What does Luke 10:28 mean?

Explanation

The verse, Luke 10:28, lies within the context of a conversation between Jesus and an expert in Mosaic Law, commonly referred to as the lawyer or scribe.

This expert tests Jesus by asking what one must do to inherit eternal life.

Jesus replies by asking him what is written in the law, to which the lawyer responds by reciting the Great Commandment to love God with all one's heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love one's neighbor as oneself.

Jesus affirms the lawyer's answer by stating the verse in question, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live." The literal sense is clear: adherence to these commandments is the path to eternal life.

The deeper meaning suggests the inextricable link between genuine love for God and neighbor and the realization of a life aligned with God's will, which in Christian belief leads to eternal life.

Historical Context

Luke 10:28 is situated within the larger narrative of the Gospel of Luke, which is believed to have been written around 80-110 CE.

This was a time after the destruction of Jerusalem when the Christian community sought to understand the teachings of Jesus and their implications in a life lived according to his example.

At the time, Jewish religious law, or the Torah, was central to Jewish daily life, and an expert in the law would hold significant knowledge about the expectations and commandments that should guide a righteous life.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse presents a synthesis of the Jewish law under a dual love command that Jesus had already endorsed elsewhere in the Gospels (Matthew 22:37-40, Mark 12:30-31).

From a Christian perspective, this integrates the essence of Mosaic Law with Jesus' teachings about the kingdom of God. Different theological interpretations might emphasize salvation by faith versus salvation through works.

While some contend that the verse underscores the necessity for righteous actions as a manifestation of faith, others view it as pointing to the sufficiency of faith in Jesus, which naturally results in love for God and neighbor.

Practical Applications

The teaching in Luke 10:28 guides individuals towards self-reflective and active faith, wherein belief in God is lived out through actions that reflect love and compassion towards others.

It suggests that abstract belief is not enough without manifesting it through concrete acts of love and kindness. In practice, then, one's daily life should be filled with decisions and interactions that honor both God and other people.

Cross-References

• Matthew 22:37-39: "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

This is the first and great commandment.

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

• Galatians 5:14: "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
• James 2:8: "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well."

Language Study

The key terms within Luke 10:28 include "answered right" (Greek: ὀρθῶς "orthos") implying correctness or straightness in the response, and "do" (Greek: ποίει "poiei") which implies an active, ongoing performance or observance.

"Live" (Greek: ζήσῃ "zēsēi") can refer to both physical and eternal life, with theological interpretations often leaning towards the latter, an everlasting or spiritual life.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison with other ancient traditions, the commandments to love God and neighbor mirror similar moral imperatives found, for example, in the ethical principles of Confucianism and in the Hindu concept of 'dharma' which encompasses duty, righteousness, and living in accordance with cosmic law.

Virtually all major religious traditions have some version of the Golden Rule embodied in the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse does not directly intersect with empirical studies or findings.

However, there has been research in psychology and sociology regarding the benefits of altruism and compassionate behavior on mental and physical health, which could be seen as supportive of the practical application of loving one's neighbor for personal and communal well-being.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries interpret Luke 10:28 as reinforcing the idea that understanding the law is insufficient without application, knowledge must be lived out.

The Expositor's Greek Testament notes that Jesus neither relaxes the demands of the law nor separates Himself from its authority but rather confirms its deepest intent.

The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes that the reply of Jesus indicates approval not only of the correct answer but of the spirit in which the lawyer's question was asked.

John Calvin, in his commentary, suggests that the promise of living by doing the commandments has a pointed focus on the grace of God, which first enables the fulfilling of the law.