Luke 18:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou knowest {G1492} the commandments {G1785}, Do {G3431} not {G3361} commit adultery {G3431}, Do {G5407} not {G3361} kill {G5407}, Do {G2813} not {G3361} steal {G2813}, Do {G5576} not {G3361} bear false witness {G5576}, Honour {G5091} thy {G4675} father {G3962} and {G2532} thy {G4675} mother {G3384}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You know the mitzvot — ‘Don’t commit adultery, don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t give false testimony, honor your father and mother, . . .’”

Berean Standard Bible

You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.’”

American Standard Version

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor thy father and mother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 18:20 captures Jesus's direct engagement with a rich young ruler, who seeks to understand the path to eternal life. In this pivotal moment, Jesus confronts the man with a selection of commandments from the Mosaic Law, specifically those pertaining to interpersonal ethics. This interaction serves to illuminate the man's self-perception of righteousness, setting the stage for Jesus's deeper revelation concerning the true cost of discipleship and the nature of God's perfect standard.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the well-known narrative of the Rich Young Ruler, immediately following his earnest question to Jesus: "Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" ([Luke 18:18](/luke/18-18 "Luke 18:18 - The Rich Young Ruler's Question")). Jesus's response in [Luke 18:19](/luke/18-19 "Luke 18:19 - Why Call Me Good?") challenges the ruler's premise, then pivots to the commandments as a foundational starting point. The verses that follow ([Luke 18:21-23](/luke/18-21-23 "Luke 18:21-23 - The Ruler's Response and Jesus's Challenge")) reveal the ruler's confident assertion of obedience, which Jesus then exposes as insufficient by calling him to surrender his wealth, leading to the ruler's sorrowful departure. This entire pericope is part of Luke's larger "travel narrative" (Luke 9:51-19:27), where Jesus progressively teaches His disciples and others about the demands of the Kingdom of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The commandments listed by Jesus are direct citations from the Decalogue, specifically the latter five of the Ten Commandments, which primarily govern human-to-human relationships. In first-century Judaism, adherence to the Mosaic Law was central to religious identity and a perceived path to righteousness. The scribes and Pharisees often emphasized meticulous observance of the Law, sometimes leading to a superficial understanding that prioritized outward actions over inward transformation. Jesus's choice to list these particular commandments, rather than the first table concerning duties to God, is significant. It sets up a test for the ruler, who, like many devout Jews, would have considered himself a faithful keeper of these moral precepts, reflecting a common societal understanding of what constituted a "good" or "righteous" person.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 18:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **The Law as a Revealer of Sin and Self-Righteousness**. Jesus uses the Law not as a means to salvation, but as a mirror to expose the ruler's true spiritual condition and his inability to perfectly meet God's standard, a theme echoed in [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin"). Secondly, it underscores the **Demands of Discipleship**, showing that inheriting eternal life requires more than mere external obedience to moral codes; it necessitates radical commitment and a willingness to surrender all to God, as further elaborated in Jesus's teachings on discipleship throughout [Luke 9](/luke/9 "Luke 9 - Discipleship and Sacrifice"). Finally, the chosen commandments emphasize **Love for Neighbor and Societal Ethics**, reflecting the second great commandment ([Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - Love Your Neighbor")), and demonstrating that true righteousness has tangible implications for how one interacts with others in community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowest (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb, used here in the perfect tense, signifies not merely intellectual acquaintance but a deep, experiential knowledge or understanding. When Jesus says "Thou knowest," He implies that the ruler is not merely aware of the commandments but is presumed to have internalized and lived by them. The term challenges the ruler to consider the depth of his claimed obedience.
* **Commandments (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to enjoin" or "to command," this noun refers to an authoritative prescription or divine injunction. In this context, it specifically denotes the precepts of the Mosaic Law, particularly the Decalogue. The use of this term emphasizes that these are not mere suggestions but binding divine decrees that demand obedience.
* **Honour (Greek, _timáō'_):** This verb means "to prize," "to fix a valuation upon," or "to revere." In the context of "Honour thy father and thy mother," it implies showing respect, care, and obedience to parents, acknowledging their authority and value. This commandment, unlike the preceding prohibitions, is a positive injunction, requiring active demonstration of esteem and filial duty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou knowest the commandments,"**: Jesus begins by appealing to the rich young ruler's presumed knowledge and understanding of the Mosaic Law. This is not a question but a statement, setting the foundation for the subsequent enumeration of specific precepts. It suggests that the ruler, as a devout Jew, should be intimately familiar with these divine instructions.
* **"Do not commit adultery,"**: This is the seventh commandment (Exodus 20:14). It prohibits sexual immorality outside the covenant of marriage, emphasizing fidelity and the sanctity of marital bonds. Jesus's inclusion of this commandment highlights the importance of moral purity in personal conduct.
* **"Do not kill,"**: This is the sixth commandment (Exodus 20:13). It prohibits murder, underscoring the sacredness of human life, which is created in God's image. This commandment speaks to the fundamental right to life and the prohibition of unlawful taking of life.
* **"Do not steal,"**: This is the eighth commandment (Exodus 20:15). It prohibits the unlawful taking of another's property, emphasizing respect for personal possessions and the principles of justice and honesty in economic dealings.
* **"Do not bear false witness,"**: This is the ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16). It prohibits lying or giving false testimony, especially in legal contexts, but also more broadly in interpersonal communication. It stresses the importance of truthfulness and integrity in speech.
* **"Honour thy father and thy mother."**: This is the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12). Unlike the preceding prohibitions, this is a positive command, requiring active respect, care, and obedience towards one's parents. It underscores the foundational importance of family relationships and intergenerational respect within society.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 18:20 employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where Jesus lists five specific commandments. This direct listing serves to confront the ruler with a clear, undeniable standard that he would have recognized. The repeated phrase "Do not..." at the beginning of four of the commandments creates a strong sense of **Anaphora**, emphasizing the prohibitive nature of these laws and their direct, unambiguous demands. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as an **Allusion** to the Decalogue, drawing upon the foundational moral code of Israel. This allusion is not merely a reference but a strategic move by Jesus to establish common ground with the ruler before revealing the deeper implications of true righteousness. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: the ruler confidently claims to have kept all these from his youth, yet Jesus's subsequent instruction reveals that his obedience was superficial, lacking the radical commitment to God that the Law ultimately points to.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 18:20 profoundly illustrates the purpose of God's Law. While the rich young ruler believed his adherence to these commandments qualified him for eternal life, Jesus's use of them serves not as a path to justification, but as a diagnostic tool. The Law, in this context, functions as a mirror, reflecting humanity's inherent inability to perfectly fulfill God's righteous demands and thereby exposing the pervasive nature of sin and self-righteousness. It underscores that salvation cannot be earned through human effort or moral performance, no matter how diligently attempted. Instead, the Law prepares the heart to recognize its need for a Savior, demonstrating that true righteousness must come from a source beyond human capacity.

