Matthew 19:18

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

He saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Which {G4169}?{G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036}, Thou shalt do {G5407} no {G3756} murder {G5407}, Thou shalt {G3431} not {G3756} commit adultery {G3431}, Thou shalt {G2813} not {G3756} steal {G2813}, Thou shalt {G5576} not {G3756} bear false witness {G5576},

Complete Jewish Bible

The man asked him, "Which ones?" and Yeshua said, "Don't murder, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't give false testimony

Berean Standard Bible

“Which ones?” the man asked. Jesus answered, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness,

American Standard Version

He saith unto him, Which? And Jesus said, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 19:18 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' interaction with a rich young man who seeks to inherit eternal life. In response to the man's inquiry about which commandments he must keep, Jesus begins to enumerate several specific prohibitions from the Decalogue, focusing on those related to ethical conduct towards one's neighbor: murder, adultery, theft, and false witness. This initial listing serves as a foundational reference point, setting the stage for Jesus to reveal the deeper, more radical demands of true discipleship and the limitations of mere outward obedience to the Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem, where he increasingly teaches about the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven and the demands of discipleship. Immediately preceding this exchange, Jesus has been discussing the sanctity of marriage and divorce in [Matthew 19:1-12](/matthew/19-1-12 "Matthew 19:1-12 - Jesus Teaches on Marriage and Divorce"), followed by the blessing of the children in [Matthew 19:13-15](/matthew/19-13-15 "Matthew 19:13-15 - Jesus Blesses the Children"). The encounter with the rich young ruler, beginning in [Matthew 19:16](/matthew/19-16 "Matthew 19:16 - The Rich Young Ruler's Question"), transitions the focus to the practical implications of seeking eternal life. Jesus' initial response to "keep the commandments" (Matthew 19:17) leads directly to the young man's follow-up question in verse 18, prompting Jesus to list specific commandments that highlight relational ethics before revealing the ultimate test of the young man's heart.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the time of Jesus, the Mosaic Law, particularly the Ten Commandments (Decalogue), formed the bedrock of Jewish religious and ethical life. Observance of these commandments was understood as a path to righteousness and a demonstration of faithfulness to God's covenant with Israel. The Jewish society of the first century placed significant emphasis on external adherence to the Law, often believing that diligent obedience could merit divine favor and eternal life. The rich young ruler's question, "What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16), reflects this cultural understanding that eternal life was something to be earned through meritorious works. Jesus' selection of commandments in [Matthew 19:18-19](/matthew/19-18-19 "Matthew 19:18-19 - Jesus Lists the Commandments") specifically draws from the "second table" of the Decalogue, which outlines duties to one's neighbor, indicating that a right relationship with God is inextricably linked to right relationships with humanity.
* **Key Themes:** The interaction in [Matthew 19:16-22](/matthew/19-16-22 "Matthew 19:16-22 - The Rich Young Ruler") brings several key themes to the forefront. Firstly, it underscores **the Law's role** in revealing human sinfulness and the inadequacy of self-righteousness. Jesus' listing of commandments, particularly those concerning interpersonal ethics, serves as a mirror, reflecting the young man's perceived blamelessness while simultaneously preparing him for a deeper challenge. Secondly, the passage highlights the **nature of true discipleship**, moving beyond mere external obedience to a radical, internal commitment that prioritizes God's kingdom above all earthly possessions. This is powerfully illustrated by Jesus' subsequent command to sell all possessions and follow Him, found in [Matthew 19:21](/matthew/19-21 "Matthew 19:21 - Jesus' Radical Command"). Finally, the narrative touches upon the **peril of wealth** and the difficulty it poses for entering the Kingdom of Heaven, a theme Jesus explicitly addresses in [Matthew 19:23-26](/matthew/19-23-26 "Matthew 19:23-26 - The Difficulty of Wealth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **murder (Greek, _phoneúō'_):** From G5407, meaning "to be a murderer (of)," "kill," "do murder," or "slay." This term directly translates the Hebrew word for "murder" (רָצַח, _ratsach_) from the sixth commandment in the Decalogue. It refers to the unlawful taking of a human life, emphasizing the sanctity of life as ordained by God. Jesus' inclusion of this commandment underscores the foundational ethical principle of respecting human life.
* **steal (Greek, _kléptō'_):** From G2813, meaning "to filch" or "steal." This word corresponds to the eighth commandment. It denotes the act of taking another person's property without permission, highlighting the importance of respecting private property and the rights of others. This command is fundamental to maintaining trust and order within a community.
* **bear false witness (Greek, _pseudomartyréō'_):** From G5576, meaning "to be an untrue testifier" or "offer falsehood in evidence." This term directly relates to the ninth commandment. It prohibits lying, especially in a legal context, which could unjustly harm another's reputation, property, or life. This command emphasizes the value of truthfulness and integrity in all interpersonal dealings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He saith unto him, Which?":** This clause captures the rich young ruler's immediate response to Jesus' general instruction to "keep the commandments" (Matthew 19:17). His question "Which?" indicates a desire for specificity, perhaps believing he had already fulfilled the general requirements or seeking a definitive list of actions that would guarantee eternal life. It reveals a mindset focused on a checklist approach to righteousness.
* **"Jesus said, "Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,"**: Jesus' direct response begins to enumerate specific prohibitions from the "second table" of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:13-16; Deuteronomy 5:17-20). By listing "murder" (the sixth commandment), "adultery" (the seventh), "steal" (the eighth), and "bear false witness" (the ninth), Jesus focuses on the ethical duties owed to one's fellow human beings. These commands are universally recognized moral principles that underpin societal order and reflect a basic level of human decency and respect. Jesus' selection is strategic, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion about the deeper, internal demands of the Law and the ultimate test of the young man's heart.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Enumeration** as Jesus lists specific commandments, providing a clear and direct response to the young man's query. This technique serves to highlight the foundational moral principles that Jesus is referencing from the Old Testament Law. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Irony** in the young man's question "Which?", as he seemingly seeks a shortcut or a specific "good thing" to do, only to be met with a list of commandments he likely believed he had already perfectly kept. This sets up the dramatic irony of the subsequent verses where his self-righteousness is exposed by Jesus' radical demand. The commandments themselves function as **Metonymy**, where the specific prohibitions stand in for the broader ethical framework of the Law, particularly the principle of loving one's neighbor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:18 serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the Old Testament Law to New Testament ethics and the radical demands of the Kingdom. While Jesus affirms the validity of the commandments, His interaction with the rich young ruler demonstrates that mere external adherence is insufficient for true righteousness or eternal life. The commandments listed—those pertaining to one's neighbor—underscore the inseparable link between loving God and loving humanity, a principle Jesus would later summarize as the "second great commandment." This passage implicitly teaches that the Law's purpose is not merely to provide a path to earning salvation, but to expose the depth of human sin and the need for a righteousness that transcends outward performance, ultimately pointing to Christ as the fulfillment of the Law.

