Luke 18:18

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

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}?

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

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

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

Commentary

Luke 18:18 introduces a pivotal encounter between Jesus and a wealthy, influential individual, commonly known as the rich young ruler. This verse sets the stage for a profound discussion on the nature of eternal life and the requirements for entering God's Kingdom.

Context

This dialogue immediately follows Jesus' teaching on the necessity of receiving the Kingdom of God with the humility and dependence of a child (Luke 18:17). The ruler's question about what he must "do" to inherit eternal life stands in stark contrast to the childlike faith Jesus had just described, highlighting a common human inclination to earn salvation through works rather than receive it by grace. Parallel accounts of this encounter are found in Matthew 19:16 and Mark 10:17, underscoring its significance in the Gospel narratives.

Key Themes

  • The Quest for Eternal Life: The ruler's question reflects a universal human desire for lasting purpose and salvation. His approach, however, reveals a works-based understanding, common in religious thought of the time.
  • Jesus' Authority and Identity: The address "Good Master" (or "Good Teacher") is significant. In the subsequent verse, Jesus challenges this title (Luke 18:19), prompting the ruler to consider the ultimate source of goodness, which is God alone.
  • Human Effort vs. Divine Grace: The ruler's question, "what shall I do?", frames eternal life as an achievement. This sets up Jesus' teaching that true salvation is not merely about external obedience but an internal transformation and radical commitment, ultimately a gift from God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Good Master" translates from the Greek Didaskalos Agathe (διδάσκαλε ἀγαθέ). Didaskalos means "teacher," indicating the ruler saw Jesus as a respected moral instructor. The adjective Agathe, meaning "good," is the focal point of Jesus' immediate response, pressing the ruler to consider the profound implications of calling someone "good" in an absolute sense, a quality belonging uniquely to God. The term "inherit eternal life" (Greek: klēronomēsō zōēn aiōnion) suggests receiving a legacy or birthright, yet the ruler's question focuses on an action ("what shall I do?") to acquire it, highlighting the tension between human effort and divine gifting.

Practical Application

Luke 18:18 challenges us to examine our own understanding of salvation. Do we, like the ruler, instinctively ask "What must I do?" to earn God's favor, or do we humbly accept the gift of eternal life through faith? This verse reminds us that true goodness belongs to God, and our path to spiritual fulfillment is not through self-righteous deeds but through a relationship with Him. It prepares us for the deeper lesson that following Jesus often requires letting go of what we value most, as the ruler eventually found challenging (Luke 18:23).

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Cross-References

  • Mark 10:17 (12 votes)

    ¶ 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 (12 votes)

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

  • Acts 16:30 (9 votes)

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

  • Matthew 19:16 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

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

  • Luke 6:46 (5 votes)

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

  • Acts 2:37 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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?