Luke 18:21

And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

And {G1161} he said {G2036}, All {G3956} these {G5023} have I kept {G5442} from {G1537} my {G3450} youth {G3503} up.

He replied, “I have kept all these since I was a boy.”

“All these I have kept from my youth,” he said.

And he said, All these things have I observed from my youth up.

In Luke 18:21, we hear the confident declaration of the rich young ruler, who has just asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. After Jesus recites several commandments from the Mosaic Law, the young man responds, "All these have I kept from my youth up." This verse is central to understanding his self-perception and sets the stage for Jesus' profound follow-up challenge.

Context

This verse is part of the well-known encounter between Jesus and a wealthy young man, also recorded in Matthew 19:16-30 and Mark 10:17-31. The young man, who is also described as a ruler (likely a synagogue leader or member of the Sanhedrin), approaches Jesus with a sincere question about inheriting eternal life. Jesus initially points him to the commandments, implying that true righteousness involves adherence to God's law. The young man's response in Luke 18:21 reveals a deep conviction that he has perfectly fulfilled these requirements since childhood, demonstrating a form of self-righteousness common among those who outwardly adhere to religious duties.

Key Themes

  • Self-Righteousness and Outward Obedience: The young ruler's statement highlights a common human tendency to believe that salvation can be earned through perfect adherence to rules. He genuinely believed he had kept the commandments, focusing on external actions rather than the spirit of the law or the condition of his heart.
  • Misunderstanding of the Law's Purpose: While the Law reveals God's character and standard, it also exposes humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill it. The young man saw the Law as a ladder to eternal life, rather than a mirror revealing his need for a Savior.
  • The Heart's True Condition: Jesus' subsequent challenge (seen in Luke 18:22) will expose the young man's true obstacle: his attachment to wealth, which he valued more than complete surrender to God. His claim of keeping the commandments was sincere but superficial, failing to address the deeper idolatry in his life.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "kept" is phulassō (φυλάσσω), which means to guard, observe, or keep safe. It conveys a diligent and careful adherence. The phrase "from my youth up" (ek neotētos) emphasizes that this was not a recent commitment but a lifelong practice, reinforcing the young man's confidence in his own moral uprightness.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for us to examine our own hearts. Do we, like the rich young ruler, rely on our good deeds, religious observances, or moral uprightness for our standing with God? True discipleship requires more than outward compliance; it demands a complete surrender of our lives, our possessions, and our deepest affections to Christ. The Law reveals our need for God's grace, as Romans 3:20 states that by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified. Our confidence for eternal life must rest not on what we have done, but on what Jesus Christ has done for us.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Philippians 3:6

    Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

  • Matthew 19:20

    The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

  • Matthew 19:21

    Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.

  • Romans 10:2

    For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

  • Romans 10:3

    For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

  • Mark 10:20

    And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

  • Mark 10:21

    Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

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