Devine Scripture

Luke 10:25

What does Luke 10:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 10:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 10:25 means

A lawyer, an expert in Jewish law, stands up to test Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. His question could be sincere or provocative, but it sets the stage for Jesus to teach about the law’s true intent. By framing the issue as 'what shall I do,' the lawyer seeks specifics about obedience and may be testing Jesus’ orthodoxy. The question invites a reply that will reveal whether the lawyer understands the law’s heart and the gospel’s demands.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And a certain teacher of the law got up and put him to the test, saying, Master, what have I to do so that I may have eternal life?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And lo, a certain lawyer stood up, trying him, and saying, `Teacher, what having done, life age-during shall I inherit?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And behold a certain lawyer stood up, tempting him and saying, Master, what must I do to possess eternal life?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up tempting him, and saying, Teacher, having done what, shall I inherit life eternal?

Context

This question interrupts the previous reflection on revelation and privilege. It introduces a shift to individual ethics and the law’s application. The lawyer’s testing sets up the famous interchange that leads to the summary of the law—love of God and neighbor—and the parable of the Good Samaritan, which will challenge legalistic assumptions about who qualifies as 'neighbor.'

v.24for I say unto you, that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which ye see, and saw them not; and to hear the things which ye hear, and heard them not.

v.25This passage

v.26And he said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 19:16

    And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

  • Galatians 3:18

    For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise: but God hath granted it to Abraham by promise.

  • Luke 11:45

    And one of the lawyers answering saith unto him, Teacher, in saying this thou reproachest us also.

  • Luke 18:18

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

  • Acts 16:30

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

  • Matthew 22:34

    But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, gathered themselves together.

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