* [Exodus 20:13-16](/exodus/20-13-16 "Exodus 20:13-16 - The Ten Commandments")
* [Romans 7:7](/romans/7-7 "Romans 7:7 - The Law Reveals Sin")
* [James 2:10](/james/2-10 "James 2:10 - Breaking One Commandment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 19:18 challenges us to look beyond a superficial understanding of righteousness and to examine the true condition of our hearts. The rich young ruler, confident in his outward obedience, represents many who believe that good deeds or adherence to rules are sufficient for gaining God's favor. However, Jesus' subsequent interaction reveals that true discipleship demands a radical, internal transformation and an unreserved commitment to Him, often requiring us to surrender our most cherished possessions or self-perceptions. This passage calls us to humility, recognizing that while God's moral law is timeless and good, our ability to perfectly fulfill it is flawed, highlighting our need for grace. It prompts us to consider whether our obedience stems from a genuine love for God and neighbor, or from a desire to earn something.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of God's moral law do I find most challenging to obey, and why?**
* **Do I ever approach my faith as a checklist of rules to follow, rather than a relationship with Christ?**
* **How does my understanding of "loving my neighbor" (as reflected in the commandments Jesus lists) compare to my actual actions and attitudes?**
* **What "good thing" might I be relying on for my salvation, instead of the grace of God through faith in Jesus?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus only list some of the Ten Commandments, and not all of them?**

Answer: Jesus' selection of commandments in [Matthew 19:18-19](/matthew/19-18-19 "Matthew 19:18-19 - Jesus Lists the Commandments") is strategic. He focuses on the "second table" of the Decalogue—those commandments that govern human relationships and duties to one's neighbor (murder, adultery, theft, false witness, honoring parents, and loving your neighbor as yourself). By doing so, Jesus was likely probing the young man's heart, starting with the areas where he felt most confident in his obedience. This emphasis on horizontal relationships (human to human) serves to set up the ultimate challenge of the "first table" (human to God) in the form of the radical command to sell his possessions and follow Jesus, which tests his love for God above all else. Jesus' aim was not to give an exhaustive list of rules but to expose the young man's true spiritual condition and his ultimate idol.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 19:18 initially presents Jesus affirming the Old Testament Law, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in demonstrating the Law's inability to grant eternal life and its ultimate purpose in pointing to the need for Christ. The rich young ruler's confidence in his outward obedience to these commandments highlights humanity's inherent inability to achieve perfect righteousness through works, a theme powerfully articulated by Paul in [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - Law Reveals Sin"). Jesus, as the perfect embodiment of the Law, not only kept every commandment flawlessly (unlike the young ruler, who failed the ultimate test of selfless love in [Matthew 19:21-22](/matthew/19-21-22 "Matthew 19:21-22 - The Rich Young Ruler's Sorrow")), but He also fulfilled its righteous demands on behalf of all who believe ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")). The commandments Jesus lists here, which are about loving one's neighbor, are ultimately summarized and perfectly exemplified in Christ's sacrificial love on the cross ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One")). Thus, this passage, far from promoting legalism, subtly underscores the necessity of a righteousness that comes through faith in Christ, who is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

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

Deuteronomy 5:16

Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Deuteronomy 5:21

Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any [thing] that [is] thy neighbour's.

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.

James 2:10

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

James 2:11

For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

Galatians 3:10

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

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.