* [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin"): "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."
* [Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Schoolmaster"): "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."
* [Deuteronomy 5:6-21](/deuteronomy/5-6-21 "Deuteronomy 5:6-21 - The Ten Commandments Repeated"): The original context of the commandments cited by Jesus, emphasizing their divine origin and comprehensive scope.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 18:20 challenges us to honestly examine our own understanding of righteousness and salvation. Like the rich young ruler, we might be tempted to rely on our good deeds, moral conduct, or adherence to religious rules as a basis for our standing before God. This verse serves as a potent reminder that while God's moral law remains eternally valid and provides a guide for righteous living, it was never intended as the means to earn eternal life. Instead, it exposes our sin and our desperate need for God's grace. For believers, the commandments are not a ladder to climb to heaven, but a pathway for sanctification, guiding us in how to love God and our neighbor. Our obedience flows from a heart transformed by grace, not as a condition for receiving it. We are called to strive for holiness, not out of a legalistic duty to earn favor, but out of grateful response to the One who perfectly fulfilled the law on our behalf.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own efforts or good deeds rather than God's grace for my sense of worth or righteousness?**
* **How does Jesus's interaction with the rich young ruler challenge my understanding of what it truly means to "inherit eternal life"?**
* **How can I view God's commandments not as burdensome rules, but as loving guidelines for a life that honors Him and serves others?**
* **What hidden areas of self-righteousness might the "mirror" of God's law be revealing in my own heart today?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus list these specific commandments, focusing on human relationships rather than duties to God?**

Answer: Jesus's selection of commandments from the second table of the Decalogue ("Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother") was strategic. These commandments primarily concern human-to-human relationships and outward moral behavior, which were often the focus of perceived righteousness in Jewish society. By listing these, Jesus aimed to meet the rich young ruler where he was, challenging his self-perception of having "kept all these from my youth" ([Luke 18:21](/luke/18-21 "Luke 18:21 - The Ruler's Claim")). The subsequent command to sell all his possessions ([Luke 18:22](/luke/18-22 "Luke 18:22 - Jesus's Further Command")) then exposed the ruler's deeper issue: his love for wealth, which violated the spirit of the first commandment (no other gods before God) and the command to love God with all his heart. Jesus used these familiar moral precepts to reveal a deeper spiritual deficiency and to demonstrate that true righteousness goes beyond external compliance.

**Does keeping the commandments lead to eternal life, according to Jesus?**

Answer: No, not in the way the rich young ruler understood it. While Jesus initially points to the commandments, His subsequent interaction reveals that perfect obedience to the Law is impossible for fallen humanity and that mere external adherence does not grant eternal life. The Law's primary function is to expose sin and demonstrate humanity's need for a Savior, as articulated in [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin"). Jesus's further instruction to sell all possessions and follow Him ([Luke 18:22](/luke/18-22 "Luke 18:22 - Jesus's Call to Discipleship")) was not a new commandment for salvation, but a specific test designed to expose the ruler's ultimate idol (his wealth) and his lack of radical commitment to God. True eternal life is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and provides righteousness to all who believe ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ, the End of the Law")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 18:20, with its recitation of the commandments, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in multiple dimensions. Firstly, Jesus Himself is the perfect embodiment and fulfiller of the Law. Unlike the rich young ruler or any other human, Jesus never committed adultery, killed, stole, bore false witness, or dishonored His parents; He perfectly upheld every jot and tittle of God's righteous standard ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, both in His sinless life and in His atoning death. Secondly, the Law, as presented here, serves as a "schoolmaster" ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Schoolmaster")) to lead us to Christ. It reveals the impossibility of earning salvation through human effort, thereby highlighting our desperate need for a righteousness that comes from outside ourselves. Christ becomes "the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth" ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ, the End of the Law")), meaning that His perfect obedience and sacrificial death are imputed to believers, providing the righteousness that the Law demands but we cannot achieve. Thus, the commandments in Luke 18:20 ultimately point us to the One who perfectly kept them and through whom alone eternal life is truly found.

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

Exodus 20:12

¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Exodus 20:17

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbour's.

Romans 13:9

For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Mark 10:18

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God.

Mark 10:19

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

Matthew 19:17

And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

Matthew 19:19

Honour thy father and [thy] mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.