eternal life. His focus is on "doing" (ποιέω, _poiéō_), indicating a works-based understanding of righteousness, common in the legalistic religious climate of the time. He believes that eternal life is something that can be achieved through specific actions, commandments, or religious observances. This question frames the entire subsequent dialogue, as Jesus will challenge this premise.
* **"to inherit eternal life?"**: This is the core of the ruler's inquiry, expressing a deep human longing for ultimate salvation and a lasting future beyond earthly existence. "Eternal life" (ζωὴν αἰώνιον, _zōēn aiōnion_) refers not merely to unending existence but to a quality of life—a life in fellowship with God, characterized by His divine nature and blessing. The use of "inherit" (κληρονομήσω, _klēronomēsō_) suggests a legacy or birthright, which ironically contrasts with the ruler's "what shall I do?" approach, hinting at the tension between earning and receiving.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:18 effectively employs several literary devices to set the stage for Jesus' profound teaching. The most prominent is **Dialogue**, which serves as the primary vehicle for theological instruction in this pericope. The ruler's direct question initiates a back-and-forth exchange that allows Jesus to expose the ruler's spiritual blind spots and reveal deeper truths about the Kingdom of God. There is also a subtle **Irony** present: the ruler, a man of authority and presumed wisdom, approaches Jesus with a question that reveals his fundamental misunderstanding of salvation, believing it to be earned by human effort rather than received as a gift. Furthermore, the verse sets up a powerful **Contrast** between the ruler's works-based mindset and the childlike humility Jesus had just advocated in [Luke 18:17](/luke/18-17 "Luke 18:17 - Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child"), highlighting the different approaches to entering God's Kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:18 serves as a crucial theological pivot, highlighting the perennial human inclination to earn divine favor through personal merit and religious observance. The ruler's question, "what shall I do to inherit eternal life?", encapsulates the works-righteousness paradigm prevalent in many religious systems, contrasting sharply with the New Testament's revelation of salvation as a gift received by grace through faith. This encounter underscores that true goodness resides in God alone, challenging any human presumption of self-sufficiency in the pursuit of eternal life. It also sets the stage for Jesus to expose the idols of the heart, particularly the deceptive power of wealth, which can hinder one's complete surrender to God. Ultimately, the verse initiates a discourse that reveals the radical demands of discipleship and the transformative power of God to accomplish what is impossible for humans.

* [Matthew 19:16](/matthew/19-16 "Matthew 19:16 - The Rich Young Man's Question")
* [Mark 10:17](/mark/10-17 "Mark 10:17 - The Rich Young Man's Approach to Jesus")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The rich young ruler's question in Luke 18:18 resonates deeply with the human condition, reflecting our innate desire for purpose, meaning, and a lasting legacy. Yet, it also exposes our tendency to approach God from a position of self-reliance, asking "What must I do?" rather than "What has God done?" or "How can I receive?" This verse challenges us to honestly examine our own hearts: Do we subtly believe that our good deeds, moral uprightness, or religious observances are sufficient to earn God's favor or secure our eternal destiny? Are we, like the ruler, prepared to receive an "inheritance" but unwilling to relinquish the things we hold most dear when God calls us to radical obedience? True spiritual fulfillment is not found in accumulating merits but in humbly acknowledging our need for God's grace and surrendering our lives, including our possessions and perceived achievements, to His sovereign will. This passage calls us to a profound re-evaluation of our priorities and a radical trust in God's provision and pathway to life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I still operate with a "what must I do?" mindset, rather than a "what must I receive?" approach to God's grace?**
* **What "good deeds" or accomplishments do I subtly rely on for my sense of worth or standing before God?**
* **How does the ruler's question challenge my understanding of what it truly means to "inherit" eternal life?**
* **What might be the "one thing" in my life that, like the ruler's wealth, hinders my complete surrender to Jesus?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "certain ruler" mentioned in Luke 18:18?**
Answer: The "certain ruler" is commonly referred to as the rich young ruler. While Luke identifies him simply as an "archon" (a ruler or magistrate), the parallel accounts in [Matthew 19:20](/matthew/19-20 "Matthew 19:20 - The Rich Young Man's Claim") add that he was "young," and all three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) emphasize his great wealth. His position as a "ruler" suggests he was a person of significant social standing and authority, likely a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin or a leader in a local synagogue, indicating he was a respected and observant Jew.

**Why did Jesus challenge the ruler's use of "Good Master" in Luke 18:19?**
Answer: When the ruler addressed Jesus as "Good Master" (or "Good Teacher"), Jesus responded by saying, "Why do you call me good? No one is good—except God alone" ([Luke 18:19](/luke/18-19 "Luke 18:19 - Why do you call me good?")). Jesus was not denying His own goodness or divinity. Instead, He was probing the ruler's understanding of "goodness." Was the ruler merely using a polite honorific, or did he truly grasp the profound implications of calling someone "good" in an absolute sense? Jesus' response forces the ruler to consider that ultimate, inherent goodness belongs uniquely to God. It was a challenge to the ruler to either acknowledge Jesus' divine nature (if he truly believed Jesus was absolutely good) or to reconsider his own limited understanding of goodness and the source of eternal life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:18, with the rich young ruler's earnest inquiry about inheriting eternal life, powerfully sets the stage for the Christ-centered fulfillment of humanity's deepest longings. The ruler's question, "what shall I do?", highlights the inherent human tendency to seek salvation through works and self-effort, a path that ultimately proves insufficient. Jesus, as the Good Master, subtly redirects the ruler's gaze from his own doing to the ultimate source of all goodness—God Himself. This encounter foreshadows the New Covenant reality where eternal life is not earned by adherence to the Law, but is a gracious gift freely offered through Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), and through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He became the sole means by which humanity can truly "inherit" eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). The "goodness" the ruler attributed to Jesus finds its ultimate expression in Christ's sinless life and His atoning work, which alone makes us righteous before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Thus, the answer to "what shall I do?" is ultimately "believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" ([Acts 16:31](/acts/16-31 "Acts 16:31 - Believe in the Lord Jesus")), receiving as an inheritance what no human effort could ever achieve.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 10:17

¶ And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

Mark 10:31

But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last first.

Acts 16:30

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Matthew 19:16

¶ And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

Matthew 19:30

But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.

Luke 6:46

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Acts 2:37

¶ Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?